Meet Amaya Perkins | she/they | Executive Director & Advocacy Specialist

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

Hi Amaya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been advocating in some way, shape, or form for the past six years and I came to realize that I wanted a space to be able to formally share the advocacy resources that I was developing. In November 2023, I presented at a mental health conference on the importance of journaling as a therapeutic resource. Part of this presentation included the development and creation of an interactive journal for those with chronic illnesses like myself. This journal, and many other resources, are available on my website in a variety of formats. Early on, I knew I wanted to find a way to increase accessibility and affordability to my research and resources and as a result, I adopted a pay what you can model for all of my PDF resources. This scale slides all the way down to free to eliminate the financial burden to accessing information for those in marginalized communities and those with financial hardship. Knowledge is power and I aim to provide information to as many as possible in a way that promotes equity and inclusivity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My organization, Alps Creative Co, is proud to be a queer owned and operated business. My organization is unique in that I am dedicated to running my company in a way that is equitable, ethical, and inclusive. I promote accessibility by providing all PDF resources that I create on a pay what you can scale which slides all the way down to free. I do this in hopes that it will allow those from marginalized communities and those with financial hardship to access research and information that could impact their life.

While creating and developing resources is a large part of what my company does, I also sell designs to raise money for my organization so that I am able to provide all resources for free. Most the designs that I make highlight important causes such as disability awareness, LGBTQ+ topics, and mental health understanding and representation. I also created a design where 100% of the proceeds from sales will go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund in light of the genocide that is occurring. I would also like to take this opportunity to call for a ceasefire now.

Social justice and human rights are at the front of my mind when I am making any business decision and I want to ensure that I leave this world a better place than I found it. My hope is that people find a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive community when they interact with me and my company. As a queer individual with a chronic illness, I know how important it is to have organizations that choose human rights and equity over profit and that is exactly how I am running my organization.

To all those who have not yet found their place or feel victimized because of who you are or who you love, just know that my organization will always be a safe place for you to turn to and we will help you advocate for your rights.

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.
Oh my gosh there are so many wonderful places in Boulder that it’s hard to go wrong (not to mention if you even just stand outside the view is stunning). If I had to choose, my main area that I love to visit is Pearl Street. Typically, my partner and I love to stop at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery on our way into Pearl Street to fuel up for the day. I love getting an omelet and a flight of gluten free pancakes (they are INCREDIBLE). After that, the first place that you would find me is at Into the Wind (one of the best toy stores ever). I spend hours in this store looking at all the different toys, fidgets, puzzles, etc. and even if I don’t buy anything the experience is always fantastic. From there I love wandering the shops that are on Pearl Street like Rocket Fizz and Liberty Puzzles. This is an incredible day trip that has something for the whole family when you visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom and my brother. Mom, Brother, without you I would not be where I am or who I am today. From all the events with you cheering me on, to all the blood, sweat, and tears we have all shared on our road to where we are today, I am thankful for each moment that I get to spend with you. You will both forever be my inspirations.

Website: https://AlpsCreativeCo.org

Instagram: @AlpsCreativeCo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Alps-Creative-Co/61556228026385/

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Threads: @AlpsCreativeCo
Redbubble: @AlpsCreativeCo
Pinterest: @AlpsCreativeCo