We recently had the pleasure of doing a giveaway with Amanda Catherine Designs and also had a chance to interview the inspirational lady who creates all of those phenomenal prints. Here’s our interview with her. Enjoy!
Name: Amanda Helmer
Hometown: Fishers, Indiana
What did you study in college?
I am currently studying art and architectural history at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
When did you begin Amanda Catherine Designs?
I opened my Etsy shop in October of 2011
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have enjoyed experimenting with digital art for a while. It was a way for me to relax with something creative after a long day of school. When told by some friends that they would be interested in purchasing my “experiments”, I realized I had a potential business! As a soon to be college grad, I understand the want and need for fashionable and reasonably priced home décor. After a couple months of research and creating posters, I opened Amanda Catherine Designs!
Where do you find inspiration for your prints?
I find inspiration in so many places. Everything from fashion, jewelry, and art is source for color inspiration. Like many creative types, I can go weeks without any ideas and then suddenly be hit with 100 in one day.
What article of clothing best describes your personality?
I love scarves and own way too many of them. They are laid back and offer a pop of color to any outfit without too much effort.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am hoping to see my shop continue to grow and be able to take advantage of all the opportunities that come with it! I want to attend grad school for historic preservation and pursue a career in that. A life of love and a lot of adventure is what I hope for.
What is something that you love about yourself?
These past few months I have grown to love and appreciate my creativity and ability to make things happen. I am proud of myself for taking my small idea and making it a reality. One of the first posters I created said, “She decided to start living the life she always imagined”. I think of this quote a lot when I am feeling unmotivated. It pushes me to do at least one thing a day that gets me closer to my goals.
What advice to you have for young women looking to start their own businesses?
First, take the time to do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. You will be able to learn from people who have already been there and it might save you from a lot of mistakes! Second, know your demographic and how to pursue that demographic. I knew that I wanted to create a shop for fashionable young people who wanted to decorate well without breaking the bank. This made it much easier in deciding which people, stores, websites and blogs I should communicate with. Third and most importantly, trust your instincts. Advice from others can be extremely helpful, but at the end of the day, you know your idea better than anyone.
