Meet Amanda Hinton

We recently connected with Amanda Hinton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence and self-esteem will probably always be works in progress for me. Some days, everything clicks, and I feel like I’m nailing it—other days, I wonder if my clay and I need couples therapy. It’s easy to get caught up in what people think, and doubt has a sneaky way of creeping in.

But over time, I’ve built confidence through practice, consistency, and—most importantly—not letting others determine my worth. Letting go of what I thought people wanted to see gave me the freedom to grow. One thing I’ve learned? The more I create, the better I get. The better I get, the more confident I am in my work. It’s a cycle that keeps me moving forward.

Being one of approximately a bazillion clay earring makers in my area, I had to challenge myself to make what I wanted and just go for it. Sometimes I create something I’m sure will be a bestseller—only for it to sit untouched for a month. Confidence check? Absolutely. But then, there’s always that one customer who comes to every market just to buy from me. And that makes it all worth it.

I create for myself, and that keeps me confident in what I produce—whether it’s a hit or a “slow burn.” That mindset has made all the difference.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Creativity has always been essential to my happiness—it’s like oxygen for my soul. As a theatre major, I imagined a life of performance and artistic exploration. But when my son, Greyson, was born, my priorities shifted. Being a special needs parent meant dedicating my time, energy, and love to ensure he had everything he needed. With patience, learning, and the support of incredible therapists, I grew into the parent he needed me to be. He is my greatest joy and the inspiration behind GreyRose Art—a name that reflects both of us.

Like many people, COVID had me stuck at home, searching for a creative outlet. That’s when I joined Hide Tucson Rocks, a local kindness group dedicated to spreading joy through painted rocks. I started painting every day, hiding my creations around town, hoping they’d bring a smile to someone’s face. What started as a simple act of kindness reignited my passion for art. Over time, my skills evolved, leading to an unexpected but proud moment—I was invited to paint a mural for the Living Mural Project in Tucson. My 14-hour piece, Eye, was a labor of love and proof that I had taught myself something new that resonated with others. What an incredible feeling!

But my curiosity got the best of me (as it often does), and soon, acrylic paint wasn’t enough. That’s when I discovered polymer clay. For the past three years, I’ve explored this medium, turning it into a full-fledged business. Now, GreyRose Art is an LLC, and my handmade earrings can be found in local stores. Seeing someone wear my creations never gets old—it’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words.

While I haven’t expanded to online sales yet (space constraints are real!), I focus on local markets where my work is welcomed and valued. I continue curating pieces for the stores I’m in,and I’m always excited for what’s next. The journey has been unexpected, but that’s what makes it so special.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities/skills that were most impactful:
1) Adaptability – Life rarely goes as planned, and being able to pivot—whether it was shifting from theatre to parenting or from painting to clay, or adjusting business strategies—has been crucial.
2) Curiosity & Willingness to Learn – Teaching myself new skills, from improving my art techniques to navigating the world of small business, has kept me growing and moving forward.
3) Resilience – Whether it’s facing personal challenges, business setbacks, or creative blocks, pushing through and not giving up has made all the difference.

Advice for those just starting out:
Embrace change. The path won’t always be linear, and that’s okay. Stay open to new directions.
Stay curious. Take every opportunity to learn, whether it’s through trial and error, online resources, or connecting with others in your field. Keep going. Success isn’t always instant, and there will be obstacles, but persistence (and a little stubbornness) goes a long way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support my dreams wholeheartedly, no matter what they were. Whether it was sports, theatre, or any other passion I pursued, they were always there with guidance, encouragement, and an unwavering belief in me.

I was born with a heart condition and underwent open-heart surgery when I was younger, but my parents never let that define what I was capable of. They didn’t raise me to see limitations—they raised me to push forward, to try, to adapt, and to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to. That mindset has shaped every part of my life. It’s why I don’t back down from challenges, whether in life, art, or business. Their unwavering support gave me the confidence to chase my passions without fear, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @greyroseart
• Facebook: @greyroseart

Image Credits

Geoffrey Batz Photography