Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Childers.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A1 Craft Supply really began with a lifelong love of art and crafting. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful materials that range from stationery, ribbon and paper to paint, inks, and mixed media. I get really excited about the creativity of artists and makers. That appreciation naturally carried into what I do today.
When I moved to Texas in 2023, I was introduced to the Texas homecoming mum and garter tradition. As I started learning more, I quickly noticed a gap in the greater Austin area. There were very few local resources for supplies, and many mum makers and parents were either relying on limited options at chain craft stores or driving two to three hours to cities like Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston just to find what they needed.
That’s when the mission became clear. I wanted to create a space where people could see and feel the materials that make each homecoming mum unique without having to travel so far. I started with an online store, and from there we’ve grown into pop-up markets and now into a larger retail space.
Today, A1 Craft Supply is not just selling supplies, we are intentionally building something that empowers people to get creative and celebrates community. It’s in our logo. Craft. Create. Celebrate.
We host monthly social meetups to share ideas, organize supply swaps to promote sustainability, and are expanding our presence through educational workshops. Our goal is to continue creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and access for homecoming mum artists at every level.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most small businesses, the journey has been a mix of both smooth moments and real challenges. On the positive side, the reception from the mum maker community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, especially here in the greater Austin area. That encouragement has played a huge role in our growth. From positive feedback to community participation in our events, that support has been instrumental in helping both our store and our mission succeed.
With that said, there have definitely been barriers along the way. Austin’s large transplant population presents a unique challenge. The Texas homecoming mum tradition isn’t always widely understood by those new to the area, so part of our role has been helping educate and introduce people to something that’s deeply rooted in Texas culture.
Additionally, building trust as a new supplier takes time, securing relationships with ribbon manufacturers has a learning curve, as well as navigating competition with larger, well-established suppliers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My professional background is rooted in accounting, but it’s taken me across several industries such as banking, insurance, retail management, and most recently transportation and logistics. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to support and mentor incredible women, helping remove barriers and provide resources so they could grow and succeed in their own paths. One of the most meaningful things I can hear is, “Because of you, this positive thing happened in my life.”
and for me that will always be the goal.
That same philosophy impacts how I approach A1 Craft Supply. I want to bring the resources, remove the constraints, and create space for artists to truly flourish in their creativity while preserving and celebrating the Texas homecoming tradition.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
There’s a quote by the Roman philosopher Seneca that really resonates with me: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
I’ve certainly had things working in my favor such as a supportive network of family and friends, a natural love for art and creativity, and a willingness to take risks. I also have a strong drive to succeed and a clear goal of building something meaningful within my community.
From the outside that might look like luck, however, I believe it’s really a combination of those factors and a lot of intentional work. Preparation, persistence, and being open to opportunity are keys to success.
I genuinely love the work that goes into building this business. And when you love the process as much as the outcome, you’re more likely to keep showing up, which is where the “luck”—starts to happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.a1craftsupply.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a1craftsupply
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560171993479
- Other: TikTok – @a1craftsupply
Image Credits
Tina Auten Photography
