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

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Given this business was born out of occupational therapy and grown through personal art therapy, the first time I was offered to sell creations to a public audience was mind blowing for me. A speech therapist had suggested I sign up for a local craft fair years ago and I impulsively agreed. The night before I was a ball of nerves – this is my own personal journey, who would find joy in my works?

The day of the event, I was on the most intense ride of happiness you could ever imagine. The very creations that have helped both my daughter and I as outlets for mental health, were being loved and treasured by strangers who, that day, became beautiful friends. To this day, every transaction makes me beam with pride. Your happy truly is MY happy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The business has always had the awareness that creativity is therapy. I am a firm believer that any creativity activity can be the best source or outlet for an inner turmoil or ignored battle we may all be facing. When my daughter grew frustrated not able to express in words her wants, we’d turn the anger into song and stomp into a new dance. When I didn’t get the promotion I’d been hoping for but had to save face for my family, I’d splatter the paint during our sensory sessions and feel the aggravation leave me while creating a beautiful piece of art.

The goal is to expand into charities to help the autism community while appealing to the younger crowd in sensory friendly decor and accessories. We have a road to travel, but I’m confident we’ll get there.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Being true to you. I have changed the direction of where I’d like this business to go a few times, and the moment you don’t establish a “niche” you’re likely to be forgotten and ignored. We are full steam in waxed cord macrame and crochet plushies/accessories and the friends I’ve made from the very start have stayed true because we’re been true and honest with them. Posting on social media every day will get you popular quick, but it becomes a requirement to maintain. My focus is being face to face, seeing the joy and expressing suggestions and taking feedback. Quality over quantity all day, every day.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Social media when I can. I post my in person market events and open to them ideas or creations they are looking for.

Contact Info:

• Website: aparlinproject.etsy.com
• Instagram: a.parlin.project
• Facebook: a.parlin.project
• Youtube: aparlinproject

Image Credits
A.Parlin Project