Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Parlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
My creativity stays alive because it was never just a hobby for me. It’s always been part of who I am, but it shifted the day my daughter needed support with her fine and gross motor skills. We started making bracelets together as part of her occupational therapy, and those tiny beads and small movements became this unexpected bridge between us.
Even though I’d always been a maker, creating with her had a different weight to it. It wasn’t about the craft itself anymore. It was about connection. When words were hard, our hands understood each other. Communication spoke for us through creating, and that changed everything about how I looked at my work.
That’s the heartbeat of my business now. Every plushie, every bracelet, every kit still carries that intention—to give comfort, to create connection, and to turn moments that could feel overwhelming into something meaningful. Keeping my creativity alive isn’t about chasing inspiration. It’s about remembering why I create in the first place: to meet my daughter where she is, and to build something beautiful together.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the artist and founder of A. Parlin Project, a sensory-focused craft and design brand built from a very personal place. My daughter is the heart of my work. What started as simple bracelet-making to support her occupational therapy needs grew into a full creative business centered on comfort, connection, and awareness.
Today, my brand blends fiber arts, sensory elements, and storytelling. I design plushies, bracelets, and DIY craft kits that encourage creativity and offer a sense of calm. Every character has its own story, affirmation, and sensory detail — all inspired by the idea that handmade items can bring both joy and grounding.
What feels most special about my work is how deeply it connects with people. Parents, kids, teachers, neurodivergent individuals — they tell me these products make them feel seen and supported. That’s the impact I care about most.
Professionally, I’m focused on expanding the brand with more sensory-friendly designs, larger retail and wholesale partnerships, and educational projects that highlight creativity as a tool for emotional regulation. My deepest passion is just to share what I do (creative in person workshops are my favorite). I recently launched a full line of revised DIY crochet kits, and the response has been incredible! I’m also preparing for upcoming seasonal product drops and local market events, along with a new line of craft kits coming in 2026 for new Parlin Projects!
At its core, A. Parlin Project is about turning creativity into comfort — and making handmade art that matters.
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?
Looking back, three things shaped my journey more than anything else: adaptability, consistency, and emotional intelligence. None of them were optional. They were built in real time, in real life, while juggling motherhood, therapy appointments, and the chaos of starting a business from scratch.
Adaptability was the first big one. My entire business was born from adjusting to my daughter’s needs, so shifting, problem-solving, and pivoting became second nature. For anyone starting out, the best way to build this skill is to stop waiting for “perfect conditions.” Move. Make. Test. Adjust. The faster you learn to adapt, the faster you grow.
Consistency mattered even when creativity felt impossible. I didn’t have huge blocks of time. I had minutes. So I used them. Making one bracelet, refining one design — those tiny steps stacked up into a full brand. My advice: forget the big leaps. Show up in small, repeatable ways. Consistency beats motivation every single time.
Emotional intelligence ended up being the secret weapon. Being a mom to a neurodivergent child taught me to listen differently, communicate differently, and create differently. That sensitivity is built into my products and my brand voice. If you want to develop this, spend more time understanding the people you’re creating for, not the trends you’re chasing. Your work will have more impact when it’s rooted in real connection.
These three skills weren’t things I mastered before starting , they were things I built while doing the work – and am still building everyday! And that’s the real advice: don’t wait to feel ready. You grow because you begin, not the other way around.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always open to the right collaborations. I’m looking to connect with people and organizations who value creativity, inclusion, and sensory-friendly design. That includes boutiques, educators, therapists, makers, and brands who want to highlight handmade products with purpose. I love partnering on workshops, product features, community events, and projects that support neurodivergent families or promote creative wellness.
If someone reading this feels aligned with that mission, they can reach out directly through my website, aparlinproject.com, or connect with me on Instagram at @aparlinproject. I’m selective, but I’m also excited to build with people who genuinely “get it.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aparlinproject.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aparlinproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aparlinproject.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aparlinproject
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
