Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Alcala.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Something about working in a corporate role has always felt like I’m suffocating, and no matter the company or position, I just kept hearing this little voice asking me “What is your true purpose? What are you truly meant to be doing here?” So I tried a few side hustles, attempting to find something that would stick and truly fill my soul. Id burn out and a year or two would go by and I’d try something else, and burn out again. Did that for 10 years? Finally just gave up, told myself, my husband, and my family, I’m not doing anymore side ventures, I’ll just work my cushy job from home and chill.
But even in my “chill” state of mind, I’m still a creative at heart, and naturally I needed a hobby that would double as a creative outlet. And in 2024, when a friend of mine introduced me to rock painting, I went for it. And fell in love with painting. All the drawings, and hand lettering practice, and screenshots of cool designs I had saved, and the inspirational quotes I had written or pinned, I finally had a purpose for it all and a canvas to put all my ideas onto. And painting was one of the few things I hadn’t really practiced or even tried over the years. But really always wanted to paint, just never tried or even knew what to paint.
Fast forward to 2025, my sister was planning her baby shower, and it was a no brainer for her to ask me to paint a banner for the shower. And being the cheerleader that she is, my sister suggested I start painting more banners for other people, and being as impulsive as I am, I did it. Set up all my social media accounts, drew a temporary logo, pricing sheets, and to my surprise not only did it start to prove fruitful, but since then, I’ve been asked to paint windows, murals, vintage furniture, a shipping container, and a number of other things. Far more than I could have ever imagined, and I know without a doubt, God was pruning me all those years for this exact thing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say smooth at all. Definitely a ride, kinda like the old wooden Texas Giant. It’s been fun, but a little back breaking. My biggest struggle is still definitely juggling a “9-5 job”, a small business (or a second FT job), life, family, and finding time for it all without burning out again.
With little to no true business background or insight to operating a business, my second biggest struggle has been learning it all. Studying trends, what’s working, what isn’t, what to charge, how much is the cost, building systems. The least favorite part for probably every creative business.
All things considered, and no matter how tired I am, this is by far the most fun and fulfilling thing I have ever set out to do, and the smiles and the gratitude from others is worth every second of struggle.
There are days where the imposter syndrome kicks in, and days I feel like there’s no way I can keep going like this. Or a slow order week that makes me question everything I’ve been doing for last almost year.
If I sense a spiral coming on (lol), I take a day or two to get recentered, BREATHE, read my Bible, and recharge. I find a lot of inspiration in the words of other small business owners sharing the normality of what I may be facing in this season or the next. So to be reminded that it’s totally normal to struggle definitely helps get back up and keep running the race!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
All of my products and services are hand painted and custom for each client. From custom banners to senior spirit jeans, window art for businesses, or murals for both businesses and homes. I also recently started offering painted Bibles, and launch seasonal specialty items for holidays.
I’m mostly known for my unique approach to popular themes, and trends, as well as, my ability to adapt my style to any canvas. If it can be painted, I’m not afraid to give it a go! All the text and lettering in every one of my designs is strictly done in my own handwriting. I’d probably say what I’m known for is also what sets me apart.
I recently finished a business logo mural that I painted on both sides of a 20ft shipping container which I’m quite proud of. Largest canvas by far.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can support my work by ordering custom pieces on my website, referring a friend, sharing my business with other businesses (maybe some with a good set of windows or a blank wall that could use a little paint), or just following along online and cheering me on. I’m on pretty much every social media platform and every share, referral, like, follow, and order truly means the world to me,
I love collaborating with people and businesses who value creativity and want something unique to add to their own story rather than a copy of what’s already out there. And am willing to consider any collaboration opportunity as long as it’s mutually beneficial! Whether it’s something I already offer or another custom project, I’m almost guaranteed to be open to it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WhimPaintCo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimpaintco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Whimpaintco
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whimpaintco
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@whimpaintco
Image Credits
Cherished Memories Photography
