We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Chase. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative path when I was just 15 years old. It happened quite unexpectedly. I stumbled upon a copy of NYLON Magazine while waiting for my mother’s nails to dry at a nail salon. As I flipped through the pages, I was captivated by the world they had created within those glossy pages—a world filled with culture, art, photography, design, and a style I had never been exposed to before. But, as I sat there inspired by the visuals, I was seeking to learn how to become an artist just like the people in the magazine. I dreamed of a creative career where I could share with the world how to make their dreams a reality and arrive happy.

That moment in the nail salon sparked something profound within me. I realized I wanted to curate conversations, stories, and imagery that could inspire others to feel the same way I did. It was at that precise moment that I dedicated my life to becoming a Creative Director, with a mission to inspire the world to live a life of substance through the power of creativity and storytelling.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Amanda Chase, and I’m excited to share my creative journey and the heart behind my work.

My fascination with the world of creativity and storytelling began at a young age. As a child, I expressed my big emotions in my journal and on the floor of my bedroom as I made moodboards of my dream life from cutouts of magazines. Then, everything changed at the age of 15, I stumbled upon a copy of NYLON Magazine while waiting at a nail salon. Its pages opened a door to a universe brimming with culture, art, photography, design, and style that I had never encountered before. It sparked a deep yearning for more profound experiences, richer connections, and a life filled with meaning.

In that transformative moment, I made a commitment to myself: I would become a Creative Director, wielding the power of creativity and storytelling to inspire others to live lives enriched with substance. My journey commenced with a BA in Psychology from The University of Maryland, College Park, followed by a deep dive into Visual Communications at the renowned FIDM, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles.

My path eventually led me to the bustling heart of creativity itself, New York City. There, I had the privilege of working with distinguished brands like Michael Kors, Seventeen Magazine, and the very NYLON Magazine that had ignited my passion. However, I reached a crossroads—an epiphany that luxury and materialism were not the keys to lasting happiness.

This pivotal moment set me on a quest for inner peace and a harmonious life. I immersed myself in holistic modalities that reshaped my worldview, culminating in the creation of ōSHen—a content creation studio established in 2016. ōSHen embodied my commitment to empowering visionary brands and holistic wellness practitioners to express their essence authentically.

Through my own journey of healing and self-discovery, I discovered my true purpose: to create Substance, a content platform. Substance is where we empower and inspire conscious visionary women to live their most authentic and expressive lives. It’s a place where values, personality, and style intertwine to curate conversations, stories, and imagery that inspire meaningful connections and ignite transformation.

At Substance, we believe in conscious content creation—crafting each piece of content with intention and authenticity. We understand the importance of bridging the gap between inner authenticity and outward expression. Our mission is to help you tell your story in a way that resonates deeply, prompts action, and forms deep-soul connections.

What sets Substance apart is our unwavering commitment to helping you create an integral life and business. And, to create world-class content that not only looks visually appealing but also resonates deeply with yourself and your audience. We’re here to help you tell your story in a way that changes the world, one beautiful project at a time. Together, we can alchemize the business and life of your dreams.

I take immense pride in the transformations we’ve facilitated for our clients, enabling them to communicate their essence authentically and achieve their brand and life goals. As you explore Substance, you’ll find a treasure trove of resources, insights, and stories designed to inspire, uplift, and empower you. Our invitation is for you to join us on this incredible journey of making our dreams reality and arriving fulfilled, healthy, and happy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my perspective, the most impactful way to support artists, creatives, and nurture a thriving creative ecosystem is by empowering our emerging talents with the tools they need to express their unique voices and fostering a culture where they genuinely believe in the attainability of their dreams.

My personal journey has led me to understand the profound importance of allowing oneself the freedom to create authentically, while also feeling secure in that pursuit. Therefore, I firmly believe that the most constructive step for our society is to cultivate a community that wholeheartedly encourages and embraces each other’s dreams and aspirations, rather than discouraging them as unattainable.

By creating an environment where we not only appreciate but also actively value beauty, art, and the act of creation for its own sake, we can build a society that thrives on imagination, innovation, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. This, I believe, is the key to fostering a rich and vibrant creative ecosystem that benefits us all. That is the core of Substance Social Club, a community for visionary women helping them create the life and business of their dreams with other people to help them along the way. This is the future of creation and we need more of this in the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most gratifying facet of being an artist or creative is the profound ability to give voice to my inner self and, in doing so, to discover that I am not alone in my human experience. Through my creative work, I have found a means to articulate feelings and emotions that make me feel truly alive and as a result connect with others in a deeper capacity.

I’ve come to realize that I am a deeply sensitive individual with an innate yearning for connection and vulnerability. This journey of creativity has illuminated the path to meaningful connections with others. It has enabled me to reveal my true self and, in turn, see others for who they are. Through this process of being seen and understood, I have found a profound sense of aliveness and connection that enriches every aspect of my life. Being a creative has allowed me to experience the world more deeply, fostering connections that make life all the more vibrant and fulfilling. I believe this is the soul purpose for all creation: to create beauty from our life experiences to transcend the human experience and make it more conscious and spiritual. To bring healing, happiness, and love to ourselves and the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wearesubstance.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/substanceplatform/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/substance-platform/about/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits
Chelsea Sherman – https://natelier.co Emily Pinto – https://www.emily-pinto.com