We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Leavitt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

After graduating college, I accepted a position as a middle school science teacher. I found myself spending a lot of my own money for hands-on learning activities to complement our curriculum. Soon I took a chance on my creative dreams by investing in a laser so I could make custom pieces on my own out of materials such as acrylic, wood, leather, tile, cutting boards, rubber, silicone, metal blanks and more! I was hooked! I really
found peace within the colorful world of acrylic since I found it so easy to work with and it offers effortless beauty.

As my skills advanced, I wanted to add more colors and materials to my projects, but sourcing color was
limited. Eventually I started ordering larger sheets from manufacturers and suppliers who started cutting them down for me and the makers I started to serve. As I expanded my collection, business was booming, and I made the leap to being a full-time entrepreneur.

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an educator, a maker, a creator, and among other things, I am a supplier of colorful acrylic and art supplies, which allows me to connect with such an amazing group of diverse crafters, artists, and fellow entrepreneurs. Every day gives me chills because I am surrounded by love, support, endless possibilities, and grit. I love my life!

I initially started Cerulean Tides in 2019 from my living room. In 2020, we leased our first commercial space in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Then, in 2021, we opened a second location in Stuart, FL which permitted us to expand our
products and services. Currently, we are awaiting the completion of our newest location in Pompano Beach FL, which will allow us to condense all operations into one beautiful brand-new facility.

Cerulean Tides has become known for their growing acrylic collections and recently began adding complementary products to our line such as wood, leather, laserable magnetics, faux wood, adhesives, masking, polish, standoffs, custom cuts, and engravable pens.

We assist our customers with design, color matching, ideal laser settings, choosing the right adhesive for their project and, most importantly, how to assemble their project. Soon, we will be expanding our services to include workshops and vendor markets so our customers can hone their skills and display their talents.

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Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to bring our business to where it is today. As a new business owner, I found it important to build a solid foundation by reinvesting profits back into the company to acquire more inventory and equipment, while focusing on building a talented and driven team.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

We inspire through color, quality, and support with ready-to-ship laser-crafting materials. Guided by our values of passion, innovation, and customer commitment, we elevate lives and businesses. Differentiated by our focus on quality, care, and a wide selection, our vision is to inspire creativity, support small businesses, and make a positive impact while minimizing waste. We are dedicated to excellence and are driven by our customers, team members, and the Cerulean Tides family. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for all things color so our customers can create the life they love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ceruleantides.com
• Instagram: @ceruleantidesdesigns
• Facebook: FB Page: Cerulean Tides/Fort Lauderdale FL AND FB Group: Cerulean Tides Laser Supplies & Studio
• Other: Soon, you will be able to stop by our newest location to shop and take it all in…or take advantage of our easy and friendly curbside pickup.