DCF: Who Are You?
Amanda Nelson, owner of Whistle & Wild – an online clothing boutique!

DCF: Why do you love what you do? What makes you funemployment?
AN: Multiple reasons, the biggest being the creative process and flow that I can achieve from working for myself. It’s challenging but rewarding and I wouldn’t have it any other way. (DCF: Nothing better than being boss!)

DCF: Who was your first mentor and how did you find them?
AN: My many bosses within retail management, always pushing me to meet goals or hire great people. But most importantly my husband, who pushed me to start Whistle & Wild. If it wasn’t for my support system at home (including my parents and other family) I wouldn’t have quit my job and taken that leap. (DCF: It pays to surround yourself with people that see your vision!)  

DCF: What’s your happy place?
AN: A bottle of wine, good music, nature, and shared laughs with friends. All accompanied with good food (I’m such a foodie it’s ridiculous) … the more cheese the better 🙂 (DCF: I’m a Whole 30 girl & my only struggle is quitting the cheese… it’s always soooo good!)

DCF:  Where do you get your energy?
AN: A full night of sleep, some restorative yoga, and a strong cup of coffee. (DCF: Yoga keeps me sane!!)

DCF:  What does balance mean to you and how do find it?
AN: Being able to multitask without sacrificing your personal wellness. I’ve worn myself way to thin before and it’s just not healthy. I try to find that hustle and that relaxation everyday. (DCF: Sprint and then rest, it’s a daily struggle.)

DCF:  What sacrifices did you have to make to get here?
AN: Starting a business isn’t easy especially when you’re not made of money. So I had to sacrifice going out a lot, and financially it was tough at the beginning. Saying no to events, when you’re a social butterfly is hard! (DCF: Tell me about it girl!!) But with sacrifice comes great successes I just know that.

DCF:  What struggles have you faced as a women in your industry?
AN: As a new boutique owner, I have been extremely blessed to have had the support that I have in the local community. Everyone rally’s behind me and it means not having to second guess myself. It means being that much more confident as a women entrepreneur. It means so incredibly much. I haven’t come across any major hard times yet being a female owner, not to say that I won’t one day. But it just makes it easier to have the strong women community here in DC. (DCF: I LOVE the DC creative community, there are so many wonderful people in the area, especially women!!)

DCF:  What is the early advice you didn’t listen to that you wish you had?
AN: Patience. I’m SUCH an impatient person. I try to practice it everyday but it’s easier said than done… if anyone has pointers I’ll gladly take them! (DCF: Ditto…)

DCF:  What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?
AN: Not one comes to mind- I’m sure there were multiple occasions were I fell flat on my face. But throughout all of my failures I’ve drawn strength from the strong as hell women in my family. Never stop grinding, hustling and don’t take no for an answer. I live by those quotes.

DCF:  What was your proudest moment to date?
AN: Since the launch in September- we’ve been published in two magazines and we were just on TV in February! I am so proud of my efforts to network and hustle. More to come 😉

DCF: What are you Currently Conquering:
AN: Growing the line, adding more diversity within our models. Skin colors, sizes, it’s all about personality. I want that to really show through on the brand.

DCF: Let’s Get Social (Media)!!
Insta: @whistle_wild
Facebook: whistle & wild
Website: www.whistleandwild.com
Email: contact@whistleandwild.com