Meet Amanda | Small Business Owner

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

Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Owning a clothing line has always been a dream for me. However, I’ve struggled for many many years with eating disorders and a distorted body image. I felt like I was missing out on all things fashion- I didn’t fit into the clothes and styles that I love and struggled to find clothes that made me feel “safe.” I started Bulletproof Basics as a part of my own recovery and combatant to my ED and body image. I created a brand that felt “safe” for those bad days and served as a reminder to those with EDs and body dysmorphia that they are not alone. There is a whole community of men, women, younger people- all who struggle with their body image and I wanted Bulletproof Basics to be the brand that brought all those people together.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I opened my shop initially as an upcycling clothing brand- which I still do. I get to boast that 100% of the pieces offered on my site are unique and original. I take old shirts and can turn them into sweatpants; I take vintage sheets and quilts and turn them into hoodies. Breathing new life into old and discarded items really thrills me and I love pushing the limits on what can be created. My “Awareness” line does not boast the same originality, but instead offers one uniform design to bring awareness to this cause; eating disorder awareness and support. The design took me a little over 5 hours to create and I’m so proud of it. I think it is a solid representation of any person- man, woman, non-binary- and a reminder that at the end of the day, we are all skeleton under our “meat suits.”
Creating this line and pursuing this mission was absolutely not easy. I had to become really honest with myself about my own disorder and dysmorphia problems- and then I had to be vulnerable and share them with the world.
But now that it’s all out there, I can create a community of people who need to know that they are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. $2 from every item purchased from my site goes to the Eating Disorder Foundation. Choosing a philanthropic approach to recovery has fueled my desire to succeed and kick started my recovery in a way I didn’t think was possible. I want others to feel the same growth that I have.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re on your way to Denver, my go-to hot spots include Red Rocks, Meow Wolf, and the speakeasys hidden throughout the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my fiancé deserves so much credit. He has been my biggest cheerleader along the way- and is tolerant of all the “projects” and merch I have laying around everywhere. Second, my business partner and close friend Kat- answers my questions at all hours of the night and promotes me whenever she can.
And last, those family & friends that got me going with my first few orders. My younger sister Erin was the first to buy a hoodie and shirt for me and I felt so proud to send them to her.

Website: www.bulletproofbasicsshop.com

Instagram: bulletproof.basics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bulletproof-Basics-101124659168815

Other: https://linktr.ee/BulletproofBeauty

Image Credits
Lisa Emmerman Photography