Career Influencer: 25 Questions With Whistle & Wild’s Amanda Nelson

Amanda Nelson is on her way to becoming a one-woman fashion oriented empire. She’s the founder of the online retail boutique, Whistle and Wild.  The company is experiencing early rapid growth by intelligently utilizing powerful social media channels including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1. How did you get your idea or concept for the business? I have always wanted to be my own boss, and have always had a love for apparel, especially mixing different styles together. Last year for my new years resolution I decided to go for it! Why wait?
2. What was your mission at the outset? Whistle & Wild, seeks to carefully curate multiple collections of trendy apparel in order to provide customers with a unique selection of ready-to-wear merchandise; to establish a strong reputation of quality products; to build a loyal customer base and provide top-notch online shopping experience.
3. How many employees? Me, Myself, & I!
4. How do you advertise your business? Social Media, word of mouth, and most importantly, When someone wears W&W and represents the brand.
5. To what do you attribute your success? My work ethic. When I set my mind to do something I will do everything in my power to ensure it is successful. And while I have high expectations for W&W, I believe that the key to achieving big goals is to set small, obtainable objectives.
6. What made you choose your current location? As an online boutique I have the ability to be able to sell to customers all over! It’s always such a pleasure to see someone from across the country order something from us. I don’t think that will ever get old!
7. What are your company’s goals for 2017? To keep expanding throughout the U.S. I would love to have little Whistle & Wild followings in each major city by the end of the year.
8. What is unique about your business? Besides the fact that we mix western pieces with modern chic, I like to think that our customer service is on point as well as our personalization when it comes to our packaging
9. What made you choose this type of business? I love the idea of using apparel as a means of self-expression. Some days you may want to look like a million bucks while other you may want to stay low key and sport a more casual look. That idea mixed with my creativity and leadership background made Whistle & Wild a perfect adventure for me.
10. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You won’t know it all, and most people are willing to help!
11. When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor then a singer. While I do sing, I don’t think I will be performing any surgeries any time soon (or ever) hah.
12. What was your first business idea and what did you do with it? This is my first business idea! Although I wanted to start a lot sooner then I actually did, the timing was never right and this past year was THE perfect time to go public!
13. What do you wish you knew before you started your first business? How important it is to save every little receipt! (Laughs).
14. What’s your best hiring tip/secret? Prior to Whistle & Wild I have had many hiring roles and I have found that it is best to let the candidate interview you. Their questions are very valuable and may tell you a lot about the candidate.
15. How do you use social media? Engaging on IG, commenting and posting authentic content on both IG & Facebook, as well as an occasional promotional email.
16. What’s your favorite book? The Story by Max Lucado & Randy Frazee
17. What did you learn from your biggest failure? That sometimes, it really doesn’t matter what other people think. As long as you are happy and you’re not impeding on another’s life in a negative way….Then do you! Happiness is hard to come by so once you have it hold on to it for as long as you can.
18. How do you find inspiration? Runway, Pinterest, and most importantly, Nature.
19. What was the best piece of advice you ever got? “When you reach the end of your rope tie a knot and hang on.” The worst? Not sure actually, which means it was so horrible I’ve forgotten it! (Laughs).
20. What’s your productivity secret? Locking myself in my office with coffee and a good soundtrack
21. How do you cope with nerves before public speaking? Shaking it off quite literally (my own personal dance party)!
22. What’s your favorite quote? “It’s the things you do, that you don’t have to do, that determines the difference for when its too late to do anything about it.”
23. What is your biggest pet peeve? People who try to bring you down, and who aren’t genuinely happy for your success.
24. What’s your favorite vacation spot? Any all-inclusive resort does the trick for me!
25. What are your favorite restaurants in the DC area & why? Baked and Wired. The best cupcakes –EVER. Also the cutest environment. They have a huge American flag hanging in there…what’s not to love about that.

Head over to WhistleandWild.com to check out the latest collection!