I
am excited to start a series of Etsy interviews today, beginning with Amanda Meade, from
Ammame33. I
find Amanda's nautical rope bracelets especially beautiful and unique. Enjoy!
Deborah:
When did you start Ammame?
Amanda: I actually opened my
shop in 2008, but due to working and college courses I really wasn’t able to
delve fully into it until I graduated, which was last April. I really got into
creating nautical themed jewelry at about that time.
Deborah: What do you find most challenging about your business?
Amanda: As of late the most challenging aspect has been keeping up with orders. In all honesty, I had assumed that sales would come to a halt after the summer, but now -- especially that the holidays are upon us -- things have been busier than ever. I pride myself on getting items out very quickly, although working a full-time job in addition to all the orders I’ve been getting has made that slightly difficult. But, it has also been a fantastic learning experience as well. I feel as though my organizational skills and resourcefulness have both improved.
Deborah: Where do you get your inspiration?
Amanda: The Internet. Etsy, Tumblr, and Pinterest, to be more specific. I actually started making nautical bracelets because I saw a post on Tumblr and thought “I can TOTALLY make those!” And, as I started creating them I was able to think of a ton of other concepts as well. It’s really great how easy it is to be inspired when we have all of these amazing resources directly at our fingertips.
Deborah: What are your business goals for this coming year?
Amanda: My main goal is just expansion -- creating even more of a name for myself on Etsy and beyond. I am actually gearing up to purchase a laser cutting machine so that I can also become immersed in laser cut acrylic crafts. I've seen some of the coolest things created with a laser cutter -- the possibilities are just endless. I’m actually going to open up another Etsy shop, solely to sell laser cut items. I will still maintain my original shop, as well. I also plan to show my nautical jewelry at more craft shows. I really hope to be able to participate in the Founder’s Festival, a two day event in downtown Farmington, MI over the summer.
Amanda: The Internet. Etsy, Tumblr, and Pinterest, to be more specific. I actually started making nautical bracelets because I saw a post on Tumblr and thought “I can TOTALLY make those!” And, as I started creating them I was able to think of a ton of other concepts as well. It’s really great how easy it is to be inspired when we have all of these amazing resources directly at our fingertips.
Deborah: What are your business goals for this coming year?
Amanda: My main goal is just expansion -- creating even more of a name for myself on Etsy and beyond. I am actually gearing up to purchase a laser cutting machine so that I can also become immersed in laser cut acrylic crafts. I've seen some of the coolest things created with a laser cutter -- the possibilities are just endless. I’m actually going to open up another Etsy shop, solely to sell laser cut items. I will still maintain my original shop, as well. I also plan to show my nautical jewelry at more craft shows. I really hope to be able to participate in the Founder’s Festival, a two day event in downtown Farmington, MI over the summer.
Deborah: How do you spend your spare time?
Amanda: When I’m not working at my day job or being consumed in piles of rope and supplies, I really enjoy playing video games and watching movies and TV shows. Lately I've really liked relieving the stress that comes with constantly working by playing a couple rounds of Halo 4 with my boyfriend.
Deborah: What is your favorite color?
Amanda: Definitely purple.
Places to look for Amanda:
Etsy: www.ammame33.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/designsbyamandamarie
Website: www.amandameade.com
Instagram: ammame33
Amanda is offering 20% off any item for all of my Give Them Color readers, use coupon code: GIVETHEMCOLOR20 (expires January 31st).
Merry Christmas!
-Deborah
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