I love being HAPPY! Who doesn't, right? I do my best to surround myself with things and people that make me my happiest. Yes, THINGS, too! I wouldn't call myself materialistic, but I love my things for the visual joy, and inherent cozy feeling that they bring to my surroundings. You'll find out pretty immediately that my favorite color is PINK! When I have a favorite anything, I make sure it becomes a part of who I am. Why? It provides happiness in authenticity. I'm sharing what I love because I hope it will inspire you to become the happiest version of yourself and to do it UNAPOLOGETICALLY!
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Amanda Basics:
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I was born in Houston, TX. I grew up in The Woodlands, which basically made me unaware that I lived in Texas. No horses, very few cowboy hats, and boots were merely a fashion statement. I had a bit of culture shock when I moved to a more stereotypically Texas town, Montgomery, in Junior High and eventually graduated with a class of around 200 (give or take 50).
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I'm a dancer, although definitely MUCH less formally than before. For 15 years it was in classes, competitive teams, and eventually an officer on my high school drill team, and even a few classes in college. Now, it's usually just around the house, but don't doubt
that it's any less acrobatic! I will bust out some triple pirouettes in the middle of my kitchen to some Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, or Imagine Dragons (or maybe even some Metallica to give you a brief view into my chaotic melange of musical tastes). Now I just need to figure out TikTok!
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I'm an artist in every sense of the word. My life is my masterpiece and it's nowhere near finished (Hint: Yours isn't either)! I love drawing, painting, crafting, decorating, sewing, curating my Instagram, and creating in general, which naturally pours into the creation of Amanda Land!
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The day job: Currently I'm doing freelance work for a sports app startup and am also an Independent Consultant for Rodan & Fields! For the record, I know almost nothing about sports and this is not at all what I pursued in college, but I'm loving learning new things, working with our amazing team, and working from home! I also love love LOVE repping R&F and helping people love their skin!!
A past life: In college, I was a Textiles & Apparel major specializing in Fashion Design, which I actually pursued as a career for 6 years and worked in Design at a fashion house, here in Texas. I love that I was able to pursue my dream of being a designer. I almost didn't. I had a natural aptitude for math and science and started out as a Business Major, but after a heart-to-heart with my mom my junior year at University of Texas (and STILL an undecided major), I checked to see if they had a fashion program as fashion illustration has always been a hobby from a young age (I was voted "Most Likely to Become a Fashion Designer" in 6th grade, thankyouverymuch). They did, so that settled it! In the Summer of 2009 and in my 6th year of college, (I'll be paying off student loans until I die, thanks Crohn's Disease...more on that soon), I interned with Betsey Johnson in her showroom in Manhattan (prior to the company being owned by Steve Madden). This was absolutely one of the top 3 coolest experiences of my life and taught me a lot about embracing what I love. I worked with Betsey Johnson herself and she gave me a nickname I giggle at to this day, "Aman." Betsey was in her sixties at the time, but absolutely surrounded herself in pink and fun and seemingly whatever brought her joy. I admired that immensely and I know it has influenced my unapologetic, child-like view of life. One of my favorite descriptions of my style is that I'm essentially a sophisticated child. Own what you love!
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One last thing that has made me the Amanda that I am: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1994 at the age of 9. I almost want to downplay this, but I won't. It's been a huge factor in my life. Everyone has their battle, and this is mine. You'll never hear me say that I wish I didn't have it. It's made me stronger, more compassionate, harder-working, and potentially, happier. I'm constantly asked how I keep such a positive outlook on life despite my life-long, never-ending health issues and being knocked down more times than I can remember. It's all about surrounding yourself with the people and things that bring YOU happiness and feed your joy for life. I hope that Amanda Land will help you to create your own "Insert Name Here" Land.
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Lots of Love and Sparkles,
Amanda