Meet Amanda Newton | Teacher and Embroiderer

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

Hi Amanda, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Like many might say, I came up with my idea for my business by accident. When my son was born, I wanted to give him a college football themed bedroom. My husband and I both have degrees from Arizona State University, so I thought it would be fun to make my son a quilt out of some of our old swag. I hadn’t really sewn before, but to me it didn’t look too hard. I made him a rag quilt and posted a picture on social media, before I knew it, so many people were asking for custom rag quilts for their children. After making hundreds, my sewing machine bit the dust and it was time for a new one. My husband surprised me with a sewing machine that could both sew and do embroidery. I started embroidering my quilts and that was the start of my business!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been told by many that the thing that sets my embroidery apart from others is that I have a way of personalizing my custom orders to match the person behind the order or product. I like to do a little digging (in conversation) to see if I can get any clues about what the person who is ordering from me likes or dislikes. Then, I add that unexpected touch to their order- whether it be a familiar fabric I’ve seen them use before, or a special pattern that will match another item they own. I also love to gift my products to friends, family, other teachers, those who are down or struggling, and even though I don’t do it for this reason, they typically end up becoming customers!

I got where I am today by not being afraid to try new things. There are projects that terrify me! People have given me special items to embroider, and I just have to trust in my skills and experience to know that I will not ruin it! I recently stepped out of my comfort zone when I was invited to sell my items at a local shop. I was terrified and spent the first two months convinced that I was doing it all wrong. But as with everything, I eventually found what worked best for me and am finally to the part where I can just enjoy it and have fun.

What I want the world to know about my brand, is that the product you are receiving is a true reflection of me. I was once told that who I am as a person shows up in my work, and I think that is true! I love to use happy colors, strong materials, fun designs, and that is how I would want others to view the person behind Newton’s Apple-Que.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being from a small town myself, I love to find places that feel like a community. The first place I would take her is to my favorite place ever- my home! We recently bought some land and a charming cozy little house in Goodyear, so she would get a tour of our property and our 1,000 square foot garden. I would also probably take her for a walk around the neighborhood where she can meet the neighbors and see all of their farm animals- especially the goats across the street and the chickens that always escape from the house behind us! Then, we would head to downtown Buckeye where we would visit Sophia at Screws and Sparkles for some vintage and handmade goodies, then head next door for lunch at Cafe 25:35. I would take her on a tour of some of the historic sights in Buckeye (I love the Liberty schoolhouse!), then naturally we would have to stop at Enroute Coffee and Tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. For dinner, we would have to stop by N-Dub for some delicious pizza, and probably dessert at The Boyer Bakery afterwards. I suppose her whole vacation would be spent eating- but honestly, what is better than that??

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Tim, is the reason this business exists. He was the one that surprised me with my first embroidery machine. He also, being in IT, taught me how to use it. He doesn’t complain when I spend the necessary costs on materials, maintenance, equipment, or designs. He is also willing to help take care of our 4 young kids when the Christmas rush has me sewing late into the night after I return home from teaching. One day, I needed to restock my elf clothes at a local shop but had to head to work and didn’t finish stitching out the little elf hangers that come with the outfits. He let me show him how to make them and stitched out 80 hangers for me to come home and pick up after work! Best of all, he travels all across town to drop off orders to save people on shipping. We also jokingly call him “head of purchasing” because he finds the best deals on supplies! To know him is to love him, and I am so grateful for everything he does to make my business the best it can be.

Instagram: newtons_appleque

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

Image Credits
Chelsea Roles Photography