We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Sue Bourda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda Sue below.
Amanda Sue, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I’ve always been a creative. Always been good with my hands and bringing ideas to life. I see the beauty in everything! I paint, I do decoupage, and an artist of many things! I love creating. I’ve always loved fashion and I knew I could do it, so about 10 yrs ago I bought my first sewing machine and just told myself to do it. Started with a simple BODYCON DRESS, and never looked back! I’m shooting for the stars! I am one of a kind so I make one of a kind garments! Custom, Couture and Avant-garde! I want to continue to see my garments on the red carpet, music videos, tv & magazines!
Amanda Sue, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
The brand is AmandaSue Couture! I design and up-cycle garments. Couture and Avant-garde fashion is my specialty. I use whatever supplies /materials/ fabrics inspire me. My “playing cards” garments has been worn by Billy Porter and Emily Estevan. I decided on “one of a kind” because what is more exclusive than that! Knowing no one in the world has your garment unless it’s been copied. Although I set my sites on Hollywood I still make and sell affordable garments for those who love stepping out the box. My price range is from $100 up to $1000+, depending on the project. My garments are different! It takes a different type of person to wear and appreciate them! Which is by far the hardest aspect of my designing. But I stay true to who I am and how I am so different, which really comes out in my garments!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My whole career path/ journey has shown my resilience. I have been doing this for 10 yrs. By myself. No team, no assistant, no assistance! Sometimes with NO MONEY, JUST TALENT AND HEART! I have been a 1 Woman Army! I have broken down, cried, given up time and time again. But I just can’t stop! Designing gives me life. I communicate through my garments. I love through them. I live through them. Yes the main goal is to acquire clients and a profit, but it’s always about my sanity. Designing keeps me grounded and it’s genuinely the love of my life!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
There was a moment in time where my hustle was to network and find “bodies” who wanted to wear my garments. Celebrities and Everyday people. I would reach out, offer to send a garment or two, just as an introduction to myself and my business. The times in which my garments were worn, so grateful and appreciative of those who helped by posting pics and video. But the celebrities who just kept the clothes and never wore them, really hurt and set me back emotionally. But I just came to the conclusion & decided not to give my hard work away! Lesson learned. KEEP GRINDING!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasuetheartist/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/idesigncouture?s=21&t=o9TGMFFZoTlJ0m9ERRiwxQ
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaSueCouture