This week we are proud to introduce you to our Vendor of the Week, Aimee Strickland. Based in Atlanta, she turns out beautiful hand-lettering work for her small business, Made In The Fold.
Aimee joined us this year for The 6th Atlanta NotWedding, where she displayed her awesome handiwork like the bridesmaid invitations below!
-Describe a highlight or pivotal moment in your career.
One of the top highlights for me so far was my first vendor show experience. Because I had never participated in anything similar prior to my first show, I was a little bit unsure of what to expect. I worked hard on creating new products, spent time hunting down just the right props, and sketched what my table should look like over and over. When it came down to the day of the event, I stepped back to look at how everything had come together and was so proud to know that all of my efforts had culminated to that moment. The rest of the day was so much fun meeting new potential clients and connecting with other vendors as well as having a couple close friends by my side to help me all the way.
-What is the best part about your job?
I would have to say the best part about my job is that I get to make people’s ideas come to life. When I get a custom request for a piece of handwritten art, or a new client that is a bride looking to get wedding stationery, I love to hear their story. What has brought them to this place and what they see for the pieces they want created. It’s all about their vision. I just get to be the lucky one to make it a reality. When a bride comes to me on the day of her wedding and says that she couldn’t have dreamed of anything better or more perfect, the feeling that I get is indescribable and it is why I continue to do what I do.
-Describe the ultimate/perfect bride/client.
The ultimate bride or client is one who knows what she wants, but is open in the way that it is expressed. A strong vision from a client is so helpful to have when you begin a project, but the people who are the most fun to partner with are the ones who allow the ideas to flow and morph until there is a beautiful combination of vision and creative expression. It doesn’t get any better than that.
-What are some habits you’ve formed that help you stay afloat (financially, mentally, emotionally) as a small business owner?
One of the most important things that I have realized as I’ve begun to establish this venture as a business is to take a day off (or two) and allow myself to do something that really brings me life. Whether it is spending time with some close friends, exploring a new part of town, or sketching something for myself. There is beauty in the way that we rest and revive ourselves. Ultimately it makes me a better artist but it also affects the way I interact with everyone around me as well.
*All photos come from the Made In The Fold blog site and Kaitie Bryant Photography.
To buy her work on Etsy—
To check out her blog—
Or follow her on Instagram for a constant stream of pretty things at ame_strickland.
