Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ortiz.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a house where parties were a big deal. My dad went all out—he built carnival-style games from scratch, organized scavenger hunts, and led us in Christmas caroling. My parents always had a homemade meal ready to feed a crowd. My mom kept a big bin full of craft supplies, and my dad had one too. We’d dig through them for hours and just… create. That energy, the creativity, connection, and joy was baked into every gathering we had.
So when I think of a party, I don’t picture people standing around sipping drinks and making small talk. I think of loud laughter from people playing card games, music you can’t help but dance to, kids running around, steam rising from buffet-style counters, and people of all ages connecting over a shared activity. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiences shaped how I see joy, community, and creativity. They shaped how powerful they can be when you combine them.
As an adult, I found myself recreating that magic. I love hosting, and every party I throw includes a few games or what I call “craft-ivities.” Friends have started calling them “Amanda classics.” When someone can’t make it to one of my gatherings, they’ll ask, “What did I miss?” and say, “Ugh, I missed an Amanda classic!” A few even joked about hiring me to plan their parties.
Over the years, I’ve put more and more intention into what I host. I have a full office now that’s basically a dream come true for my inner child with drawers full of beads, paints, paper, glue guns, scissors, Cricut supplies, you name it. I’ve always loved crafting, and I believe it’s one of the simplest and most universal ways to spark joy and connection. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, there’s a part inside us that wants to create.
At the same time, I noticed how hard it can be to actually connect at parties as adults. I’ve been to so many events where I didn’t know anyone and didn’t feel like I had the energy to make small talk. I remember standing near the snack table thinking, “I wish there was something fun to do, something to break the ice.” That’s always stayed with me.
Then in February of this year, I got laid off. Instead of panicking, I started thinking: what do I actually love doing? What am I already good at? The answer was clear. I love hosting, creating, bringing people together, and making events feel memorable. I already had the supplies, the experience, and the feedback from friends who saw this in me long before I saw it in myself.
That’s how What the Duck Experiences was born. It’s a mobile craft and activity service that brings crafts, games, and good vibes to places like parties, schools, markets, and corporate and community events.
It combines everything I love: creativity, connection, facilitation, and celebration. It’s deeply rooted in the traditions my parents passed down: joyful gatherings that make people feel welcome, engaged, and seen. My dream is to grow this business so that I can also bring it to schools and community organizations at no cost. Everyone deserves a little more fun, and a lot more connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been real. I love what I’m building, but the hardest part has been learning to accept that this is a slow-growth business. A lot of people who start a business and seem successful right away probably already have their bills covered in other ways. That’s not my reality.
I come from a Mexican family where people have always had to focus on surviving. Starting a business wasn’t something we grew up seeing as an option. It was always about doing what you had to do to get by. So for me, choosing to build this has been both exciting and scary. I believe in my idea, and I know it brings value, but it still takes time and money to grow.
Since getting laid off, I’ve been doing anything I can to stay afloat. I scoop dog poop, help neighbors with yard work, dog sit, and support friends with their small businesses—any paid work people offer, I take. That money goes toward my bills, and anything extra I save to fund the next event I do.
I’ve done some free events just to get my business cards into people’s hands and introduce myself to the community. Every event helps me learn, get better, and show people what I can offer. When I get my first fully paid booking where someone hires me to show up and bring What the Duck Experiences to their party…that’s going to feel like a huge win.
I have big dreams of getting paid to travel and bring creative, joyful experiences to events all over. I’m not there yet, but I’m working toward it with everything I’ve got.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about What the Duck Experiences?
I run What the Duck Experiences, a mobile craft and activity service that brings creative fun to parties, events, and community gatherings. I set up hands-on craft stations, lead games, and even offer karaoke and event recap videos. I bring everything with me, get it all set up, and make sure guests of all ages have something fun and welcoming to do—then I clean it all up so the hosts don’t have to.
I specialize in crafting experiences that help people connect with each other, not just fill time. Whether it’s making a custom rubber duck buddy for your desk at work, decorating your own pens, or laughing over a classic game of Lotería, it’s really about creating those little moments that bring joy and connection.
One thing I’m most proud of is when someone tells me, “Oh, this is great for kids,” and then a few minutes later, they’re sitting at the table deep into decorating a pen or painting something—and they leave smiling, proud of what they made. Seeing adults get lost in the creative process is always special, especially because so many people don’t give themselves permission to play like that anymore.
I think what sets me apart is that this isn’t just a service—it’s something I care deeply about. I customize every event with intention. It’s not one-size-fits-all. I want every guest, no matter their age or personality, to feel comfortable enough to jump in and have fun. There’s something powerful about bringing people together in a way that doesn’t rely on small talk—it invites joy, laughter, and creativity. You don’t have to show up anywhere, and plan accordingly to a business’ guidelines for their location. I love accommodating, and the challenges that come with making ‘difficult’ plans work. I want to get to know the details of you and your event, so we can customize craft-ivities that FEEL good to partake in. This is not just about filling time, it’s about maximizing the opportunities you have to connect with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck, not in the way people usually talk about it. I think what looks like luck is often just preparation meeting opportunity.
Some people might say I was “lucky” to get into my first vendor market. But the truth is, I had already spent time testing my idea at family gatherings. I had my booth materials ready. I had planned activities, signage, and a setup I believed in. Even though I missed the official deadline to apply for the upcoming market, I submitted my application anyway. I figured it couldn’t hurt to put myself out there and share the idea.
A few days later, they emailed me back! Not only did they love the idea, but they asked if I could join next week’s market instead of waiting for the next month. Because I had everything ready to go, I was able to say yes right away. That moment felt lucky, but really, I was just prepared.
I was raised to always be ready. I’m constantly learning, planning, and paying attention. Whether it’s how to design better signage, what crafts catch people’s eye, or how to make my booth more welcoming. So when someone hears about my business and wants to book me, it might seem like luck. But in reality, it’s because I did the work of handing out cards, talking about what I offer, noticing what people need, and being ready to deliver.
So if luck plays a role, it’s because I made room for it to show up.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
I took all of the photos.
