Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Springsteen.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Amanda Springsteen, proud graduated from Lake Michigan Catholic High School (Class of 2014) with a passion for creativity and art. My path from college struggles to finding solace in yoga, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and discovering a newfound love for interior design has shaped me into the person I am today. Little did I know that my path would be a winding road of highs and lows, leading me to discover the power of art, resilience, and transformation.
I continued my pursuit of artistic expression by enrolling in the fashion and design program at Western Michigan University. I always found solace and inspiration in all forms of art – from photography to art classes, art history to design.
College wasn’t easy for me and definitely came with unforeseen challenges that tested exactly what is was I wanted to do in life. Health issues, including a severe case of mono, forced me to move back home and put my dreams on hold. I struggled, I was so lost in life turning to temporary pleasures and lacking a sense of purpose, everything just felt so uncertain. Then, yoga entered my life. What started as a form of exercise evolved into a lifeline for my mental health. The mat became my sanctuary, a place where I could rebuild myself from the inside out. Yoga saved me, in more ways than I can express. Completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training through the Mindful School of Yoga in 2018, I not only found solace but also a newfound purpose. With unwavering dedication in 2019, I took a leap of faith and opened a yoga studio, Asmi Yoga, envisioning a space where others could find peace and healing. But just as things started falling into place, COVID-19 hit, and I had to close the doors in early 2021. The regulations and rules that followed did not suit the smaller intimate space for classes anymore. I adapted and continued my career in yoga by offering online and private yoga sessions, spreading health and wellness in a time of uncertainty and chaos.This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and the ability to find light even in the darkest of moments. In the midst of these challenges, a new chapter unfolded as I discovered a passion for interior design. Collaborating with industry leaders and delving into innovative projects, I found a canvas to express my creativity in new ways. I got an amazing opportunity handed to me for my first project at Bluefin Ventures and Virgin Soil Real Estate for airbnbs downtown and helping develop the Heartside of Grand Rapids to make an impactful mark on the city in 2022. It felt amazing for how progressive this town already is and to get the opportunity to even get my foot in the door with zero experience other than self teaching myself with research and online courses. When i took on the project, I knew this was the one chance I would get to prove myself and to finally build a portfolio. The hard work paid off and after the open house, everything was finally paying off that took quite awhile to build with no traction. I now am working on a 22-unit project for developing Leonard St. I am helping redevelop the interior of the Harris Building and trying to get more people over in that area on foot and open more doors for the community with more businesses and restaurants. I am rooted in the belief that one hand shake can lead to countless opportunities. You have to figure out your niche as you go along more. My future goals are to take on more cliental with a focus on sustainable living and environmental design. The mission to create spaces that not only inspire but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier world. I hope my journey is a reminder that even in the face of hardships, we have the power to transform our challenges into opportunities for growth. Remember that i never finished college and I hope that people can see you do not always need that and it really depends on how bad do you want it. So, here I am, still learning, still growing. Each day brings new opportunities and challenges, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I believe in the power of art, of wellness, and in the idea that our struggles pave the way for something greater. I am grateful for every struggle and setback that shaped me into the person I am today leading me to this moment right now. The path may have been rocky, but each hurdle taught me resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of art and wellness. Amidst the trials and tribulations, I have learned that the darkest nights often pave the way for the brightest dawns—and it is in those moments of transformation that we truly find ourselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I never went to college so it was not always a smooth road. I had times of thinking of giving up and that my goals were unreachable. I think getting through the hard stuff when you first start out makes you stronger and sets you up for the projects that are gravitating towards you even when you do not see them.
What makes you happy?
spending time in nature or outside
walking my dog going to the beach reading a book hiking yoga
spending time with friends
getting inspired in art gallories going to art events
These things have brought me so much joy anything in the health and wellness category is always a plus for me because i believe it is so important to take care of yourself. if you do not, no one else will. And life is so short. I am still trying to balance being too future forward and working all of the time and not being in the present and enjoying the moments im given now.
Pricing:
- 50-100 hourly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.virginsoilrealestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springsteen_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567224940615
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-springsteen-b83b86181/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/asmihealthwellness
