Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda O’Dell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amanda , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
So, I am chronically ill with multiple autoimmune diseases, and I felt stuck (literally – in the house most of the time!). I prayed for purpose and to find the energy and drive to fulfill it. Every time I prayed, I kept getting visions of myself running a tiny boutique with fun clothes, jewelry and handmade treasures by friends. It would be spewing whimsy and joy all over the place. It would be a ministry to serve others and bring love and light. It would be an opportunity to donate more to great causes and pray for new friends. I live in a very rural area so I knew a brick and mortar wouldn’t thrive, so I started my online boutique, The Wandering Homebody.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi y’all! I’m Amanda. I live in the wild woods of WV and my shop has taken over my guest room. My goal is to bring more joy, love and kindness into the world. Through my whimsical personality, offering really awesome boutique clothes at good prices, bringing handmade treasures into the shop created by friends I’ve made in my travels and asking for prayer requests and following God’s will, I genuinely hope you feel better when you shop with me. The Wandering Homebody is me – a traveling lady who mostly wants to be in her pajamas under a cozy blanket at home! I use a website and Facebook to show what I have in the store and I LOVE shopping with friends – new and old – via Messenger or text. I absolutely love meeting new people and feeling connected to the light of the world. Let’s bring kindness and love! ✌️
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’m not sure how many fellow chronic illness warriors are reading this, but if you are, I see you. Running a small business is tiring enough, but when you add brain fog, fatigue, pain and whatever random symptoms pop up daily, it can feel impossible. I try my best to stay motivated and positive about this opportunity I have. Sometimes though, you just have to take a deep breath and know your best is enough. Whatever that is today.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I would absolutely love to chat about my best friend who has pulled me along through this. Cait Militello is a fantastic author who I met when I reviewed one of her novels a few years ago. I reached out to let her know how much I loved it, and we’ve been chatting every day since! Her savvy computer skills created my website and she creates Homebody Originals – top designs she dreams up. She continues to motivate me by always pushing forward and inspiring me to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewanderinghomebodyboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.wanderinghomebody?igsh=NXF5cTJqeW92MHl2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JVQPRosme/