Meet Amanda Kijak of Rainy Day Handmade
I love everything about Rainy Day Handmade! In fact, I've been scrolling through the shop's page all of these week because I CANNOT choose which design I want to order. Talking to owner, Amanda Kijak was a delight. She is full of passion, creativity and warmth. All which I am confident are expelled through her answers below. Enjoy reading about her shop's story AND go make a purchase!
You’ve sold over 3,000 masks! That is HUGE. How do you feel about so many people wearing your designs?
It's actually over 4,600 as of now! It's such a special feeling knowing that people all over the country are wearing something that I've made! And not just as something to wear, but something that keeps them and those around them safe. I actually just had my first experience of seeing a random person on the streets of Philly wearing one of my masks and it took everything in me not to yell to her across the street! It's also so cool when people order from me and tell me "I got your name from ___ who got your name from ___" and not knowing who any of these people are, which shows me just how far my business has spread. I'm so thankful for the success I've had but of course am so remorseful of the reason for my success - the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hard to grapple with feeling proud of my business growth while knowing that very unfortunate circumstances caused it.
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What is your favorite product your shop features? I think the straw hole masks are GENIUS.
Thank you! I do love those but I think my window masks are my favorite product. Not only because of how much time I put into developing the perfect pattern & perfecting the fit, but also because of the impact they have. These masks feature a clear vinyl window over the mouth area and are designed for folks in the deaf community, those who work in childcare, or anyone else who is involved in a community where it's a benefit for their mouths and facial expressions to be seen. I've had so many customers tell me how much they help within their work or community and it's really rewarding to have a part in that.
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I love the name of your shop! Where did that come from?
Thank you! I came up with it at the very beginning of quarantine during a particularly rainy week. I was having a Harry Potter movie marathon while weaving macrame on my couch. I thought I would list some of my macrames and other crafts on an Instagram page, mostly just to keep myself occupied during the stay-at-home order. My favorite times to create are when I'm stuck inside on a rainy day with my favorite movies and in that moment I was feeling particularly content on a gray, gloomy day while crafting, and so Rainy Day Handmade was born! I also like that the money I make from this hustle goes into my "Rainy Day" fund, so it was just perfect!
Fun Facts:
What is your favorite book?
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, but the Harry Potter series is a very very close 2nd!
What is your favorite season?
Fall without a doubt!
Who is your inspiration?
My mom! She's a seamstress and has taught me most of what I know about sewing. She's also my mask-making partner, we share fabric inventory and brainstorm marketing ideas. She creates the most beautiful creations from scratch all while working a full-time job - she definitely gave me that "hustle" mentality.
