We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda and Rebecca Ehredt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda and Rebecca, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
We are both Tucson natives and we were raised in a multicultural and multigenerational environment. Our dad, originally from Colorado, moved to Tucson to be closer to his family. When he moved here, he met our mom, originally from New York, at work. Our mom moved here with her parents and brother in order to be closer to our grandmother’s family in Mexico.

Our largely Irish-Mexican household was always filled with support and love. Mom and dad taught us the meaning of hard work and service to others through their work in law enforcement. They supported us both academically and creatively and were present at every awards ceremony, concert, and game. Our household was was filled with laughter, good food, support, and tough love.

Our grandparents and parents worked hard and sacrificed so that both of us could become first generation college graduates.(Go Cats!) Amanda went on to graduate from UA College of Law and Rebecca is finishing up a Master’s Program in the UA College of Education.

Because of this upbringing, we were encouraged to move forward with our small business idea. Through our work, our goal is to spread laughter and uplift others. We are incredibly proud to be from Arizona and a lot of our work is inspired by the beauty of our surrounding desert as well as our Mexican heritage.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Amanda is a UA College of Law graduate and is entering her fourth year as a practicing attorney in Arizona. Rebecca is a Special Education teacher for young adults in a local school district and is finishing her Master’s Degree in Severe and Multiple Disabilities. The path that we’ve both taken to earn our degrees and careers has been full of hard work and long hours of studying. Much of our work day is very cerebral and serious and we’ve always enjoyed creative outlets like playing instruments or crafting but we didn’t really have a lot of time to enjoy these hobbies.

When the pandemic started we both found ourselves working from home with a little more time on our hands, like many others. Some people turned to baking Sourdough bread, knitting, working out more; we turned to crafting. We bought a Cricut machine and started making fun items for family and friends. After getting feedback and creating a ton of things, we decided to turn our “Covid hobby” into a small business. We created a website, made social media pages, and began going to local craft fairs.

It’s been interesting learning how the local craft market scene operates as well as trying to figure out what items customers would like to buy. Add these normal business growing pains and sprinkle in a worldwide pandemic and it’s sure to create a steep learning curve. Slowly, but surely we’ve become more comfortable doing pop up craft fairs and have figured out what items we like to make. We’ve remained consistent and committed in being creatives.

We most proud of what our items represent- positivity and humor. Whether a customer purchases an elaborate mermaid shadowbox, a magnet that proudly states “Body by Bacon,” an Arizona keychain or ornaments, or one of our original sticker designs our sincere hope and wish is that the item makes them smile. It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone and we hope to spread positivity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Sonoran Desert has the most beautiful and unique landscape and anyone visiting the area has to get their fill! A visit to the Desert Museum or Saguaro National Park is a must! A hike through Pima Canyon Trail Head or a walk around the loop will immerse anyone in the beauty of the Desert. Afterwards, visitors can stroll through Green Things to purchase a unique plant of their own and then maybe stop next door at TRAK to visit with some of the rescue horses.

Anyone that comes to Tucson has to visit the UA campus. Its beautiful landscaping, interesting buildings, history, and spirit make it a must see stop. After that, visitors should make a trip to one of the local markets such as St. Phillip’s Plaza Market, to support local creatives and small businesses.

The outside malls in Tucson are beautiful. A stroll or some retail therapy at La Encantada or Tucson Premium Outlets makes for a fun afternoon.

Don’t even get us started on food! Tucson has something for everyone. Tu Nidito, Guadalajara Grill, El Molinito, The Parish, Seis Kitchen, The Hub, Rocco’s Little Chicago, Vivace, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill are just a few of the absolutely delicious restaurants available.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Huge shoutout to our parents. Their love and encouragement has been a constant in our lives. They support every pop up show we attend, provide feedback on our product, and give us ideas of things to create. We are incredibly lucky!

Website: https://www.arcreations520.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ar.creations.520/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcreations520

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