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

Hi Amy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I actually stumbled into a creative career by accident. About 15 years ago, I started a fashion blog just for fun—styling my own looks, shooting photos on my rooftop with a tripod, a Nikon, and a clicker. I’d share the images everywhere I could. Slowly but surely, things began to take off. As my audience grew, I started collaborating with brands—and eventually, with some much bigger names as the journey continued.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work has always been driven by instinct, curiosity, and a deep love for self-expression. I’ve worn many creative hats—blogger, stylist, designer, content creator—and somehow, they’ve all blended into this wild, colorful career that keeps evolving. What sets me apart is that I create from a place of personal connection. Nothing I do is surface-level. Whether it’s designing eyewear, building a brand with my daughter Ryder, or bringing a children’s book to life, there’s always a heartbeat behind it.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve turned deeply personal experiences into purpose. My daughter is currently healing from a brain tumor, and instead of letting that journey stay private, we’ve used it as a spark. From designing eyewear that raises funds for CHLA to developing a toddler book that brings joy and empowerment to other kids, everything I’m working on right now feels aligned with something bigger than me.

Getting here has definitely not been easy. The creative world can be isolating and unpredictable, especially when you’re trying to do something original. There have been moments I’ve felt overlooked or misunderstood. But I’ve learned to stay scrappy, trust my vision, and keep building—even when no one’s clapping yet. That resilience has become one of my greatest tools.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I believe in color, emotion, and storytelling. I believe in creating things that matter—not just to sell, but to connect. And I believe in leading with heart. Always.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting, I’d take them everywhere—especially the fun, colorful, photo-worthy spots and all the best coffee stops. There’s just so much to see and experience.

We’d definitely go to Just What I Kneaded in Frogtown—my absolute favorite vegan bakery. Their sandwiches are incredible too. Then we’d stop by La Colombe for their amazing cold brew on tap.

Of course, we’d head to Santa Monica and Abbot Kinney for shopping, green tea matcha, and spontaneous photo shoots in all the vibrant corners of the neighborhood. I’d also take them to Pasadena—we’d visit City Hall and grab drinks at Plants and Coffee, another great vegan cafe with awesome energy.

I’m all about cute cafes, scenic walks, and creative spaces. And I’d never skip The Getty—it’s hands-down my favorite place in L.A. The art, the views, the architecture… and honestly, they have some of the best coffee ever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people and moments have inspired me throughout the years. When I first started, I was drawn to the original blogging icons—Natalie Off Duty and Chiara Ferragni. They were true trailblazers and set the standard for what blogging could be. Their influence still makes me smile.

As time went on, I fell in love with Miranda Makaroff—an incredible Spanish artist, designer, and blogger. Her carefree spirit and out-of-this-world style captivated me. Then came my obsession with Nadia Lee Cohen. Her art, her vibe—everything about her felt electric. I’m pretty sure Miranda became obsessed with her too!

Later, I was completely taken with Japanese fashion, especially Asagiinyo and her brand POPPY TOKYO. The playfulness and creativity are just unmatched.

I’ve always had a deep love for the 1960s—fun pop fashion, bold accessories, muted tones, mini dresses, collars… and of course, anything that channels Wes Anderson’s aesthetic. His films have always been a visual and stylistic inspiration for me.

Website: https://www.afashionnerd.com

Instagram: afashionnerd

Linkedin: amy rebecca

Youtube: afashionnerd

Other: Tiktok: Afashionnerd
Ryder on IG is Ryder.birdie

Image Credits
by Jessi Gray

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