Daily Inspiration: Meet Amore Allen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amore Allen.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I always had a deep love for furniture. It wasn’t just about how it looked, but how it made spaces feel comfortable and functional. This passion for furniture was clouded a bit as I focused on other avenues available to me. I naturally have a knack for helping others, which led to my undergraduate degree in psychology. I developed a keen understanding of human behavior and needs. This background gave me a unique perspective on design, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that cater to individuals’ well-being and preferences.

Over my four years at UNC Chapel Hill, my creative streak grew stronger, and once I graduated, I jumped right into pursuing a master’s degree in industrial design at North Carolina State University. This was a pivotal moment in my journey. It allowed me to blend creativity with practicality, merging my understanding of psychology with my passion for design. This educational path was a perfect marriage of my interests, enabling me to create pieces that are both beautiful and functional.

When I started my master’s program, one of the first courses I took was a wood shop class. This course was a game-changer for me. I took full advantage of the access to tools and knowledge. My professor, an incredibly skilled and helpful man, became an invaluable mentor to me. I made multiple pieces during this time and felt a profound sense of pride in my work. This hands-on experience, from ideation to execution, solidified my belief that custom wood designs were not only something I was good at making but also something I wanted to pursue wholeheartedly.

One of the proudest moments of my career was having my stool “Fioritura” selected for exhibition in the National Gallery in Prague, Czech Republic. This recognition validated my innovative approach to design and was a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my craft. Another significant milestone was completing the design and build of “Inizio,” a modular sofa focused on dopamine-inducing specifications to enhance the overall client experience.

My professional journey began soon after returning from Europe as I started doing freelance projects for clients. These experiences provided me with a solid foundation in the industry, offering insights into both the creative and business aspects of furniture design. More recently, I have been working part-time with various clients through furniture sales for a company, which allows me to hone my skills for my own company and bankroll my pieces.

I create custom pieces that meet the specific needs of my customers. My consultancy work allows me to apply my unique blend of psychological insight and design expertise, resulting in furniture that truly enhances the lives of those who use it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the journey hasn’t always been smooth, but I view each challenge as a valuable lesson. The support of my family and the grace of God have been my guiding lights through the tough times. Their encouragement and faith in my abilities have given me the strength to persevere and continue pursuing my passion for furniture design. These struggles have shaped who I am today and have made the successes even more meaningful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a designer specializing in creating custom pieces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. My work is deeply rooted in understanding human behavior and needs, thanks to my background in psychology. This unique perspective allows me to design furniture that enhances the overall well-being and experience of the user.

My process starts with ideation and sketching, followed by research, 3D modeling or prototyping, and finally, the build. This approach is iterative, allowing for continuous refinement. I create a diverse range of items, including purses, bandanas, scarves, plant stands, sofas, stools, side tables, desks, and various electrical pieces like security cameras and lamps.

I am known for my ability to combine creativity with practicality, producing pieces that are both beautiful and functional. My signature designs include “Inizio” and “Fioritura” which focus on dopamine-inducing specifications to enhance the client’s experience. These projects exemplify my approach to design.

What sets me apart from others in the field is my interdisciplinary background and the ability to integrate psychological insights into my design process. This approach ensures that my designs are not only visually appealing but also cater to the emotional and psychological needs of the users.

I engage in freelance projects, working closely with clients to create furniture that meets their specific needs. Overall, my journey in furniture design is driven by passion as well as my desire to be the one “coming up with the designs”.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as a combination of happiness, effort level, and dedication. For me, success isn’t just about achieving a particular goal or milestone; it’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the journey. Happiness comes from doing what I love—designing furniture that enhances people’s lives—and seeing the positive impact my work has on others.

Effort level is also a crucial component of success. I believe in giving my best to every project, regardless of its size or scope. The dedication and hard work I put into my craft are reflected in the quality and uniqueness of my designs. It’s about pushing myself to continuously improve and innovate, never settling for mediocrity.

Dedication plays a significant role as well. Staying committed to my vision and passion, even when faced with challenges, is essential. It’s about perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude, knowing that each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. In essence, success for me is about finding a balance between achieving my goals, enjoying the process, and continuously striving to do better while making a meaningful impact through my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amorexdesign.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amorexdesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoreaallen/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amorexdesign