About Varanid Paradise

Rachel Presser, like many other elder Millennials who underwent numerous career changes both wanted and unwanted throughout her life, was just a toad and monitor lizard mom seeking an audience for her reptile-themed art in addition to her day job (day business?)

One day, she stumbled upon a Tammy Anderson video on YouTube about how to make glass cabochons out of acrylic paint peelies, then intentionally making reptilian peelies, and a monster was created. A really sparkly, gay, and scaly monster at that.

Soon, art took a backseat as Rachel learned how to crimp wire, source unique and high-quality beads, then create reptile-themed work using everything from actual reptile skin sheds to fine Czech glass and precious metals.

Calling upon her roots in punk and alternative scenes, Rachel’s work utilizes bold and daring motifs and constantly tests the laws of physics. Hyper-femme pieces that are unafraid to defend themselves, with plenty of options for the masc and agender lovers of reptile finery.

After building a following at local reptile shows and the LA flea market scene, Rachel then joined Peculiarity Shop. It soon became clear that scaly wares had subsumed her game dev and art careers, then the freestanding Varanid Paradise shop was born.

Varanid Paradise is just that: a paradise for giant lizards, and the inner sparkly-hoarding dragon in us all.