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Liam and I don’t work with every shop I feature in my Meet the Maker series, but when it is one we do work with, I feel like I’m sharing something incredibly special with you. These shops are more than just cute designs and trendy clothes; I’m blessed to call many of these women my friends. I see how hard they work to make their brands successful and how much they care about each item they sell and every little customer that wears them. That’s why I love doing these interviews, because I’m able to share some of that with you. This next Meet the Maker feature is all about the very FIRST Instagram shop I ever purchased from. Stacie Downs is the owner of Ahoy Amigo, a fun and lighthearted children’s clothing brand. Every time Liam wears an Ahoy Amigo tee, he gets compliments on it wherever he goes. They’re fun, sometimes a little bit quirky, and sure to make you smile. Stacie’s latest collection (the k.i.d. collection) was released this morning and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to stock up on some of this Ahoy Amigo goodness. I’ve included a discount code at the bottom of this interview for 20% off your purchase AND free shipping.
Tell us a little about yourself and where you got the idea to start Ahoy Amigo?
This question always throws me. I’m so many things: wife, mom, crafter, screenprinter, book devourer, dog walker, house keeper, personal chauffeur to small people who don’t tip, chef, crazy dancer, good friend, and more!! I worked full time until day care costs became more than our house payment a month! I subbed awkward middle school kids and loved it, but we lost our babysitter so I had to do something else to make income. I bought a screen printing kit and taught myself with many mess-ups along the way. I was actually tired of buying glitter and pink shirts for my daughter and would buy her boy tees but the sizing was always off so I came up with my own. Our best seller, “Always Hungry”, is something she said to me and it stuck. Another, “Hi my name is Awesome”, was created for my son who has a speech delay and could never answer when people asked what his name was.
How did Ahoy Amigo get its name?
I wanted to combine two different cultures into one and what better culture than pirate?! Ahoy Amigo means HI friend. Because that is what we should all strive to be, friends.
Who/what inspires you?
My two children definitely inspire me the most. When I’m blocked creatively a good book usually helps clear my head and focus on new ideas!
What are the best and hardest things about being your own boss?
Hardest? time management. and health. I hardly remember to take a lunch break and when I do it’s usually something unhealthy and quick. It’s hard being literally the only one running your business.
Best? My boss never turns down my vacation requests, haha! If I need to take a mental health day to the zoo because it’s finally warm and sunny out, I can!!
What advice would you like to share with other women entrepreneurs?
Don’t compare your middle with someone else’s end! We are all NEVER in the same spot at the same time and comparison is the thief of joy! Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who inspires you! It never hurts and the worst they can say is “no”.
What’s your favorite item from your shop?
This would have to be our new line! The dogs and cats we designed by a wonderful artist overseas and they make me smile every time I see them! I hope they provide that same joy for everyone else!
What’s next for Ahoy Amigo?
If I could have anything for Ahoy right now? I’d LOVE for Ahoy Amigo to be in all the stores everywhere!! The next step for us is to begin a more curated collection, rather than just tees! We’ve started slowly adding in new items this season like our hi lo tees for girls and harems for all!
What show(s) are you watching right now?
Oh this is embarrassing!! While I work I’ve been watching the X Files and Pretty Little Liars (never seen either so they are both new to me!) but while I’m having downtime I enjoy Jane the Virgin and Walking Dead of course!!
Check out Stacie and Ahoy Amigo online at ahoyamigo.com, on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram at @ahoyamigo. You can
also use the code “spring20” for 20% off AND free shipping (U.S. only) when you shop the new collection from Ahoy Amigo. The discount code is good until March 21.
The Meet the Maker series is where I get to introduce you to some of the makers, creators and artists behind some amazing companies and brands out there. Not only are these women doing some incredible things and finding success doing something they’re passionate about, but they’re also inspiring others to embark on their own creative journeys as well. If you are interested in being interview for a Meet the Maker post, please send me a message. I’d love to hear from you!
(Photos provided by Ahoy Amigo and are (c) @kaitlinbrantner, @harpers.momma and @nicolecaywoodphoto)
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