Richelle Albrecht, Girl Metro, Inc.

What is your mafia nickname?

“The Knife”

What is your craft?

Stationery. Really, anything on paper. I keep trying other crafts, but nothing does it for me quite like paper.

Why do you do your craft?

Because what I really want to do is illegal.

What are your sources of inspiration?

Everything is a potential source of inspiration — the pattern of shadow on a sidewalk, ads on the el, a really cool striped shopping bag, the produce section of the grocery store…anything can spark a great idea.

What is your favorite Chicago haunt?

Lincoln Square is my ‘hood, and most of the time you’ll find me there.

What is your favorite beverage?

Winter – Earl Grey Vanilla Latte; summer – Izze tangerine soda

Where do you buy your favorite beverage?

Argo Tea makes a killer Earl Grey Vanilla Creme.

How did you come up with your business name?

I started out with just wedding invitations, but didn’t want to feel restricted to that genre of stationery by my name. So I started thinking about my style, which is cosmopolitan and contemporary and feminine. After a little research and hand-wringing, I decided on Girl Metro.

What is it’s significance?

I’m a girl, I’m in the city. Voila.

What is your weapon of choice?

It’s gotta be an X-acto Knife. Second only to my Mac.

What would you be doing otherwise?

Getting lost in another city – I love traveling, but have no sense of direction. At all.

Do you have any advice for other crafters?

Create for your own gratification first. If you don’t love what you make, you can’t expect anyone else to.