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

Hi Amari, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Sometimes yes, I do catch myself wishing I started earlier. Although I think those thoughts are just part of human nature, I also consider it a bad habit. Being grateful for where I am currently and what I’ve accomplished so far has a more positive affect on my thoughts and performance, as opposed to worrying and dwelling on the past. I prefer to live in the moment. Everything happens for a reason and when it’s supposed to.

Technically I’ve been an artist since I’ve physically been able to, thanks to my father and grandmother! However, I made it an official business in 2022, at one of the lowest points in my life. I think I went through a midlife crisis; I lost everything and was so depressed. I felt unmotivated with no support in college and took some time off after some friends and family got ill, showed their true colors, or simply fell out of my life as we walked different paths. I was almost homeless living in a hotel suite alone for 7 months. I was forced to learn the city bus routes because my car was repossessed but I still had to get to the two jobs I maintained. I was an opening manager for a local Jimmy Johns by day, and a closing manager/shift lead at the Insomnia Cookies next door by night. I couldn’t count the amount of tears I cried almost daily, but I dove deep into my spiritual journey around this time and decided to dreadlock my hair for more reasons than one.

I cried out to a friend one day who offered a virtual shoulder to cry on and great advice. They also then offered a plane ticket out to California to visit. I was so focused on getting my priorities together to work myself out of the hole I was in, that I was initially against the idea. But then they told me, “You have nothing to lose right now. Take a few days for a mental break.” And so I did, for 4 days in beautiful Palm Springs. The vacation and change of scenery was so refreshing and necessary as it sparked another turning point in my life. I came back motivated with dreams vivid as ever.

If I started earlier, I undoubtedly would be more skilled in my craft(s), more knowledgeable, and would have the funds needed to expand further. However, I’m enjoying the journey and trusting God through the process. I would not start earlier if given the chance. In fact, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Amari, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Art was always something I loved to do whenever and wherever I could. I took every art class I possibly could throughout school, from basic drawing art to pottery and ceramics. I enjoyed being in showcases and local museums, winning awards from something I created by hand. My artistic ability comes from my late father, which is something I cherish because it’s something we shared. He always told me I would be a businesswoman, but I rarely believed it. I would mentally run from the idea after seeing his stress levels skyrocket from the sacrifices he would have to make in order to kick an international telecommunications company off the ground, yet here we are. I got my first mini sewing machine and learned my first crochet stitch at around age 7 from my maternal grandmother and it never left my head. My paternal grandmother bought me my first professional sewing machine to further my skill. My mother, on the other hand, introduced me to waist beads. She gave me the materials to get started on my own personal set which luckily caught the attention of others. I started researching its origin and purpose and was intrigued. I later dreamed of a catchy name that I wrote down the next morning, thus “Come Get Waisted” was born.

I am a 25-year-old entrepreneur who still has a special place for art in her heart, but now with a chance to share it with the world. My business does not target a specific audience at the moment but mainly appeals to women of all ages. It is a melting pot for all art, with a current specialization in waist beads and custom crochet. It will contain treats-to-go, clothing/accessories, skin/haircare, custom hand drawn art, and other body/hair jewelry, etc. I have high standards and am proud of everything I have to offer now and later. My creativity, determination, perfectionist attitude, and outgoing personality makes me different from others. In most cases, I also take any personal requests/accommodations to any order to make it more personable to the buyer, which is something I really love because everyone is different, and it helps me have a personal connection with every customer. I always dreamed of doing what I love as a profession and I’m thankful for the opportunity and all feedback.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the fact that I get to share it with the world. Art can be super expressive, versatile with many ways to interpret. It can be simple, it can be complex. Some may love it, others may not. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoy being able to connect individually with my customers and meet them halfway with any custom requests. I appreciate the genuine reactions from spectators as I share something I created by hand, whether good or bad. And I’d be lying if I said the appreciation received for my skill doesn’t make my heart flutter. The joy and bond art can create is something I’ve always loved in every way.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Of course! The first two books of great influence for me would be the Bible and the Dictionary. Part of this stems from my childhood. I hold the magical Good Book close to my heart for various reasons; God has been a big part of my life since I can remember. One of the most important reasons is to keep my personal and business morals and ethics positive, just, and in-tact as I reach my goals and work with others.

I’ve won a couple spelling bees throughout my childhood so the dictionary and I have a very long history. Additionally, almost every time my siblings and I would ask my father what a word meant he’d say “Go look it up” and point to this really old red dictionary that he had since grade school. He was real old school, so he rarely referred to online. The dictionary was falling apart at the seams yet it never decreased in value and always fulfilled its purpose. At the time, his response seemed dismissive as we didn’t understand why he simply couldn’t just tell us the answer. Looking back, I’d say he helped me develop a great habit. To this day, I know a lot of uncommonly used words, and don’t hesitate to go find the answer or resource I need. Answers are out there and I need them! Naturally curious since birth. I even came out the womb not crying, just looking around lol.

I’d highly recommend any resources best for offering knowledge, challenging your thoughts and promoting growth! We live in a society greatly driven by technology. There are tons of resources available at the tap of your finger, such as “YouTube”, “Google” and other trusted sources. Networking is beneficial too! Successful entrepreneurs I’ve met in and out of my field have offered a substantial amount of information to help guide me as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://comegetwaistedcreations.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/comegetwaistedd
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/comegetwaistedcreations

Image Credits

Matteo Moss, 614fotoart.com
Amari Miller