Amanda Shine is so radiant, so kind, and so visionary . . . she creates entire universes of fun and feelings thorough her creative heart & mind. If you have yet to experience the colorful world of The Setting NYC (Amanda founded this), then may I highly suggest taking some time to scroll through! I really just want to snuggle up in her apartment, or any room she's curated, with a cup of tea (in her handmade ceramics, of course) plus a good chat. I love everything Amanda does. And I promise, so will you.

Read on for her story.

 

Where are you from? What elements of that place have impacted your journey thus far?

I grew up in Southampton so the beach and ocean were very important to my group of friends and I. We planned summers around carpooling to the beach and riding bikes to work in order to make it back to swim. I think my love of water and the palette of sand, surf, and sky is so deeply engrained in my brand and work now directly as a result of my upbringing.

 

What is your work?

My business partner Billur and I have a small customizable ceramics business that we have expanded to a boutique branding and activation agency. We work with clients and hospitality partners to create unique experiences for brands. We're incubated within Azione PR and I think the interconnectedness of our clients and strategic players is how my personal life has influenced work. It's all an extended network of friends and family which is what keeps it unique.

 

 

What do you currently feel compelled to create?

Creatively I feel drawn to creating spaces and using our products as well as those of other homeware and lifestyle brands to naturally build interesting experiences rather than produce them. It is a natural evolution of our brand, allowing the consumer to further customize and engage in a creative way.

 

From your perspective, what constitutes a well-adorned environment?

I'm partial to the process of building an environment in layers. Allowing for a setting to take shape in it's own time. It feels more honest and relatable. It's not always an option or possible, but in a perfect world, a home is built on memories and that takes patience, time and space.

 

 

How did you learn to tap into your creativity?

I have always been a visual person. I think I communicate visually and through writing but it's not possible to feel creative all day everyday. My partner and I like to travel, cook food, explore different environments and soak up ideas that way. I also love doing yoga and practicing a very novice level of meditation. Quieting everything is a helpful way to narrow your focus and put forth unique thoughts and ideas in an organized and productive way.

 

What does "Beauty" mean to you?

Happiness. Love and Acceptance. Those define Beauty to me.