Meet Amanda Howard | Small Business Owner & Permanent Makeup Artist

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

Hi Amanda, what do you attribute your success to?
For my business Fluffy’s Freshies, having a support system has been by far the leading factor in the success of my business. With my company only being 1 year old, I faced many personal challenges that could have potentially put me out of business. It was during that time I had to hire one of my best friends to help me. Her support and my social medial support are what helped me push through.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What is a Freshie?? That is the number 1 question. They are aroma beads that have been cured with fragrance oils and then decorated and baked at a certain temp to form its shape. Each freshie is handmade and each will be uniquely different. I was in a Facebook group, and someone asked if there was anyone selling Freshies. I had never heard of that, so I Googled and YouTube come up. I watched a video and was fascinated. I thought I want to make one. At that time, I baked a lot and had some metal cookie cutters and that’s what the video had used. I ordered pre scented beads from a company, because at that time I didn’t know I could cure my own. I made my first ever freshie, a pumpkin. I posted it on my Facebook and in less than 24 hours I was restricted from Messenger. I had reached the limit for messages. I made a few more and sold them for the cost of my supplies. I researched my area and seen that no one offered these. That is when I saw my chance and took it. I made a Facebook page and group; from there it has continued to grow. My father was murdered and that put me in a difficult situation. It was my best friend Amy Bowers who came to my rescue and helped me keep my business afloat while I dealt with the death of my father. I took for granted customers “Word” and I had several people place personalized orders and never come to pick up. So, prepayment became a must. I learned there are people in this world who will whole heartedly support you and never have met you a day in their life. There are so many good people and I have been so blessed with repeat and new customers. I learned quickly I could make everything I needed to run my business. Well almost, I am good with digital design so I started making all the images for my freshies. I then expanded my business within the first 8 months. I self-taught with YouTube how to build my website/store. I then learned how to make STL files for my 3D printer so I could make my own freshie molds and not have to buy them, it was also an additional freshie item I could offer other freshie makers. I then started selling the files on Etsy as well as the molds. I am hoping to add things like room sprays that smell the same as the freshie and freshie supplies. I have almost outgrown my storage building. I would love to have a storefront one day. and that gives me goals to look forward too.

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?
If you were to ever come to visit state of NC for a week, we would have a ball. I live in the middle of the state so I’m 3 hours from the coast and from the mountains. We would go get coffee in Richfield NC, then head out towards Lake Lure NC. That is where “Dirty Dancing” was filmed and I have a vacation getaway with my camper there. The Lake House is a must visit restaurant. We would then head towards Ashville to visit the Biltmore House built by the Vanderbilts and have a glass of wine. Then we would head towards Linville Caverns and see the caves. From there we would head to Hiddenite to go gem mining. We would camp at Morivian Falls campground at the waterfall. Then we would head east for a few days at the beach. Visiting Wilmington first. Then on to Fort Fisher to the aquarium, its fun riding the ferry too. Fresh seafood is my favorite. From there we would travel down the coastline staying at some really cool VRBO’S. Then we would make our way back home.

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 would like to dedicate my business to my late grandmother Nancy Culp. She and I had the best relationship and we enjoyed crafting together. My nickname is Fluffy and that is where the name came from. She always had words of encouragement and loved all things that smelled good. She was a second mother to me, so I want to always honor her. memory.

Website: www.fluffysfreshies.com

Instagram: Fluffysfreshies

Facebook: Fluffys Freshies

Other: www.etsy.com/shop/fluffysfunshop

Image Credits
I love colors and love peace signs so the picture in the Peace sign is me. The other photo is Amy and myself at a craft show. The other photos are customer sent images