Busy-Being - Keep Austin Stylish

Just east of I-35 lies the most artistic and interesting bookstore in Austin (and danger, according to my mom who hasn’t stepped foot east of the highway since the 70’s). It’s here early in my blogging career that I went to one of the “weirdest” fashion shows ever and got to meet Project Runway alum Elisa Jimenez (the contestant who infamously spit marked her fabric). Because of this, I hold Domy Books in a special weird little place in my heart. If you’ve been to Domy within the last year, you might have noticed a new gift store in the back of Domy called “Busy-Being.“

Busy-Being owner Amber Abramson — Busy-Being owner, Amber Abramson

Amber Abramson created Busy-Being in 2004 as an online store for “busy people who prefer to function from home.” In the summer of 2011, Amber, an art gallery director and buyer from Los Angeles, moved to Austin and gave Busy-Being a physical location inside Domy Books. Busy-Being carries specially curated wearable art and accessories from local and non-local artists and friends who Amber has worked with in the past and continues to work with today. Some of the things you will find at Busy-Being include handmade shoes, original paintings, many unique necklaces, and even bracelets formed from melted antique spoons. Every little thing you look at is a piece of art.

Although the space is pretty tiny, I spent a long time inside this petite shop gazing at what was showcased. The beautiful paintings by Deedee Cheriel that line the walls of Busy-Being were undoubtedly a big part of what kept me in the store for so long. Deedee’s paintings really set the mood and look for the entire store. That bear could rawr in my house all day long if he wanted to…

painting by Deedee Cheriel