Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Aicardi.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Boston native who came to San Diego about 6 years ago. My cousin and another friend were interested in moving to San Diego and invited me along! I had been wanting to pursue travel nursing in California for quite some time so this was my golden opportunity! I had been working in Boston and NYC as an Oncology nurse and felt I needed a break for the busy city life. We took a two-week long road trip out to California and I literally started my orientation the day after I arrived in San Diego.
I loved working for UCSD so much that I signed on after my one year travel assignment. Throughout my career, I have worked in a challenging specialty specifically Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant. I absolutely love my work however throughout the pandemic it became very emotionally taxing. Patients who were hospitalized for months were unable to see their families, we were their only in person supports.
In August of 2020, I developed some health issues and had to take a few months off from working. It was during this time that I needed an outlet to focus my energy in a positive and artistic way. I always had multiple jobs and to not be working was something I was not used to. That being said I have always had an interest in tie dying. As a child, I remember going to summer camp and being so thrilled that we had a tie dying day! I was always so excited to see how things turned out once they were finished.
I began tie dying random fabrics, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. I watched videos and searched the internet on how to execute various designs and techniques. I became fascinated with how different fabrics responded to the bleaching and dying process. I loved to see how things turned out and I’ll be honest I had many failures, but thats the fun part about learning something new! I began showing my friends and family my new hobby and people really liked it! I received such positive feedback that I decided to create an LLC. I established Tie Dye Cozies LLC in June of this year and just recently obtained my permits for selling my clothing.
I currently have an Etsy as well as an Instagram but my dream is selling at markets here in San Diego. I have two types of clothing that I have focused on: repurposed new items which I dye or bleach, I also have vintage items which I have found at thrift stores or online markets where I repurpose them with bleach and dye as well. I am heading towards a more sustainable approach by repurposing vintage or used clothing items. Ive recently been inspired by finding rare items that people can connect to by putting a unique spin on them and making them a bit more trendy.
My end goal with this company is to formulate a charity and or foundation to establish better support and resources for essential workers. During the pandemic, many healthcare workers are overworked and overwhelmed. My goal is to have part of the proceeds of each clothing sales to support mental health resources to enable better support for essential workers. I feel that mental health is unfortunately the last thing on our minds as healthcare workers. We are consumed by taking care of our patients that we forget to take care of ourselves. I would be thrilled to be able to provide more resources through the sales of my tie dye to give back to healthcare workers!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely had its challenges! Just learning that I needed to dilute the bleach with water before applying it to my clothing was a learning process in itself. I also didn’t realize that certain fabrics do no bleach, cotton is preferred. I have wasted money on sweatshirts and T-shirts just trying out different techniques. I also tipped over my bleach one day and it ruined an entire sweatshirt. Starting an Etsy page was complicated as well! There are so many different categories and attributes to add to your listing it was a lot of work just getting started. Even just figuring out how to become and LLC and what permits are required to properly sell items in California. It was truly been a roller coaster and quite a learning experience!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been specializing in band tee dresses for women as well as band tee shirts for men. It has been so fun finding these items and playing around with different colors and patterns. One of the first items I started bleaching were Hanes Comfortwash sweatshirts. The colored dye which Hanes uses bleaches into really fun colors, I have had a lot of fun with these as well! I have sold them to friends and family who say they are super soft and cozy. I try to make sure all the fabrics are super soft and comfy! I think something that sets me apart from others are some of the unique patterns & colors I use. Every piece is handmade by me & I take my time creating unique items that I think people will love!
What matters most to you? Why?
I pride myself in quality clothing that people love and feel comfortable wearing. I have always felt that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. It can be trendy and comfy all at the same time. I want my clothing to make people happy and be able to tell a story that their clothing supported a good cause!
Pricing:
- Most Band Tee shirts are $25-40
- Vintage items range from $40-50
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Tiedyecozies
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TieDyeCozies?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
