We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Thorne and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I wouldn’t have accomplished anything that I have now had I not jumped in feet first and took big risks. In hindsight, my path and decisions seem a little crazy to an outsider, but I’m a firm believer that if you don’t do anything then nothing will happen so why not take the chance. I’ve always had a strange sense of knowing that everything will work out if I just go for it. I’ve never subscribed to doing anything by the book and that works for me, but it may not work for everyone. For some people it’s scary to jump in and not have a complete guide to what happens next. For me, it’s scarier to sit around trying to figure it all out instead of just diving in to see what’s out there. The status quo is my worst nightmare, and I don’t have the patience to come up with elaborate plans so I’ve always taken moments as they come, trusting in my intuition and skillset to propel me, and pivot when it’s not working and I need to move on. When I graduated from college I had a job that wasn’t working for me so I made the bold decision to drive across the country with $600, and no job or leads, to live with a roommate I met briefly while I was traveling abroad. When you don’t have a guaranteed job waiting for you it lights a fire to work all of your connections and make it work. I arrived in Seattle with nothing, but luckily I don’t need a lot. After two weeks I had two jobs lined up and was working at one of the top radio stations in the market. I think the reason it worked is because I didn’t have any expectations and I went into it with a humble outlook, and I was eager to learn and experience everything that I could. Being grateful and humble will get you a lot further a lot faster and that’s always been my mantra when it comes to taking big risks. People want you around when you’re there for the right reasons.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart is my ability to cater to each and every person that I meet as an individual, and make each experience a customized and genuine moment that’s just about them. I think sometimes there is a blanket approach or template in this industry out of ease, and that’s just not my style. No one is the same and every one deserves their own unique experience, and I’m honored that I get to help create that. I treat them the way that I would want to be treated if I were investing in this process. This perspective also opens up my mind to really connecting with their vision and then using my knowledge and skill to guide them in a direction to make it work for them. It’s also fun if I get to help someone figure out exactly what it is that they want, because not everyone knows that coming in and that’s okay too. I got to where I am by believing in myself, staying true to myself, and not letting people put limitations on me. I started my business by absorbing as much I could from others and I stayed open to the learning process. I asked a lot of questions and did a ton of research and soul searching to figure out who I am and what I wanted to offer. I’ve always struggled with seeing my own beauty and worth so this became my mission to make sure other women see theirs. For some reason it’s always easier to see the best in others. I’m learning to become kinder to myself in the process. Everything is about perspective. No, starting your own business is not easy. However, you’re investing in something you love and working for yourself so it fuels you to work harder than you’ve ever worked, because you get to define your success. I think it’s harder to sit around talking about dreams and being miserable in a job that pays the bills, but doesn’t elicit any passion or ambition. We all have our thresholds and what we’re willing to put up with. My threshold for misery is low so I change my circumstances when I feel that way. Putting in the work is worth it to me, and it’s exciting to find new ways to find your happy.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s not surprising that since I’m a visual person I would take my friends to the places that shows off the city the best with bold colors, interesting characters and of course handcrafted and artistic goods. Our first stop would be a cute coffee shop by the harbor and a walk to the Little Italy Farmer’s Market to get a taste of the locals and the San Diego vibe. Our next stop would be a tour of the beach life in San Diego and the breathtaking scenery and historic landmarks. OB, Cabrillo, Sunset Cliffs, the tidepools, the cute shops along the strip and some fish tacos or a Hodads burger. In the evening, a concert at the Belly Up or the Casbah and a sunset tour of north county and all of the beauty. North Park would definitely be on the list. Some of my favorite shops like Pigment, Mimi and Red, Sushi and Thorn Street Brewery. Also, a trip to the zoo and Balboa since we’re close-by. I’d also take them to my hood in east county and a beautiful hike in Mission Trails, BNS brewery, the drive-in movie, paddle boats at Santee Lakes and a camp fire in the evening.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The support of my husband is a major one. He was the one who encouraged me to completely switch careers from radio to my current styling company. He had zero reservations when I felt like a lost soul who didn’t know what I wanted to do next in my life. He also had the insight to know that styling was where my passion was even when I didn’t fully realize it. I feel extremely fortunate to have such a good person in my corner. I also have to shoutout all of the critics! This isn’t out of bitterness, but it’s true gratefulness. I’m realizing more and more that I’m propelled to do better and accomplish more when I have a peanut gallery telling me that I can’t and shouldn’t do it. It’s a good balance for me to have the love and support, and also the people who don’t quite see the vision. It makes me focus in on the vision more and know in my heart that I’m doing the right thing and it gives me the passion to see it through.
Website: http://www.thorneartistry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thorneartistry/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-thorne-24486a6
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thorneartistry
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/thorne-artistry-la-jolla?start=20
Image Credits
KC Alfred, The Hearts Haven, and Whiskers and Willow