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

Hi Amanda, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve become more intentional with my time. I use to have tunnel vision, focusing solely on ticking items off my list, often placing family and personal time at the bottom of my priorities. It wasn’t long before my body would send me a clear message to slow down, literally making me sick. Now, while I still appreciate a good list, I’ve learned the importance of scheduling time outside of work. For me, Monday to Friday mornings from 7 am to 11 am are sacred “me time.” During these hours, I engage in prayer, read my Bible, journal, exercise, walk my dog, shower, and enjoy a meal while watching TV. From 11 am to 7 pm, I dedicate myself to work, and after 7 pm, it’s family time. I cherish my weekends off and take a one-week vacation every three months. This is my version of balance, and it brings me joy. I’ve found a rhythm that provides structure without feeling scattered, allowing me to enjoy activities with my family and indulge in hobbies.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner and founder of I Am ART Agency, a full-service branding agency where I serve as Creative Director. At I Am ART Agency, we harness the transformative power of creativity to build brands and elevate them to new heights, creating unique identities that resonate deeply with audiences and drive remarkable success.

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to delivering professional, innovative, and high-quality branding services that forge meaningful connections between businesses and their customers. Our mantra is attention to detail, and we guide our clients through every step of the branding process, ensuring their unique vision and voice come to life. We’ve found that helping clients “envision their ending to start their beginning” empowers them to realize that their businesses serve a purpose far beyond their initial imagination. This realization fuels them with renewed motivation and confidence, and it’s this transformative experience that distinguishes us from other branding companies.

Our greatest joy is witnessing our clients’ victories, knowing that we played a crucial role in their success. Like any journey, mine hasn’t been without challenges. Resilience has been my guiding light. During quieter times, I would draft strategic plans for industries I was eager to explore, envisioning ways to expand our portfolio. This forward-thinking approach isn’t just something we teach our clients; it’s a principle I live by, professionally and personally.

The core values of I Am ART Agency—care, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail—have paved our path to success. Learning from mistakes and adapting has spurred our growth, and staying informed, listening to our clients, and embracing change offers us a distinct advantage.

My vision for I Am ART Agency is to become a global leader in branding, setting new standards for creativity, innovation, and effectiveness. I aspire to empower every business we touch with a brand identity that inspires and fuels growth. Our goal is to revolutionize how brands communicate and connect with their audiences.

Our team, composed of emerging talents, infuses each project with fresh artistic perspectives. We take immense pride in understanding and translating our client’s needs into compelling brand stories. Through our collaborative approach, we build strong relationships with clients, ensuring that our branding efforts align seamlessly with their business goals.

I want the world to know that at I Am ART Agency, we are passionate about bringing visions to life and inspiring positive change through creativity. Our story is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

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?
Ah, that’s an interesting question! Honestly, I think a truly enriching experience is about stepping away from the city’s hustle and bustle to discover new places. While I love my go-to spots like the Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, Perimeter Mall, and nice restaurants, there’s something special about seeking out new adventures in unknown territories. After visiting these places so often, I’m really feeling the pull to book a flight to somewhere international. It would be an amazing adventure for both of us, something a bit more adventurous and daring beyond what we already know.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to credit my Abba Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for guiding me through this journey. My life took a professional turn after attending a Ragtrade of Atlanta fashion show at Hartsfield Airport in 2018. This story, though brief here, holds many lessons and could fill its own book. Like many first-time entrepreneurs, I balanced a 9-5 job while nurturing my business on the side. It took several job layoffs between 2015 and 2018 for me to realize that my path lay elsewhere.

When I was finally let go from my college admissions job, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The environment was so toxic that it made me physically ill. Ironically, it was the day I was freed from that job that became one of the best days of my life. Attendance at a fashion show at Hartsfield Airport almost didn’t happen because I had no one to accompany me, but I pushed myself to go.

There, I met Annette Johnson, publisher of Hers Magazine. She took one look at my fashion lookbook and decided to feature me. Upon learning I was also a graphic designer, she hired me on the spot for her magazine layout. In that same moment of serendipity, I was introduced to Jane Evans, who was organizing the BU Fashion Parade and needed menswear. She featured my work in her show.

After BU, Jane invited me to what I thought was a networking event, but it turned out to be a Sunday service at Influencers Church, now known as Futures Church. That day, I gave my life to Jesus, marking a profound transformation in both my personal and professional life. Working with Hers Magazine helped me build my professional portfolio, and I’m immensely grateful to each client for trusting their brand with me. Without the grace of God and the support of my clients, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Life has a way of teaching us the most valuable lessons through unexpected paths. Always trust the journey and remain open to where it may lead you.

Website: https://www.iamart-agency.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_art_agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-chapman-98a09a44/

Image Credits
I have the rights to all images

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