My Story of Art + Healing
This business was born from struggles. And after I moved myself into a better physical & mental "space" I made the decision to never hide from my past, but to share it with others in the hopes it could somehow help.
I was born an artist. One of my first words was "me" and that was in reference to a pencil---I started drawing at a very early age and now, at 39, I've only stopped once. Art got me through being bullied as a teenager, illness, a toxic relationship, and a lot of trauma.
In January 2018 I came down with the flu and never really felt the same for months afterwards. In September of that year I went from being physically active to confined to a bed within a matter of two weeks. We saw many specialists, had tests, procedures, the works. I started my period when I was 10 and it had always been intense and painful, but it magnified that September, leaving me with symptoms that lasted most of my cycle.
Very long medical story short: I was diagnosed with Epstein–Barr virus, the flu caused EBV to flair, which in turn caused endometriosis, among other things, to magnify within my body.
I have always been physically active and my work was something I cherished. When I got so sick that those two things weren’t an option, I slipped into a dark depression. One evening my husband sat down on the couch beside me and told me we needed to talk. He reminded me that I had always wanted the opportunity to start my own business, and with being more or less bedridden for months, I had nothing but time.
I knew my greatest talent was drawing, I knew people could sell their work online, I knew I could sit and create art and use my computer. So I did.
Eventually, we were told that I would need surgery. Our insurance was okay but would not cover the bulk of this surgery and we needed to stay in Atlanta for almost a week. So, I turned to my business to generate the needed funds. Thankfully, my Alabama Wild print went semi-viral that Fall and requests came pouring in for other states. In March 2020 I was able to have my first surgery for endometriosis excision.
During that surgery I was diagnosed with adenomyosis, to which the only “cure” is a hysterectomy. I felt better after my surgery, but was still not doing great, and made the very difficult decision to choose quality of life over being able to be pregnant and had a total hysterectomy in January 2021. That surgery changed my life and will forever be one of my greatest decisions.
Although I no longer had the option to be pregnant, I always knew that I wanted to be a mother. In the Spring of 2021, my husband and I decided to move forward with our adoption – which we knew would be very expensive. I had used my business to generate almost twenty thousand dollars for medical costs, and I knew if I worked hard enough I could do even more for our adoption costs. And let me tell you, there is no greater fire burning inside someone than a mama trying to get to her baby.
So here we are: the talent that I was born with was used to help heal me physically & mentally and brought us our child. This business has become one of my greatest blessings and my mission is for my artwork to bring healing to others.
I often have a hard time comprehending what Amanda Klein Co. has become. And truly, from the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful for every single one of my customers. I hope you can see the love and appreciation that I feel for you in the goods you receive and the work that I do.
Comments
Jana Gaines said:
Glad to know your story and happy to contribute to your enterprise. Your determination to overcome the challenges is inspiring. You do lovely work!
Mum said:
I loved reading your story; thank you for sharing it. Your work is beautiful. Isn’t it amazing how God puts us in just the right place at the right time for the greater good? Best wishes to you and your lovely family.
Cathy Orosz said:
Thanks for sharing your story! I have been meaning to order some things for a while now and am so glad I did. I have a feeling I will be a repeat customer.
Sue johnston said:
Love my Michigan cards you love story about life and overcoming challenges is very inspiring. We all have our trials and pray for blessings and thanksgivings. Bless your precious family.
Caroline Causin said:
Amanda,
Your story was so inspiring. I am so glad that you have overcome your obstacles and that you were blessed with an incredible talent. Everyone deserves to be happy and you have certainly found your happiness in your family and your work. I wish you continued success.
Kimberly G Worley said:
Thank you for your inspiring story and how your business came to be! I’m no artist, but I have an eye for it and I LOVE paper! So the combination of the two make me a happy girl. Your art hit me as something special so I decided to take a chance and place an order. I haven’t received it yet, but I can hardly wait! Thank you for going with your dream. Sometimes during the darkness the light shines and leads you to where you need to be and continue on.
Jamey said:
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to many! I just placed my first order (notecards and notepads) and I’m very excited to get them.
Last but not least, you have a beautiful family!!!
Karen Jasper said:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is certainly inspiring. I love your work. Thanks to you, I got started on my Christmas shopping. I am anxious to receive my order and will have to place another one for Arkansas towel set of 2. Also will need Texas towel sets when you have them in stock. I hope you continue your beautiful work and enjoy your precious child!
Ann Thompson said:
What a beautiful story! So glad you are well now and have your precious boy! My daughter adopted a little girl from China, 13 years ago and we are in love with this precious girl! I love your artwork! Just happened to see it online.
Victoria Heavey said:
Amanda such a beautiful, inspiring story and a beautiful family. I love your art and wish you every success.
Bonny said:
Wow – I couldn’t stop reading. I love that God in His infinite wisdom gave you the gift that He did. And that He brought you through the struggle to the other side to healing and a life you love. In you sharing you’re story makes me so glad I invested a tiny bit with my purchase of your business .
Tricia Cruz said:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Powerful for sure!
As a new SC resident, I’m looking forward to receiving my first order!
Continued blessings and best of luck to you and yours!
ssundaram said:
We are one of the leading Manufacturer-Exporters of Cotton Handwoven Home Textiles products. We have been selling the products for several years and our major buyers include large scale companies in our country and abroad. We can supply the following items of best quality in fairly competetive price in scheduled time.
100% Cotton Handwoven: Table Cloths/Tea Towels/Napkins/Place Mats/Runner Mats/Curtains/Cushion Covers/Chair Pads/Bedspreads/Pillow Covers/Bread Bags/Bread Basket/Aprons/Pot Holders/Oven Mittens/Furnishing Fabrics and other made-ups.
We belive that your company imports deals in the line of items we export, and we are interested in selling to your company to expand our mutual trade.
Should you be interested in our products, we shall be glad to provide you with further details. In addition, we would be pleased to reproduce any samples which may send to us to manufacture according to your requirements.
Thanking you and looking forward to receive your earliest reply.
With kind regards,
ssundaram-Rep
Cheryl Crawford said:
Now that I know your story, the cards are even more meaningful to me! They are my “go to” gift to friends.
Cathy Surowiec said:
Love my SC floral cards! Your smiles are pure joy – congratulations and continued health + joy! Best wishes! Thank you for sharing and working hard – inspiring Happy Easter
Kathy O'Kelley said:
Your story brought tears to my eyes. Can’t wait to get my first order. God bless you
Marilyn Collazo said:
I love your cards. Now more, and I admired you.
Thank you for share your experiencia.
GOD BLESS YOU
susan d holladay said:
Just got my Missouri picture and love it. Took it in to get framed and they loved it as well. I told them your story and they will fix a pocket on the back of the frame so I can put a copy of your story on the back of picture. My friends son and daughter in law recently adopted a sweet baby as well. Can’t wait to share your story with them. Thank you.
Blessings,
Sue Holladay
Tere said:
Beautiful Puerto Rico cards. Do you have family in Puerto Rico?!
Michael Krall said:
Hi Amanda,
You may not remember me, but I’m local and you left the NC flower print on your porch a while back and I picked it up. I also bought a NY print as well. You recommended those IKEA frames also. And I’ve said hello at Pepper Place.
They are awesome gifts and you have an incredible talent.
I’m writing because my son is majoring in art and I’m looking to get his pieces scanned and printed to sell. Where do you go to get a high quality scan and/or print of your art? I’d be grateful for any recommendations!
Thanks!
Michael Krall
Nancy Bigham said:
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so happy for you and your family and your health! You have overcome so much! I wish you continued blessings!
Thank you for making others happy through your beautiful art! I just ordered Illinois & Michigan! I can’t wait to see them! I just relocated to IL from MI to be near my son & daughter & their families. New beginning at 72! 😘. Nancy Bigham
Trish Besey said:
I haven’t received my order yet, still waiting, hopefully I will get it soon:)
MARY said:
Hi~Received my cards..they’re fabulous, I’m using them as thank you notes for Christmas presents received..I’m thinking the round stickers have a peel off back; but., thought I’d check before I ruin them..❣️
MARY said:
Hi~Received my cards..they’re fabulous, I’m using them as thank you notes for Christmas presents received..I’m thinking the round stickers have a peel off back; but., thought I’d check before I ruin them..❣️
Peggy Shannon said:
I received a print of Pennsylvania from April for Christmas and just love it. I am ordering one of Wyoming where I live now. I think they are just beautiful. Thanks
Joan said:
Amanda, what a beautiful family you and your husband have created. Your baby is precious! What a smile. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you even more success with your beautiful works of art. And I pray you enjoy continued good health!
Genie Kemp said:
Amanda, thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring story. You have gone through so much at such a young age, but you are truly a warrior! Your artwork is so amazing, and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it online. Good Luck to you and your beautiful family and may you continue to have great success!
Nancy said:
My prints are being delivered today and I can’t wait to see them!!
Mary Schultz said:
Received cards! What are the small discs for?
Diane DONALDSON said:
I am wondering if you do any special order prints in larger sizes. Thank you.
Diane DONALDSON said:
I am wondering if you do any special order prints in larger sizes. Thank you.
Ashley Hudnall said:
Do you sell at a wholesale price? I would maybe be interested in putting your KY products in our pharmacies! Thanks.
Camille Boydston said:
Love your prints and note cards I have purchased! Hope you do more states in the teas towels!
Amanda Pritchard said:
I love your name!🙂 thanks for sharing your story. I’m so glad that your surgery has fixed the problem and I wish you all the best concerning your adoption. I too had a hysterectomy but my reasoning was due to cancer. It’s been a long battle and I’m still fighting it. It’s taken alot from me and I truly wish I could give up. I’m now homeless and trying to be the best single mom I can be. My daughter thinks we’re camping yet in reality were homeless and living in a tent in grant park. Reading your story has given me hope so thank you Amanda and may God bless you always. ✌AMANDA