I am a Twin Cities Family: Amy Arias

Today’s I am a Twin Cities Family feature is all about Amy Arias

Who am I?

I am a mom (Madeline 21, Maverick 18, and Isabelle 17), a business owner, a friend, a seeker and a human being. As my kids are growing up and leaving home for college, I am evaluating who I am now and who will I become, how am I going out into the world and how do I want to live my life. I am very focused on these questions as my oldest is in her senior year of college, my second child is heading to his first year in college, and my youngest will be a senior in high school–how did we get here already?

My friend and I always say we have to be interesting as women, so our kids want to spend time with us as we all get older! This idea has really pushed me to indulge the seeker side of me. Several years ago I decided I would learn or do something new each season. I cannot say I’ve mastered any one thing, but when I reflect on all the classes I’ve taken, the play and creativity I’ve experienced, and the learnings that have come with it all I feel an inner pride for the effort, the accomplishments, and sometimes bravery of doing it.

Right now, I would say my kids show a mild interest in what I do. It’s good, because I have had to get comfortable with the idea of doing it just for me. I’ve realized how important it is for me to feel good about how I am engaging with the world and the inner fire that I’ve stoked in me creates an intimate relationship with them. And, I can see that my approach to life and living matters and is having an impact on them. In addition to being in love with my kids and having a passion for personal development, I love being active and outside–yoga, running, walking, biking, paddle boarding, and floating on the lake with friends in our inflatable lounge chairs. I love to paint, practice the piano and work in my yard.

What do I do?

I am co-founder of June, a product development company and house of brands. As a mom, Lilac 11 is near and dear to my heart.

I started at age 25 with Mosquito, a branded products company working with marketers. With a partner in 2012, we created West Emory, a sister company, to develop private label and owned brand products for retailers. In 2019 we established June Co, a parent to Mosquito and West Emory, and to begin to give our brands more of a presence in the broader retail market.

I absolutely love the combination of creativity and business I engage in every day. Navigating the challenging business and retail climate, continually evolving to be relevant to the ever-changing marketplace, and watching our team create and develop their talent is so exciting to me and what makes me feel like each year is new.

I identify as a business owner and a mom equally. I had lots of anxiety and worry about being a “good mom” as a working mom when my kids were little. As they grew, I witnessed their independence, and their ability to navigate simple and complex situations. Maybe being a working mom is what gave them the latitude to be their own person–this gives me a sense of peace!

What do you love about calling the Twin Cities home?

I love the accessibility of music, arts, restaurants, and outdoor adventure. I love the change of seasons, even winter.

Being a mom is no easy task. How do you relax and take care of you?