What is your name?
Amanda Slone

What’s your hometown? 
Midlothian (just outside of Richmond)

What is your business name?
Beasties

How many years have you owned/managed your business?
2

What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to work at a zoo. I think I thought you just played with the animals all day. My mom noted I would need an medical background and she has to dissect certain flurry animals. That dream ended really quickly!

What is the most popular item you sell?
A dinosaur planter. We strive for fun and unique items, and this one just makes people laugh!

What local business can you not live without?
Ladles & Linens Kitchen Shoppe. They have been so welcoming and supportive of our new business, becoming dear friends. We work hard to not step on each other and throw businesses that might work for the other. If we don’t have it, we send to the other, and you will often find us collaborating on different events.

What’s the first thing you do every morning to set the tone for your day?
Chat with my hubby! He is so kind and makes me laugh, it sets the day for a perfect day to joke around with him before heading out for the day.

What tool, object, or ritual could you not live without in your workday?
Caffeine! The other businesses joke about how I always have some form of caffeine in hand and you cannot talk to me until I’ve had my caffeine.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
From the Disney movie Maleficent! Carytown has such quirky names for the amazing stores, and we knew we wanted to open a store here. In Maleficent, it’s her affectionate name for Aurora. Since we are a gift store, you might be getting gifts for your pup, babies, kids, friends, and all of us can have that little bit of a “beastie” side.

How did you get the idea for your business?
I’ve worked retail since I was 18. In my last world, I worked for a big box company. I always wanted  a place where you could snag something for the five events you had to go to that looks like you worked really hard. In reality, you procrastinated because you had no time. So we worked to find fun and unique items that look like you really worked for a great find.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To fly

What’s your favorite thing to do in Richmond when you’re not in your business?
We love going to the unusual events in Richmond. You will find us at also every show or event in Richmond when not working. We did the Maymont Garden Glow last year and that took our breath away. The artisan markets and shows are also a favorite, we love to find amazing items.

What’s your hidden talent?
I’m not sure I would count it as a talent (unless you are 8 years old), but my hidden passion is for Disney. If you catch me in the store remerchandising before we open or driving down the road, I’m definitely in there singing every word to every Disney song. The kids think I’m very talented for my amazing Disney and Marvel references at the store! :)

Who do you look up to and why?
My parents. My mom is my business partner and watching that lady rip apart a pallet is truly an impressive feat! She has an amazing heart, and I love her energy as my partner. My dad constantly keeps me laughing and is unbelievable supportive of our dreams. Both are truly amazing people, and I hope to be even half as wonderful as them. They are wonderful confidants, friends, role models, and parents.

What do you love most about Richmond?
The people! We just have a blast with our customers and look forward to their visits. We are grateful to have a place where we can help people and have a blast doing so!

What’s the best thing about being a local business owner?
The people again. We adore our customers (and our furry shoppers). They are so supportive and fun, commenting on new things we have in and just truly making our day special. We have SUCH a great time with our interactions.