Our Avatar Weekly Staff Writer Liane Boomhauer was able to sit down and talk with the designer to .hc&co.We wanted to share with you some tidbits of what to expect with possible future store releases.

What was your first initial thought of Second Life?

I honestly never thought I’d stay this long. I’m not a video game girl and usually grow bored of this kind stuff quickly. My name is unoriginal (Heather being my Real Life first name also) and something I definitely thought would be temporary.

When you started Second Life, was it just a ‘let’s try this out’ or was it something you knew you would come back to day in and day out?

Let’s try this out. I was kinda into the Sims and was searching for something similar when I stumbled upon Second Life.

Do you base your avi to Real Life?

When I started almost 3 years ago I was the typical Glamazon fashionista. It was awful, LOL. Now I guess I am pretty similar to my real life self. Jeans and tees, messy hair and flat shoes. It’s all pretty close Real Life nowadays.

How did you come about the name ‘.hc&co.‘?

It was actually a joke with an old friend. I’m a HUGE girly girl. I love pink and sparkles and all of that, so the joke was that I needed a fancy ‘tiffany&co’ name when I had my own store. Anyone who’s remotely close to me knows me as HC. My Second Life bff’s main avatar back in the day was also named Heather so everyone called us ‘HB’ and ‘HC’. Even after she switched her main avi (to Fukmi) HC still stuck. It’s honestly odd to be called Heather anymore.

How long have you been designing clothing?

Clothing for only about 5 months. I started in the sl fashion world designing shoes and accessories with Fukmi Sideways. She did all the Photoshop work, and I was her ‘prim torturer’. It worked well for both of us, but I got bored and started messing with clothes. Then when Fukmi decided to leave Second Life I thought what the hell, I can do it all!

What do you find easiest to make? (ie pants, shorts, tops, skirts etc)

Honestly, the easiest things to make are the things I’m inspired to do. When someone asks for something specific, or when I have a vision of what I want it comes easy to me. I need the motivation.

Do you have any special outfit you will be wearing this holiday from your store?

My cutesy new Sweater dress in Holly is pretty festive.

What’s upcoming in the new year for your store?

I REALLY REALLY want to work on a new skin line. I tried before and just wasn’t thrilled with my results, but feel like I have potential now, and am getting better with Photoshop every day. Cross your fingers!

Can you tell me some of your favorite places to shop and what you tend to shop for?

I love clothes, of course! There are so many places I like. BOOM, Zaara, League, Maitreya, This is a Fawn, Pig… LOTS. And I have an obsession with Truth hair, but who doesn’t? LOL

What do you like to do on your off time? Clubs, hanging out with friends, or just curling up on your fave couch?

Generally I just hang out with a few friends and my turtles or shop. I’m pretty boring

Have any torturous experiences here on Second Life?

Oh sure. LOL. I do not think about them

Lastly, any good advice for anyone new to the virtual world of Second Life when they go out shopping or looking for good deals?

Hm…. If someone passes you a folder of really great hair full perm, it actually is too good to be true. AND, there are so many really good smaller stores out there to make a cute avi for half the price of big named Second Life stores.