Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Toppe.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
If you had told me years ago that I’d one day be a full-time artist running my own business, I wouldn’t have believed you. My career path began in the classroom, where I spent seven fulfilling years as an elementary school teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia. Ironically, I was the kind of teacher who steered clear of messy art projects – glitter was a firm no, and paint was definitely someone else’s responsibility. I left that to the art specialist and focused on structure, routine, and reading groups.
In 2018, I wrapped up my teaching career on a high note, having been named Teacher of the Year for both my school and our county pyramid. That same summer, my family relocated to Apex, North Carolina from Northern Virginia, and I felt it was the right moment to step back from the classroom and focus on raising my two young boys. I launched a part-time tutoring company, which I continued to run during the pandemic.
It was during that time that I began dabbling in painting. Our home was decorated with neutrals (soft creams and muted tones). After months of being indoors, the lack of color became almost suffocating. I craved color and life on the walls around me. So, one night after the kids went to bed, I picked up a paintbrush. What began as a small personal project quickly became a nightly ritual. I surprised myself not only with how much I enjoyed painting, but with the natural ease I felt while doing it. I’d always been creative, but this felt different – like I had tapped into something I hadn’t realized was there.
I started an Instagram account simply to document my growth. But as I began sharing my work, I was met with enthusiasm from friends, family, and then, unexpectedly, a growing audience of strangers who wanted to bring my art into their homes. From the beginning, I made a promise to myself: I would paint what felt right, even if that meant breaking every “rule” about needing to develop a signature style. While I read about the importance of brand consistency, I couldn’t commit to one aesthetic. Each time I stood in front of the canvas, I wanted to explore something new. I never stuck to one “style,” instead letting each painting reflect what felt true in the moment (though my pastel color palettes and expressive strokes have become a signature in their own right).
In the spring of 2021, I started sharing art regularly on social media. Since then, I have built an Instagram following of more than 25,000 people, collaborated with national brands, licensed my work, had my pieces featured in museum gift shops and boutiques nationwide, and sold art to interior designers. I explored beyond the canvas, expanding into a line of products that brought my artwork into everyday life.
Today, I spend less time painting than I would like, as much of my energy goes into designing products, marketing, and fulfilling orders. That said, my art releases have become more intentional and highly anticipated. I’m grateful to have a loyal email community that supports each new collection with genuine excitement.
One of the most meaningful extensions of my work has been my line of Mahjong-inspired products. With the game experiencing a beautiful resurgence among younger generations, especially in the South, I saw an opportunity to blend my love for design with something deeply nostalgic. Both of my grandmothers played Mahjong, as does my mother, so the game carries sentimental weight. Today, I offer four original Mahjong mat designs, as well as card holders, coasters, and totes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the early days of building my business, I was so passionate and driven that work-life balance barely existed. If someone inquired about a painting at 11 p.m., and I happened to see the message while getting ready for bed, I would respond immediately without hesitation. That level of dedication, while not always sustainable, helped me cultivate strong, lasting relationships with my customers. Many of them have been with me since the very beginning, and I don’t take that for granted.
As a one-woman business, I oversee everything from packaging and bookkeeping to product design and customer service. That hands-on approach allows me to ensure every client receives the kind of thoughtful, personal experience they deserve. I no longer second-guess responding to emails while on vacation or late at night, because if it brings me joy and supports a great experience for my customers, it’s worth it.
One of my biggest current challenges is space. My home studio is completely full, literally packed to the brim with canvases, supplies, and in-progress work. With the growth of my product line, inventory has spilled into the rest of the house. My dining room now doubles as a warehouse, filled with hundreds of mahjong mats, acrylic blocks, shipping materials, and packaging supplies. It’s far from glamorous, but it’s a sign of growth, and I’m grateful for that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing that sets me apart is my deep belief in community over competition. I’ve never been competitive by nature and have always measured success by my own growth. That mindset has shaped the way I connect with fellow artists. When another artist reaches out with a question, I’m genuinely eager to help. I’ve shared countless resources on my Instagram page specifically to support emerging artists, including one of my most popular videos about how to create professional-quality prints at home. I also make a point to highlight and promote other artists whenever I can. I truly believe there’s room for all of us…after all, wall space is infinite.
I’m also incredibly proud of the ways I’ve been able to give back through my work. Since I started my business four years ago, I’ve donated artwork and products to numerous fundraisers in support of causes that matter to me. Most recently, I created a special rainbow acrylic block with 100% of proceeds going to the Be The Rainbow Foundation, started by my neighbors to support families facing childhood cancer. The response was overwhelming, with 75 blocks sold in just the first 24 hours. I feel deeply honored to contribute in even a small way to this mission and to stand with these brave families and their remarkable children.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is to trust my gut. Some of my biggest leaps in this business began as gut feelings, and I’m so glad I didn’t hold back. Looking back, those decisions became turning points, such as branching into mahjong products. I’ve learned that I’m capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for. Trusting myself has not only shaped the direction of my business, it’s shaped who I’ve become as an artist and entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandatoppeliving.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/amandatoppeliving
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/amandatoppeart
