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

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Naming a business can be quite the challenge! For Wild Ones Design Co., the inspiration came from my deep appreciation for the outdoors and the beauty of nature. The term “Wild Ones” reflects a sense of adventure and a connection to the natural world, which is central to my designs.

I wanted a name that captured the essence of being free-spirited and embracing the wild beauty around us. Each piece I create is a celebration of that, incorporating recycled and upcycled materials, like leather and pressed flowers, to emphasize sustainability.

Choosing “Design Co.” highlights the artisanal approach I take in crafting not just jewelry but also home goods that inspire a natural aesthetic in everyday life. Ultimately, the name embodies the idea of living harmoniously with nature and honoring its resources while offering unique, handcrafted pieces that resonate with those who share that passion.

I love sharing this journey with customers who appreciate the story behind each item!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m passionate about nature and creativity, and that passion is what led me to start Wild Ones Design Co. Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors in Minnesota, which instilled in me a love for the beauty of the natural world. I wanted to create something that would reflect that connection and also promote sustainability. As an outdoor hiking and kayak guide, I’ve spent countless hours outdoors, navigating trails and waterways and soaking in the beauty of our natural world. These experiences inspired me to create earrings that are not only beautiful but also practical for outdoor adventures.

At Wild Ones Design Co., I offer a range of handcrafted earrings and home goods, each piece thoughtfully designed using recycled and upcycled materials. I incorporate elements like leather and pressed flowers, ensuring that every item is unique and tells its own story.

What sets me apart is my commitment to sustainability and the artisanal approach I take. I believe that jewelry and home decor should not only enhance personal style but also respect and honor our environment. I aim to solve the problem of fast fashion by providing one-of-a-kind pieces that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around my brand. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with customers who share a love for nature and sustainable living. I want potential clients and followers to know that when they choose Wild Ones Design Co., they’re not just purchasing a product; they’re supporting a vision of creativity, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a military spouse, I’ve navigated my share of moves and transitions, which can be both exciting and challenging. One standout experience that illustrates my resilience was when we relocated to a remote community in Alaska, where I faced the daunting task of building my business from the ground up once again.

With an academic background in social work, I’ve always been passionate about community connection and support. However, arriving in a new place where I didn’t know anyone pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. I immersed myself in the local culture, attending markets and events to share my creations and connect with others. Balancing the uncertainties of military life with this endeavor often felt overwhelming.

Through persistence and adaptability, I found my niche. Collaborating with local artisans and participating in community events helped me gain visibility and foster meaningful relationships. I quickly discovered that many appreciated the story behind Wild Ones Design Co.—the sustainable materials, the outdoor inspiration, and my commitment to creating beautiful, practical pieces for adventurers.

In addition to my business, I also teach yoga and have worked as a farmer, which has deepened my connection to nature and informed my creative process. This diverse background has been instrumental in shaping my resilience. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow and learn, allowing me to leverage my experiences to connect with others who share my love for creativity and the outdoors.

Today, I’m proud to have built a supportive community around my brand, and I continue to thrive amidst the changes that come with military life. This journey reminds me that even in the face of uncertainty, staying true to my passions and remaining open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I wasn’t an artist. For a long time, I grappled with self-doubt, thinking that I needed to fit a certain mold to call myself an artist. My journey has been shaped by my roles as a yoga teacher, social worker, and farmer—each of which I’m passionate about—but adapting to new environments as a military spouse often stretched me in unexpected ways.

When we moved to a new community on a remote island in Alaska, I found myself seeking connections and a way to express my creativity. It was during this time that I began to realize how all my interests intertwined. The mindfulness from yoga, the empathy I practiced as a social worker, and the connection to nature from farming all contributed to my artistic process. I started to see that my creations—handcrafted earrings and home goods—were not just products; they were expressions of my diverse experiences and passions.

Embracing my identity as an artist allowed me to merge these facets of my life. Each piece I create reflects the beauty of the outdoors, the stories of resilience, and the mindfulness I cultivate in my yoga practice. This realization was liberating; I understood that being an artist is not confined to a single definition but is about expressing oneself authentically.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that creativity is a powerful force that connects us to our experiences and each other. Today, I confidently call myself an artist, and this shift in mindset has enriched my life and my work. I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique paths and recognize that their passions, no matter how varied, can beautifully intersect and fuel their creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wildonesdesignco.com
• Instagram: @wildonesdesignco

Image Credits

Rich Beth Photo
Hails Odham