Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda “Dawn” (Hagendorf).
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Welcome an artist into your life, and you’ll find yourself in a world full of color and sound.
My love for all forms of art; dance, music, painting and sculpting, fashion, seems to have started before I could even talk. My mom loves to tell stories of how I was always dancing around the house and playing dress up. She took me for my first ballet class at four years old and instantly fell in love. Between the movement, music, and costumes I was in heaven. Growing up, most of my time was spent at Academy of Arts, one of Pembroke Pines premier dance studios, where I learned not only many disciplines of classical and contemporary performance arts but many practical, interpersonal, and professional skills.
Transforming my love for art into a way of life was a natural path for me, as early as high school I began selling handmade natural stone jewelry and customizing clothing for my peers. As a teenager, I was blessed with the opportunity to work at Academy of Arts, where I was able to continue dancing and teaching into adulthood while exploring Miami’s art community. Being a freelance artist in South Florida, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with various teams and individual creatives on projects such as music videos, fashion shoots, and community events. Currently, I’m designing my own fashion line based on original artwork and have a commission-based Instagram shop for jewelry and other small handmade items.
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?
Now that’s an interesting question… I could tell you that my dad died of cancer when I was barely six years old.
My mom fought thyroid cancer twice before I was 16.
I’ve had multiple wears and tear injuries that eventually led to a two-year recovery break from athletics in general.
I started working as soon as I could, by 13 years old I was babysitting for cash.
I could talk about how my ADHD almost caused me to fail senior year of high school or how daily I deal with a rare and complex food allergy that can turn deadly without proper action, making eating anything that isn’t either packaged or prepared by me nearly impossible.
I don’t see these as struggles or obstacles. One of the things I firmly believe is that everything happens for a reason, that everything is connected. What some may describe as a challenge, whether I’m looking forward or back I see experiences and lessons. This mentality is what has helped me come as far in life as I have. I try to approach every day as a new opportunity, and the results have shown me that there is no limit to how far you can go as long as you are willing to learn.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been making natural stone jewelry for over ten years, sourcing organic materials from local businesses. I started selling bracelts and necklaces in high-school, however most of my documented work has been in modeling and athletics. While modeling, I re-discovered my passion for fashion and design, which leads to my current project: I’m in the process of launching a street fashion line inspired by my own original paintings. I hope to have my art displayed in galleries one day soon.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Trust yourself.
Pricing:
- Modelling: 65/hr
- Natural Jewelry; $10+
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbells_and_ballet/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/loveamy.art/
Image Credits
“ThugSamurai” photo and video Eddi Mendoza
