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

Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I created Wild Caught Co a few years ago after I had been doing custom hand lettering work for weddings. I thought it would be fun to take the lettering I was doing and place it on products. I wanted to create unique sayings that you don’t often see other places.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I will be the first to admit that it really takes effort to stand out in the crowd of graphic tees and mugs, the options out there are endless! But that’s exactly what I wanted to do when I created Wild Caught Co. I love the challenge of thinking outside the box & coming up with new ideas that you don’t see anywhere else, which is why I wanted the added touch of all the “script” lettering on my designs being my handwriting. Between being home with my three boys and now homeschooling two of them this year (thanks covid!) it really has been a challenge to cut out time to make sure that Wild Caught is growing. Lots of early mornings and late nights filled with designing, fulfilling orders & planning out next steps for Wild Caught. But despite what this year has brought, I am so grateful to be watching the brand grow. I had the idea for Wild Caught Co about four years ago and only in this last year have I really been able to put more focus on it, despite feeling busier than ever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooh a whole week?! For starters, I would definitely take them hiking. I moved to the Valley 17 years ago and my best memories (still to this day) are hiking with my mom. We used to make it to Pinnacle Peak, Piestawa & Camelback on a weekly basis.You can’t beat the views of the city from on top of a mountain. Following hiking I would take them to grab juices in Old Town at Juice Core. It’s one of my favorites! Then possibly a stop at Vincent’s Market on a Saturday; with the options of fresh baked goods, paella, pizza, omelets, tacos & mimosas, there’s something for everyone! We would spend plenty of time by the pool; maybe a massage at the Sanctuary & happy hour at The Royal Palms. If they like shopping, a day at Kierland Commons & Scottsdale Quarter is always fun. And because I love to shop & support local I would take them to a Made With Love Market in Gilbert. If the friend is a golfer, Grayhawk Golf Course is a must in North Scottsdale. You can’t beat the golf option in Arizona. I love that the Valley is full of so many great food options so here’s a mini list of some of my favorites that I always try and take out of town guests to!: La Grande Orange Blanco TapHouse Kitchen Fire & Brimstone at Agritopia Farm & Craft Flower Child Chop Shop Press Coffee I could go on…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want my three boys to always see me going after my dreams, striving to be better & pushing the boundaries of who I’m supposed to be. They’re a driving force in so many areas of my life. I’ve always wanted more out of life & I hope that they can see me going after my dreams and goals & know that they too can do the same. I also don’t think that I could go on without mentioning a certain podcast that is constantly encouraging their listeners to push boundaries within themselves. Along with having inspiring work ethics themselves, Micheal and Lauryn Bosstick of TSC: Him & Her Podcast are always interviewing the type of people that make you want to “just go for it.” But Michael Bosstick’s frequent line, “Launch and adjust” really gave me that final push to do exactly that; launch Wild Caught Co & adjust along the way. I highly recommend checking them out!

Website: https://radnaut.com/collections/wild-caught-co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcaught.co/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wild_caught_co
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildcaughtco/
Other: Coming soon: https://www.wildcaughtco.com

Image Credits
Sheryl Long

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.