It is time for a change.
Last May we were on vacation when I had this overwhelming feeling that I should not attend AtlantaMarket in July (this is a massive trade show in the wholesale industry). I sat with this for a few days to make sure my thoughts didn’t change—and they didn’t. So I dropped out. It was a big move, a little scary, but very much the right choice for me at the time.
I didn’t realize that leaving AtlantaMarket was my first step towards choosing the life I wanted instead of chasing the life I thought I was supposed to have.
In August, right before leaving for a business retreat, my husband looked at me and said, “I wish there was a way for you just to make your artwork for your prints, to not have the huge stress and overhead of a warehouse and products, and to be able to experience peace with your business.” He voiced what I didn’t have the courage to say. I had been wanting this for several years now, but I felt such a commitment to my customers, my stores, my team, and this “dream of big business” that I kept moving forward.
During this season of me digging deep, asking some big questions, and allowing myself to think about what “could be” -- we were also experiencing the hardest year financially due to tariffs, increased expenses (like, majorly increased), and softened consumer spending. The emotional and financial stress factors outside of my control were weighing heavily against what I truly wanted in my soul.
So I tried harder to make things work and dug even deeper — traveling even more for the last half of 2025 in an effort to keep things moving forward in this direction that I wasn’t even sure I wanted. But every time I would leave, I’d drop my child off at school and cry for 30 minutes afterwards because I would be gone for 3-5 days at a time. I hated it. It was so hard on my family.
It felt like my desire for simple, for putting my art first, for being home, for craving these beautiful moments with those I hold closest, were supposed to be my compass. I knew that if I kept chasing this “big business” goal, that my 70 year old self would be furious with my 40 year old self. Furious.
Furious that I missed so many of my child’s activities. Furious that I traveled so much instead of being at home sitting within both the beautiful and hard moments. Furious that I neglected my health because life on the road is hard on the body. Furious that I chased my “big” career instead of chasing the ball with my dog. Furious that my mind didn’t stop focusing on my next business move instead of on our family game of Go Fish.
And don’t get me wrong, I freaking love to work. I love having a career. I love working hard and I still have huge goals. Working makes me a better person, a better mom, a better friend, a better partner. But I don’t want the kind of job that requires me to heavily put any of my most cherished people (and pets!) second.
So early this year I had to get honest with myself. I had to define what success actually means to me and make decisions that reflected my truth.
My aligned business path is this: as of March 31, 2026 amandakleinco.com will offer only fine art prints and original artwork. Art is my gift and my purpose. It is deep within my soul. Products like notecards, towels, notepads, stickers, totes, and flags will be gone after that date. For my wholesale stores, we will only be offering Plantable Greeting Cards and fine art reproductions.
To my customers, many of whom I have never met, I am deeply grateful. You have been the foundation of this business for 5 years. I often tell people that you played a huge role in why we were able to adopt, simply because of how expensive that journey was. There are no words that fully express my gratitude. I hope you stay. I hope you follow along here. I hope my current work and my new work will bring you moments of joy.
I also want to thank April, my Operations Director, who has been with me through all of it (ALL OF IT). Your support, steadiness, and care have meant more than you know. I am grateful to be walking into this next chapter with you.
So I am not closing down. I am coming back to what got this company going in the first place…which is all just a little ironic.
I feel so much peace. I feel so much lighter. And I’m also riding a “high” because I watched my son play baseball last night, to which I’ll be at all his games this season.
Love always and so much gratitude,
Amanda
Comments
I am sad that I was too late to purchase more items BUT..
I am so excited for you and your decisions to live life with focus on your family! You won’t regret it!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Love your work!!
I hope you inspire more people to view life through that vantage point. I think we would have stronger marriages & families as well as happier people. God bless you in your new endeavors.
Family first. Enjoy these moments with your son. No regrets. ❤️
Have loved giving your talent as gifts to family and friends. Wish the best for you and your family in this new/old chapter in your life.
I am so thrilled you listened to those inner voices. You will never regret putting your family first. I love your art work and have shared it with family and friends.
God bless you and your family.
I have loved your beautiful and creative designs, and have given many of your products as gifts and every recipient has loved them. You are so admired for putting your family first!
May God bless you, and thank you for sharing your amazing talents with so many.❤️
God bless you on your journey ❤️❤️❤️
I will miss the beauty of your note cards & notepads! They have been my mainstay for years! I have given them for gifts & always get compliments on their uniqueness & the lively artwork ! It will be hard to find a replacement ! Good luck to you !
Amanda, let us know about your items you want to sell out….
My dear Amanda,
CONGRATULATIONS on your brave decision, especially, during these difficult times! From note cards to tea towels, I give thanks for you being in my home 🏡 I have given your work to dear friends who want to know how to find you and it has been an honor to refer you ❤️
May God continue to bless you and your precious family🙏🏽🙏🏼 With a grateful heart, Martha
My dear Amanda,
CONGRATULATIONS on your brave decision, especially, during these difficult times! From note cards to tea towels, I give thanks for you being in my home 🏡 I have given your work to dear friends who want to know how to find you and it has been an honor to refer you ❤️
May God continue to bless you and your precious family🙏🏽🙏🏼 With a grateful heart, Martha
My dear Amanda,
CONGRATULATIONS on your brave decision, especially, during these difficult times! From note cards to tea towels, I give thanks for you being in my home 🏡 I have given your work to dear friends who want to know how to find you and it has been an honor to refer you ❤️
May God continue to bless you and your precious family🙏🏽🙏🏼 With a grateful heart, Martha
Congratulations on taking an honest look at what beauty life brings and how you want to live it not how you have to! There is no perfect “life book” so I am happy you are writing your own story! Love your work and will continue to in the future!
I am also struggling with being on a career path at the moment that doesn’t align with what I truly want in life. Your words have motivated me to seriously look into a change so I can have inner peace and do what I think is truly best for me and my family. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sending you all the love and best wishes!
Amanda
Thank you for being so honest. I know it has been a hard decision for you to make but also a heartfelt
You have and will continue to touch so many people with your beautiful artwork.
I know god is going to bless everything you do. What a sweet blessing you are to so many
Faye Reed
How brave of you to see the merry go round and choosing to get off!!
Blessings to you and yours!!
So proud of you Amanda & Drew; this decision was absolutely the right direction and remember doing this now will make u a young 70 when that comes down the road! Love u all and miss not seeing you! “Fortunately pictures are a thousand loving words!! “
Family. First, last, Always ❤️
Girl, I am so glad that you’re going to get back into the art that you love so much. And maybe I’m just saying that selfishly because you know how much I love your art. I’m so proud of everything that you’ve done and everything that you are planning. I’m excited to see what this next chapter will bring for you and your family. Love you girl!
Congratulations! I love your artwork and will continue to be a customer!
Peace.
I am proud of you. I was fortunate that I taught school where my kids were and got too be a part of their activities. You are very talented, and we are so proud of you. I will order a few of your garden flags and maybe a few packs of your notecards. The best to you, dear Amanda!
You have made the right decision. Family should always come first. I have loved your artwork and all the products. I wish you much success in the coming years.
Amanda…I am so happy for you…you will never regret the time you have with your family. Those are what brings us the greatest riches to our lives. I will continue to follow your work and your life. Take care.
My dear: try to view life til now, not as FURIOUS, but maybe FILLING. No effort is wasted. You have grown to appreciate how hard that first dream is. And that appreciation marks you, in what will be positive ways. God bless you, Amanda and sweet family.
Your work is beautiful and I admire you for your decision as much as I will miss your notecards and other items that have made wonderful gifts. I personally use your notecards all the time as I still firmly believe in writing “handwritten” thank you notes and sympathy cards. Best of luck to you and your family. I will stock up on your items before they are gone! Thank you again for your beautiful works of art!
I applaud you for putting family above work. I have enjoyed your products- especially the mystery boxes!
I applaud you for putting family above work. I have enjoyed your products- especially the mystery boxes!
I will miss your products but wish you the best in your new focus. Family is always the right choice.