Her Story
About Amaris
I own Behind the Eight, an e-commerce lifestyle brand where I create custom-made apparel, jewelry, and accessories. I've been running this business for 2 years now, and it's something that started as a hobby before I realized I would rather work for myself and actually sell something that people like and are looking for. Before starting my own business, I spent 6-7 years in wholesale retail operations. I was a district manager handling all operations for stores, including onboarding, offboarding, writing SOPs, inventory management, and a lot of HR work. I also worked for Ulta Beauty as an operations retail manager, doing merchandising and inventory control. Now, as a small business owner, my hands are everywhere. All of my pieces are custom-made - I don't just have ready-to-sell inventory. It's a lot of client building and client relationships, sourcing all the materials I use to make items. I make everything: necklaces, rings, earrings, body jewelry, body modification jewelry, any kind of category you can think of, and any kind of apparel. I handle custom orders via email and Facebook, and I do small market sales at farmers markets. I'm proud to say I'm the first person in my entire family to own my own business and be able to live off that sole income.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amaris
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely attribute my success to working independently and being one-on-one with people, but I think the biggest thing that led me to the successes that I have as an adult is how much my dad really pushed me to literally do anything I wanted to do, no matter the circumstance. And if I tried something and it didn't work out, he was the one that picked me up and told me that it was okay just to keep going. My dad has been my mentor throughout my journey, and his support has been instrumental in helping me become the first person in my entire family to own my own business and live off that sole income.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is that just because it's a male-dominated field doesn't mean that women can't do it. This advice has stuck with me throughout my career, especially as I've navigated challenges in wholesale retail operations and now as I build my own business in e-commerce.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say just being there and having a voice is enough. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself. And no matter the kind of negativity you get, if you believe that you can do something, you can 100% do it. Don't let imposter syndrome or negativity from others keep you from doing what you believe you can do. You are validated in your abilities and your journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I've faced, especially working in wholesale business and retail operations, is that it's a largely male-dominated field. There was a lot of people telling me I don't know what I'm doing, or I'm too young, or I haven't been in this long enough. A lot of people that I thought were supposed to help me in the workplace ended up not wanting to, strictly just because I'm a woman and I'm a young woman. That's been the biggest challenge. As for opportunities, I'm looking to expand my business from doing custom orders and farmers markets to eventually getting an actual brick-and-mortar store that people can come visit.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The biggest value to me is just being true to who you are and sticking with what you believe is right. I never do anything that I don't feel in my stomach is the best thing for me and my business, or my family or friends. My biggest thing is just always be yourself, no matter what the situation. I believe in staying authentic and following my instincts in everything I do.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · North Carolina
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.