Meet Amy Houston

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Houston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

From a young age, I’ve been passionate about creating jewelry. I would spend hours playing with my mother’s basket of spare buttons and embroidery threads, letting my imagination guide me as I crafted whatever came to mind. Growing up, I was drawn to flea markets and the vintage pieces I found there, captivated by their intricate details. When I began designing jewelry, I incorporated these vintage and found objects, combining them with beads and buttons to create unique, exciting designs. This allowed me to keep my creations fresh and one-of-a-kind. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and explored new techniques.

Inspiration comes to me from many different places. Often, a simple walk in our backyard sparks the beginning of a new collection. For instance, the nature-inspired pieces featuring insects, animals, and wildflowers were born from observations made on our property. I reflect on our travels and the beautiful colors we experience in new places, like the Tivoli Carnival in Copenhagen, where the idea for my “Tivoli” hoops was born. When a new idea strikes, I jot it down and sketch out my thoughts, building upon the original concept.

When I hit a creative block, I try a new technique and challenge myself. It’s always fun to see the unexpected inspiration that comes from trying something new. I also speak with other creatives. New ideas often come from sharing thoughts with others and getting their perspective of how they approach their own creative process. I find that my creativity thrives when I don’t put too much pressure on myself to get it right the first time. I’ve been amazed at some of the designs I have produced from what others may consider a “mistake”.

What I’ve come to realize is that my creations often become more than just accessories for my clients—they become part of their personal stories. A simple butterfly pendant, for example, can symbolize rebirth and growth during a time of transition in someone’s life. Hearing the personal stories tied to my designs is something I truly cherish.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the creator of Girls Day Out, my passion lies in designing and handcrafting jewelry that is not only unique and easy to wear but also a true reflection of your personal style and personality. My journey in jewelry design has brought me countless friendships and meaningful connections. Along the way, I’ve discovered that a simple piece of jewelry can boost confidence, make someone feel special, and help them express their style—something everyone deserves. I believe that even a small jewelry purchase can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself or how valued you feel by others.

I’m committed to making pieces that are affordable for everyone. If I can’t design something I’d be willing to buy at the price it’s sold for, then I won’t. One of my favorite places to share my creations is the IX Farmers Market in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturdays. It’s a vibrant, year-round market that always has an incredible atmosphere, and I love being part of it.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

An important quality I’ve learned from creating jewelry, is to embrace imperfection. It’s the little flaws that make things feel authentic and unique. It can also lead to unexpected designs that wouldn’t have happened if everything was as planned, right down to the last detail.
I’ve also come to understand the value of accepting constructive criticism, especially when you’re just starting out. Seeing your work through someone else’s eyes can be incredibly valuable and actually helps me improve. It’s equally important to seek feedback from others in similar fields—learning from their mistakes and gaining insight into what has worked for them. Sharing experiences and knowledge helps us all grow.
Most importantly, understand your customers and stay aware of trends, but always stay true to the authenticity of your work. That balance is what draws the right people in.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

For me, it is a juggling act to have a healthy work-life balance. On one hand, the freedom and flexibility of being my own boss has some major perks, but on the other hand, it’s easy to let work bleed into every aspect of life. To resolve that, I have to accept that balance doesn’t mean perfection. Some days, I give work a bit more focus, while other days, my loved ones get all of my time. Most importantly, I try to be intentional about where I direct my energy, which I believe is what helps me thrive in both work and in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopgirlsdayout.com
• Instagram: girlsdayoutamy
• Facebook: girlsdayoutamy