Getting to know...Amanda of Apple Blue

Hi Amanda!  Tell us a little bit about your blog and how it came to be.

Apple Blue is a place where I share my sewing escapades, my journey into small business ownership, and things that inspire me. I started Apple Blue as a way to document my journey into discovering my creative side. And then as more people began to read it I started sharing my adventures as an Etsy shop owner and budding entrepreneur. Having this blog has helped tremendously in discovering my own personal style and what it is I really want to do in life. I work really hard to make sure my blog is completely and totally me. I don't post anything that I don't absolutely love and I'm a stickler for good writing and original content. My blog continues to grow with me as I move forward onto bigger things. Having an account of all the victories, mishaps and every moment in between is truly special.

One of your goals for 2012 is to complete one sewing project a week.  What made you decide to take on such an ambitious project?

I figured I have enough things that collect dust in my house and my sewing machine should not be one of them. Haha. But seriously, of all the handmade skills I've taken on sewing is definitely my favorite. It is so relaxing and I love seeing the finished project. I also have this serious addiction to textiles and my fabric stash got too large to be ignored. I might as well put it to use! Dorothy (my sewing machine) and I have big ambitions and there is no time like the present to get started.

You've mentioned on your blog that you're taking steps to open your own brick and mortar shop.  What is something you've learned that you didn't know about the process?

I initially had a lot of misconceptions about what it looked like to open your own store. My ideas of how much it would cost/how long it would take/etc. were really not based in fact. I think it was fear that drove me to those assumptions. You don't need a trust fund. And it can happen whenever you're ready for it. The most important thing is to know that you know that you know it's what you really want to do. And be prepared to work harder than you ever have in your life. Because if you love what you do it will be worth the stress and sleepless nights.

How do you stay motivated to reach your goals, blog or otherwise?

This is a good question, because I have always been someone who gets these grand ideas and then they fade away after a few weeks. But the idea of being in business for myself and owning a shop has been the one dream that's stuck. It's been 6 years since the idea first entered my mind and it never left. The key for me is having a great support system. I am surrounded by incredible people who not only believe I can do it but they know I will. Actually, they knew it before I even did. Now that's what I call support. : )


I know you love to travel, if you could go anywhere all expenses paid, where would you go?

Truth be told, I would literally go anywhere. I'm a travel junkie. But if it was all expenses paid, I would love to travel through Europe. I've always wanted to go but I don't think my bank account could handle it. And besides, Venice is sinking right? So I better hurry. Now who wants to pick up the tab?!

Find Amanda on her blog Apple Blue, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.