We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Cortez James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before, I started my own business of creating 3 dimensional greeting cards, I was making them on my own just for friends and as I began expanding my creativity my friends started paying me for the cards I created for them and they encouraged me to consider opening my own business. I thought about it and I realized I was going to be able to bring joy to others on a much larger basis. Therefore, Amy’s Social Butterfly was created!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My greeting card company has nothing but handmade 3Dimensional cards created by myself. Each card is different and even is the same card is duplicated it will still be a little different because I do it all by hand from cutting the cardstock down to the size of a greeting card to the mat which will be placed on the cardstock and creating the corners on the mat to the final step of creating the final design of the card. Personalization can be added to each of my cards as well. I believe what sets me apart from other greeting card companies is my personal customization. For example, if someone has a special theme in mind for there greeting cards I can create something for them which in turn makes the card one of a kind and unique because no one will have one like it. I am most excited about having the opportunity to attend the Secret Room Red Carpet Event in honor of the 2016 Academy Awards Gifting Suite, where I created greeting cards for all of the Oscar Nominees. My cards were also featured in INSTYLE Magazine as well and I was so excited about that as well! Due to these great opportunities, I went on to do the Hype Events Gifting Suite for the Emmy’s as well. I got to where I am today by making mistakes and learning along the way from others who had been through the challenges in business that I was facing and in turn they taught me what not do to help me from making the same mistakes they made along the way. It was not easy getting to where I am today but even when I came across challenges in my business I made sure I never gave up no matter how difficult it could be at times. I learned that if one way did not work it was okay to try a different way even if it was out of your comfort zone. I would like the world to know that I genuinely enjoy bringing joy to others and putting a smile on peoples faces and letting them know they are truly unique and special. I would also like the world to know that as long as Amy’s Social Butterfly is around, it wants to continue to bring joy, happiness and encouragement to anyone who receives a card from Amy’s Social Butterfly and most importantly the reminder that the person receiving this card is truly very special and one of a kind just like the cards created at Amy’s Social Butterfly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to several places. You see I live right in between Dallas and Fort Worth, therefore, I would first take them to see the new Ballpark that is being built in Arlington, then to take a tour of the AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play. I would then take them to eat at Angelos Bar-B-Que in Fort Worth afterwords I would take my friend to Botanical Gardens in Forth Worth and to see Sundance Square. Then I would take them to see a show at the AT&T performing Arts Center in Downtown Dallas or to a concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center also in Downtown Dallas and afterwards to have some pizza at a restaurant called Grimaldi’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my entrepreneurial journey, I have met many people who have supported along the way but there are three people I would like to recognize which continue to encourage me and are always there with any questions I might have and no matter how busy their own lives are with their companies they always take the time to answer my questions and most importantly give me the encouragement I need at times to continue my journey and without these special people I would not be where I am today. I would like to recognize Pat Farinacci, who continues to mentor me and encourage me after many years, there is also Leigh Barnes who has not only encourages me but continues to be there for me to bounce off my ideas to and guides me along the way when I may not know how to go about executing a process. Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge Michael Ray Newman, who is always there to answer any questions I may have concerning my business, and also provides encouragement even on my smallest of successes but most importantly teaches me to never give up and always have a positive outlook but most importantly to always remember to treat others with kindness and respect.

Website: www.AmysSocialButterfly.com
Instagram: AmysSocialButterfly
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-james-162735b
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AmysSocialButterflyllc

Image Credits
Jc Olivera Photography