Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Celina Ambrosio-anor
Andrea Celina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Covid pandemic was an intimidating and distressing time for so many of us. We all had our different ways of coping during a time where there were so many unknowns. For me, the lockdown provided me with some time to really hone in on my creativity and explore my passions. For so long, I felt as if I somehow lost the artistic part of myself since I began nursing school in 2019. I was solely focused on my career path with tunnel vision and did not allow myself to just have fun and create on my own.
Being asked to stay at home, forced me in a way to find a hobby or to do something to pass the time. As someone who has always been right-brained as a child, I began to paint, draw, create jewelry- really anything with my hands. Inspired by my grandmother who handcrafted and sold jewelry herself, and my love for fashion and self expression, I began to make beaded mask/sunglasses chains. I saw the idea on Pinterest initially, and thought to myself, “Hey, I can totally make that” At first, I started to make them just for myself, my mom, and sister, but I realized I’ve made dozens at this point- so what am I going to do with all these chains?!
That was when my idea of opening my shop came to mind. The concept of selling a product that encouraged people to wear their masks in a fashionable way and incorporate it into an outfit was something that I wanted to pursue. As a full time nurse, I knew that this was a great way for me to incorporate health promotion in my everyday life and combine it with my love for fashion.
I eventually expanded my shop and began to sell all types of handmade jewelry- necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, etc. My first year of launching the shop, I would take orders through @shopamoureuse on Instagram. When I saw that it was becoming more successful, I opened my Etsy shop officially (shopamoureuse.etsy.com) so that I can reach a larger audience. I have now sold hundreds of pieces to clients all over the US and have done a few pop up shops in LA and hope to do more in the future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! My main struggle- or should I say, least favorite thing to do when it comes to running a small business, is social media. Having to curate an instagram + Etsy shop that looks aesthetically pleasing takes so much time and effort. The business is basically a one woman show- so I handcraft/curate all the pieces, shop for materials, pack and ship my products, and everything in between. Sometimes, balancing all of this while having a full time career can be challenging at times. I also struggle with creative block at times- certain periods were I find it difficult to create or stir up new ideas. I came across a quote recently “You are still a creative even when you’ve spent a long time away from your art” and I think about it often during those times where I feel lack of inspiration or motivation.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in handcrafted beaded jewelry. Although I also incorporate other mediums in my pieces, like leather, gold, brass, silver, etc, majority of the jewelry I sell in my shop are created with beads. I see it as my artwork, so I am most proud of the fact that people love my pieces enough to wear them. It touches my soul and makes me happy. I am also proud of the fact that Amoureuse is sustainable and eco-friendly. A majority of the beads used are repurposed, vintage beads. An example would be the “Adira” necklace with each piece being unique and no two are alike. Packaging is also reusable for gifting purposes and/or storage for jewelry.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
LA is booming with culture and diversity that makes it so lively and vibrant. There are people here from different backgrounds, traditions, and walks of life. LA is a place where everyone can coexist. There is always so much to learn about the people of LA- whether it be their cuisines, languages, art, etc.
Least favorite thing: the traffic!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopamoureuse.etsy.com
- Instagram: @shopamoureuse
Image Credits
Caitlin Capitulo
Angela Ambrosio
Marco Zamora
All product photos/flat lays taken by me (Andrea Celina Ambrosio-Anor)
