Today we’d like to introduce you to Amari Miller.
Hi Amari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It started off as just a hobby, something I loved to do and was very good at: art. In school, I took every art class I possibly could. Thankfully, my school offered many options, from basic drawing art to pottery and ceramics. I would love being in showcases and local museums, winning awards from something I created by hand. My artistic ability comes from my late father; this is something I cherish because it’s something we shared. He always told me I would be a businesswoman, but I rarely believed it. I would mentally run from the idea after seeing his stress levels skyrocket while kicking an international telecommunications company off the ground and seeing how busy he was. My mother, on the other hand, introduced me to waist beads. After begging her to make me some and never receiving, I took it into my own hands, and luckily, they caught the attention of others. I started researching its origin and purpose and was intrigued. Later, I dreamed of a catchy name that I wrote down the next morning. Fast forward, now I am a 23-year-old entrepreneur who still has a special place for art in her heart, but now with a chance to share it with the world. Art is expressive and can be shown in several ways. My business started off with waist beads, expanding into art to show what I really love to do. I draw, paint, sew, crochet, etc. I’m always looking for another project, and I always dreamed of doing what I love as a profession.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, nor did I expect it to be. I try my hardest to take valuable lessons from the times of struggle. For example, getting people to notice my business and learning the ropes of e-marketing. With my shop being only e-commerce, it can be hard to reach an intended audience if you do not have a large following on social media. However, I keep faith and know that hard work pays off. It won’t be like this forever, and so I enjoy turning the downtime into ways I can learn how to do better and apply it!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business is a melting pot for all art, with a specialization in waist beads and other creations. It will contain compact treats-to-go, crochet and regular clothing/accessories, custom paintings, other body and hair jewelry, etc. I have high standards and am proud of everything I have to offer now and later. My creativity, determination, perfectionist attitude, and outgoing personality makes me different from others. In most cases, I also take any personal requests/accommodations to any order to make it more personable to the buyer, which is something I really love because everyone is different, and it helps me have a personal connection with every customer.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I advise to take it slow and take the time to learn as much as you can to be successful. I would also have a good clear business plan and remember that it costs money to make money. I also suggest to have fun with it and don’t do it for compensation. And do not expect everyone to support, even those closest to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: comegetwaistedcreations.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/comegetwaistedd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/comegetwaistedcreations
Image Credits
E.A. Larkins Photography
Amari Miller
