Meet Amanda Ardelle | Global Importer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Ardelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The stories! I remember the shift that took place when I spent a month in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar learning about Turkish and Persian rugs. The more I learned about the skill, care, history and time (sometimes years!) that go into making these exquisite pieces the more I fell in love. I went from admiring carpets purely aesthetically, to not being able to walk by one without pausing to flip over a corner and take a guess at the wool origin and knots per square inch. 😉 A similar fascination took place in Kashmir with the ancient art of herding and hand-looming Changpa pashmina – the idea that we are able to own, wear and even walk on gorgeous pieces of history so meticulously put together is exhilarating to me. People rarely know how the things they use are made; generally even less is known about the people that engineered them. It’s my privilege to find these exceptional items and bring them to clients who appreciate them, their creators and all that they stand for.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I work with some of the most captivating people I have ever met! People of taste with various budgets, styles and objectives. Boutique owners looking to set their shop apart, decorators looking to go the extra mile with clients, designers and collectors who want unique-to-rare items from all over the world. Who wouldn’t want to work with a group like that?

I can source a fantastic rug for you, or just make sure the one you have your eye on is authentic and well-priced. I can help you with one of a kind gifts, make sure you have that gorgeous vase/sculpture/light installation everyone asks about at dinner and get you access to jewels you thought only Cartier had the jump on. The possibilities are endless!

Spending enough time in a country that your ‘tourist’ label wears off is for sure one of the most exhilarating aspects of my business, and plays a pivotal role in allowing for my unique perspective. Getting to know a region purely for the joy of knowing it not only enriches me as a person, but has led me to some delightfully unexpected places! I’ve had some of my coolest discoveries that way. Those are the stories I get ultra-excited to come home and share.

My clients can look at me as an extension of themselves- an additional set of eyes and ears traveling the world with them and their specifications in mind. When you source pieces through me you know are authentic, well researched and acquired compassionately.

Cuba, late spring 2023 is my next destination- I’d love to collaborate with you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is alive! It’s fun to see new things pop up every week, but here’s a sample: morning coffee at Intermezzo, brunch at Breakfast at Barney’s (or 5 Church Buckhead!) followed by stops at Westside Provisions and Ponce for some STPBCS (slightly tipsy post-brunch cardio shopping).

I’m a huge fan of Jamaican food so Negril ATL for early dinner is next, before an evening at my favorite hidden gem, Shakespeare’s Tavern. This Atlanta staple offers up the most delightfully intimate (and funny!) performances you’ll ever experience. Nightcap at The Burgess or a recent favorite, Jojo’s cocktail lounge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is only one thing more powerful than telling someone “you can” and that’s “you can, and here’s why”. Thanks, Mom and Dad

Website: www.AmandaArdelle.com

Instagram: @gotamanda