Start-Up Circle Success Stories
Success Stories
Since 2021, Realize Bradenton has offered the Start-Up Circle program, a free cohort-style learning experience for aspiring and newly established entrepreneurs. The program helps participants build a strong foundation, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward owning and growing a business.
Five years later, Start-Up Circle graduates are putting their ideas into action across our community. This series celebrates their journeys and gives you a closer look at the people, passion, and purpose behind their businesses.
Meet Amada Parlin, founder of A. Parlin Project
A. Parlin Project is a Florida-based handmade business creating sensory-focused fiber arts centered around comfort, creativity, and connection.
Built on the idea of “strings & cute things,” the brand blends playful design with purposeful sensory elements like textures, beads, and weighted components to create interactive pieces that go beyond traditional crafting.
It’s best known for beginner-friendly workshops, interactive crochet kits, and cause-related bracelets supporting autism awareness initiatives.
A. Parlin Project focuses on making fiber arts feel approachable, inclusive, and meaningful for all ages.
We asked Amanda to share more about the story behind her business, what she learned in the Start-Up Circle, and what she’s up to today. Here’s what she had to say…
Is there a story behind your business name?
My business name was actually inspired by my daughter and the “occupational projects” we worked on together as part of her therapy. I originally planned to call the business “Parlin Projects,” to reflect the many ideas she inspired, but my husband encouraged me to include my own name, too. So, the “A” stands for Amanda.
Tell us about the biggest "ah-ha" moment you had during the Start-Up Circle...
I think the biggest takeaway during the Start-Up Circle was realizing how much overhead needs to be built into pricing and learning to separate my business growth from my personal finances and emotions.
Learning how to factor overhead costs into my pricing completely changed the way I look at the hidden fees and expenses that come with building a sustainable business.
How does your business serve the community?
I love serving creatives, occupational therapists, teachers, and special needs parents looking for something both comforting and meaningful. I want people to feel welcomed, understood, and inspired when they interact with my brand — like they’ve found a space where they don’t have to explain themselves, because seeing an awareness bracelet or someone holding a fidget already says enough.
Where can we find you now?
You can always shop on my website, AParlinProject.com. I have products stocked at the Blue Flamingo in Bradenton and Once Upon A Room in Palmetto and Ellenton. I also do weekly workshops at The Center of Anna Maria Island and have a workshop at The Grove in LWR on August 5th.
You can find me at some local markets as well, including:
- Christmas In July at the Tampa Fairgrounds (July 25-26)
- The Downtown Bradenton Market (October – May)
- The European Holiday Market (December ’26)