"Your college degree is a waste of time."

"Oh, so I guess your college degree is just a waste of time."

Yes, someone actually said this to me. Those words came out of someone's mouth and were addressed to me. I was the lucky recipient of this oh so graceful sentence. With the recent quick success of my new business, I have had several people make remarks like this to me. For those of you who do not know me, I am a senior Biology major with a concentration in Ecological, Environmental, and Evolutionary sciences. That's right, I want to be a scientist. I also however, am the founder and owner of Tiny Tribe Apparel. A quickly growing apparel line for kids and adults; we offer a little something for everyone in your tiny tribe. (Catchy, huh?) So here I am, stuck between the world of fashion, and the world of science. And now, people are telling me my degree is a waste.

Here's a little bit of background on my college education:
I have taken 2 years off, changed my major once and my concentration once, moved more than 5 times,  purchased my first house, I fell in love, got engaged, got married, got pregnant, delivered a baby, got pregnant again, had a miscarriage, lost my father, and started a business ALL while I was in school. To say the least, my path has been ANYTHING but conventional, and I am NOT your average college student. In the midst of all of this, I also had a couple of semesters where I didn't do too hot, due to having just a little too much fun. (I was 18, give me a break.)

And now, I'm in my senior year and people keep asking me what I want to do after I graduate. And to be completely 1000% honest - I have no idea. I have options. I have plans. But no, I don't know what I want to do. And I am totally okay with that. 1010% okay with it actually.

See here's the thing, I've always been a lover of fashion and trends, but I have fallen in love with it all over again since having a little one. I have never been more driven and passionate about something in my life than I am with my own business. I never thought this was something I could do as a career, but now I am seeing that it is! Did you know that there are less 20-something year old entrepreneurs in the United States now than ever before? I'm part of a dying breed. And I love it.

Tiny Tribe Apparel at New Orleans Fashion Week. 

I've always been a lover of nature. My father was too. He knew just about everything about everything. I don't even know how he fit all that knowledge in his brain. So I've always been science driven. I know, what a nerd?! The world is just such a fascinating place!

Okay, so where am I going with this? Basically the point I'm trying to make is my college education and degree is definitely not a waste, whether I do anything with it or not. What's wrong with setting a goal and completing it? No one can ever take my degree away, and it will never expire. As my amazingly wise best friend once told me, "I have the rest of my life to do what my degree allows me to do." Those words stuck with me ever since they came out of her mouth. That's so true. We live in this society that expects you to go to college, get your degree, and do whatever it is that you got your degree in for the rest of your life. And maybe that's the path you chose. Good for you. You get a gold star. I'm so glad you figured out life and all the secrets to everything ever. And maybe you're like me, and you're a late bloomer. Maybe you want more out of life. Maybe you found yourself a little later. Maybe you just changed your mind. You too, get a gold star. It doesn't matter what you do with your life, what matters is the manner in which you live it.

I've learned so many things just from obtaining my degree. Time management, how to prioritize, how to write professionally, how to be organized, self-determination and motivation, and how to network. These are all life skills that will help me no matter what field I go into. So, if you're in college and you are just kind of wandering around wondering where the free coffee is, don't sweat it. You have the rest of forever to figure it out. It's going to be okay. Just live with love and positivity. The rest will sort itself out. I promise. Your degree is most certainly not a waste of time. And as always, good luck.

Me and the hubs after his undergrad graduation in 2012. He is currently working on his masters. 

My Tiny Tribe Life - Shopping Small

Good ole American entrepreneurship. It makes my heart full. To hear of people: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, just like me and you, fulfilling their dreams from their kitchen table. Started on hard work and heart. Made not for a profit, but for love. Watching an idea come to life. All of these things are a part of being a small shop owner. It's so much more than running a business.

I want to tell you a story about my friend Susan Petersen over at Freshly Picked Moccasins. Susan had ordered shoes for her little one, but was unsatisfied with they way they fit. So she sought to create her own. Little did she know that it would take her where it has today. Her brother was working on windows, and she was collecting the aluminum from their frames and saving it for an entire summer. When the season ended, she took the aluminum and cashed it in for a total of $200. And Freshly Picked was born. And I guess you can say, the rest is history.

There is something so inspiring about a person pouring their soul into what they do. Art is born when the artist puts profit aside, and focuses on bringing light through their craft.

Miles and I have become somewhat of a face for small shops. We love supporting our friends and collaborating with other shops to bring goodies to people all over! We have built relationships and connections I never new imaginable. Although I own my very own small shop, Tiny Tribe Apparel, I am forever promoting those who do the same. I now know what it takes. It's hard work, but its also the most fun you'll ever have.

I am beyond humbled by the support from people all over the world who are interested in my products. I am even more humbled to know that my very own friends and family are supporting my little dream. In just a little over a month, we have grown more than I ever expected. And we have plenty more in store! So exciting!

I guess where I'm going with this is, well, you should shop small people. I'm not saying you can't ever go to Target again (my God that would be a sin - and if you know me I would probably cry if I couldn't go to Target), but shop around. There's a vast network of local stores right here in your backyard! Owned by people just like us!

Heres a few tips, considering I always have people ask me where I find these shops:
- social media is key! (This is the most important rule.)
- follow them on Instagram for updates and sales.
- take a picture of your little in their clothes and tag them, they love that stuff!
- like their page on Facebook.
- shop locally, check out the Kid's directory for more shops in your area.
- go check out our Insta! Tap on any picture of Miles for outfit details.

Now happy shopping! I know you'll find some amazing stuff. You can thank me later.

Amanda xx

Here are a few of our fave small shop looks!

Tee: Electric Collective

Tee: Henry + Claire, Beanie: Playground Posse, Jeans: Farm Fresh Denim

Beanie: Playground Posse, Tee: Rusterior Design

Tee: Wild Cub Co., Beanie: Noxxaz

Tee: Wire and Honey

Tee: Mason Blake Apparel, Snapback: Wild Cub Co.

Beanie: Noxxaz, Romper: Baby Bandits

Beanie: Noxxaz, Tee: Rusterior Design

Tee: Tiny Tribe Apparel

Tee: Wild Cub, Co.

Tee: Hello Jude Clothing, Leggings: Rusterior Design, Scarf Bib: Drooly Scrumptious