We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Ton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been business minded. Growing up I often had to work at my family’s establishment which was something I loathed. I enjoyed making the money and spending it, but being there all day wasn’t ideal to a teenager. As I continued on my life path I would ask myself, “How can you start a business doing what I love?” I knew art would be it for me, but how do I sell that? How do I market it and turn it into a business? Through countless hours of brainstorming, trial and error, and taking risks, I found what worked for me. I knew I wanted to spread the message of love and empowerment through my work. From there I’ve worked tirelessly to execute my vision regardless of what obstacles stood in my way.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I enjoy working with my hands to create different things. Being a multi media artist I play around with a lot of different mediums. My favorites would have to be painting, collages, & photos. My latest project entitled mantra mirrors consisted of mirrors in a multitude of sizes that said.. you guessed it, positive mantras in an iridescent font.
I became an artist professionally when I dove right into the deep end. I would spend all my money on supplies and create whatever felt right. When my projects were complete I would just hope that someone saw the vision and wanted to collect the work. It’s definitely hard, but I’m in it for the long haul.
Challenges are inevitable. How you handle them determines the outcome. Never back down, believe in yourself!
I want to spread the message of love and empowerment. I’m constantly growing and learning to become the highest version of myself and I encourage others to do so too. Why wouldn’t you want to be a better 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?
Top of my list Our Bar on Edgewood. It’s always a good time, and I like seeing peoples selfies in my mirrors. Really a whole bunch of food spots.
Desta for the best Ethiopian food.
Gu’s Dumplings in Krog St Market
Coffee from chrome yellow
Breakfast at Folk Art
The list goes on
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my friends and support system. Working in the art field can be difficult at times. There were times where I didn’t believe in myself as much as I should have and my work really suffered because of it. Through growing as an individual and showing love to myself my work began to flourish. I knew what my purpose was in creating art. And although sometimes I falter my support system is always there to remind me who I am and why I’m doing it.
Website: www.amandaton.com
Instagram: @amandaton
Twitter: @_amandaton
Youtube: Amanda ton
Other: TikTok: ton.amanda