Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Battaglia
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. Growing up as an only child, I was constantly finding new ways to entertain myself, which usually meant picking up new crafts to try and things to DIY. My family was also a big source of inspiration. From hand making Halloween costumes to a long history of embroidery, I was surrounded by creative people and learned how to have an eye for making something out of nothing.
As I got older, I became passionate about sustainability, which led me to combine my love for crafting with thrifting and upcycling. I started repurposing clothes, fabrics, and anything else I could find, embracing a more environmentally-friendly approach to art and design. I began creating things not only as a hobby but also with a purpose to give items a new life.
Eventually, after completing a graduate program with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, I was motivated to shift my hobby into more than just a personal outlet and focus on turning what I love into a business.
Today, I’m working on bringing my vision to life in a way that allows me to make a meaningful impact while still doing what I love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth but rather one continuous learning curve. One of the biggest challenges has been just the comparison to the other incredible artists and entrepreneurs out there. I’m constantly in awe of other creators’ talent and creativity, which can lead to a lot of imposter syndrome. It can be tough to remind myself that my work is also unique and has its own place in the world even in saturated markets. But, I’ve learned that these struggles are part of the process, and they push me to grow both personally and professionally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think what sets me apart from others most is that I don’t have just one specialization – I love experimenting with all kinds of new crafts and creative outlets. While I’ve been making jewelry and sewing for most of my life, I’ve recently learned things like macrame, punch needling, and bead embroidery to add to my repertoire. My latest big venture has been into the world of crochet and I’m totally obsessed. And with each new hobby, I love finding ways to combine it with my other interests to create something completely special – like sewing thrifted materials with crochet projects or combining beading with macrame. I have a constant desire to push the boundaries of what I can learn and create.
Though, what I’m most proud of are the unique pieces I’ve made by upcycling old items or secondhand treasures I’ve found. I enjoy the challenge of taking something with a past life and turning it into something entirely different. I’ll constantly see inspiration in current trends or things I’ve spotted out and about but look for sustainable ways to put my own take on them.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis really reminded me of the importance of community and how special each and everyone’s role is within one. Whether that was a restaurant giving away food, someone playing a socially-distanced concert from their driveway, or an artist spreading joy through outdoor showings, each person has something to contribute.
The era of the pandemic also gave myself and many others the space and time to slow down from everyday life and turn inward. With so much time spent in isolation, we were able to focus on ourselves and the things we didn’t usually have time for. Covid gave me the opportunity to take my art more seriously and finally invest time into sharing it, which is how MandzzMade got started.
But maybe its most important lesson was as a reality check that you never know what the future holds, so if there is something you’ve always wanted to do, just go for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mandzzmade.wixsite.com/mandzzmade
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandzzmade
