We recently connected with Amanda Vehlewald and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I decided to look into beginning my professional career as an artist after the birth of my second kiddo. I knew I wanted something flexible that would allow me to be at home with him and my firstborn, but also something that I would really and truly enjoy. I didn’t want to do at-home call center work or transcription or editing or anything like that, I truly wanted to be creative- and so I took my first steps toward opening my business in 2018. I wanted to create things that brought people joy, to make them say “oh, I have got to have this!” and to see them walk away with a smile. Jewelry has always been a passion of mine, so it was just natural to take that step forward and make a career out of it.
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?
Hi, my name is AJ! I am a mom of two and a business owner based in the Kansas City area. Ever since I was little I’ve loved jewelry, and I can remember sitting in my room in elementary school putting seed beads on wire or weaving friendship bracelets out of embroidery floss. I never could get enough of it, and I proudly wore my creations everywhere I went. Fast forward a few years later (just a few… :)) to 2018 and I decided it was time to open my own business, which I eventually named Sunflowers and Stardust.
I’ve always felt like it’s best to make things that you yourself enjoy, and that was what I thought on when I started selling jewelry. I love earrings, but I can wear so few due to the fact that many cute earrings are also quite heavy, and that’s what made me think of using wood. I missed the Glowforge craze and I haven’t figured out how to use TikTok, so I kind of stumbled into this on my own thanks to the makerspace at my local library- they taught me how to get started, and I took it and ran with it. My main purpose is to create earrings that are fun and cute as well as lightweight and good for sensitive ears. I primarily use wood and watercolor, but have also started to dabble in creating more of a mixed media vibe with resin and polymer clay. I believe that jewelry should be as inclusive as it possibly can be, and so I make sure I keep all sorts of options with me at craft shows, from clip-on to sterling silver, and that is what makes me stand out from the rest- I’ll change the findings on a pair of earrings on the spot for a customer who needs that accommodation.
What is most important to me is making people smile, seeing them walk away happy whether they bought a pair of earrings or not. I gravitate toward bright colors, gradients, and designs that range from traditional florals to studs that look like succulents in a pot with a smiley face on them to VW busses like my dad used to own and everything in between. I love to hear the stories people tell when they see the flower wreath that looks like it came from the 60s, or the VW bus that they may also have had in their life at one point, or the sunflowers that their grandmother used to keep in her dining room. Jewelry should have a personal connection, and I love when people share what it means to them.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
110% the public library! Two of ours in the area have a makerspace, which includes equipment that’s free to use- all you have to do is supply the materials. They typically have things like laser cutters, 3d printers, vinyl cutters, heat presses, sewing machines, and often more. I highly recommend taking a look around your area and seeing if you have a resource like this if you’re wanting to start a small business, or even just pick up a new hobby!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think there’s often a stigma around those who choose art as a living, that it’s not a worthwhile career. I would challenge people to look beyond that and think about what life would be like without it- no paintings, no jewelry, no nothing. It would be extremely boring! We artists bring something very valuable and irreplaceable to the table, and I want everyone to remember that.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All photos taken by me!