Creative Excellence Award – Winner’s Bio
Amy Finch is the founder of Rise n Design, a resin art business she started at just 19 years old. Nearly five years into her creative journey, she has grown from selling her ocean inspired resin pieces at weekly craft markets to now working closely with retailers who stock her unique products.
Her collection includes serving boards, storage boxes, coasters, and trays, each piece inspired by the beauty, movement, and colours of the sea. With a dedication to craftsmanship and a passion for creating functional art, Amy continues to expand her reach and make her mark in the resin art industry.
What does winning this award represent for you at this moment in your journey
Winning this Creative Excellence Award represents a profound moment of affirmation in my journey. It is not just recognition of a single project, but a reminder that the risks I have taken, the late nights, the self doubt, and the pursuit of creative honesty have all been worth it. At this stage in my path, it feels like a signal to keep going, be bolder, more curious, and more intentional than ever.
What key experiences or decisions shaped the path that brought you to this point
First, choosing to trust my creative instincts even when the direction I wanted to go did not fully make sense to others. This was a turning point. Deciding to follow what genuinely inspired me, rather than what felt safe, opened doors I did not even know existed.
Another defining moment was learning to embrace discomfort. Some of my biggest growth came from stepping into roles, projects, or collaborations that stretched me beyond what I thought I could do. Those experiences taught me to be resilient and adaptable. So I will say YES more in future.
What challenge has pushed you to grow the most and what did you learn from that experience
The challenge that pushed me to grow the most was learning to navigate moments of uncertainty. The times where I could not clearly see the next step, yet still had to keep moving forward. Whether it was a project that did not go as planned, a risk that felt intimidating, or a time where progress and sales were slower than usual, those moments forced me to confront my own doubts and limitations.
What I learned from that experience was invaluable. Growth does not happen in clarity it happens in discomfort. I realised that uncertainty is not a sign that I am on the wrong path. It is often an indicator that I am stretching into new territory. I learned to trust myself more, to be patient with the process, and to stay committed even when the outcome was not guaranteed.
What milestone or breakthrough moment helped shape the direction of your career or business
One of the biggest milestone moments that shaped the direction of my career was seeing my products start to be stocked by retailers, something that has now grown to 36 stores. Reaching that number was not an overnight achievement. It took nearly five years of trialling and changing direction.
That breakthrough was powerful because it showed me that what I create resonates beyond my own studio. Retailers, people who see countless products every day, felt my work was shop worthy, that it belonged on shelves alongside established brands. That validation did not just boost my confidence. It shifted my perspective. It made me realise that my creative voice has a place in the market, that my work fits in while still offering something unique.
How do you aim to create meaningful impact within your industry or community
I aim to create a meaningful impact within the resin art industry and my community by leading with authenticity, generosity, and intention. For me, it is not just about making beautiful pieces. It is about contributing to a culture where creativity feels accessible, supported, and valued.
One way I want to make an impact is by being transparent about my journey. Resin art can look effortless from the outside, but there is a lot of trial, error, and learning involved. By sharing my process, the wins and the setbacks, I hope to inspire emerging artists to keep going and to believe there is room for them too.
What values guide the way you work and lead, and how have they influenced your success
Authenticity keeps me connected to why I create in the first place. I do not want to copy trends or chase what is popular. I want my work to feel true to me. That honesty shows up in my designs, in the way I communicate with customers, and in the relationships I have built with retailers. Staying authentic has helped my work stand out and find its place.
Perseverance has probably shaped my journey the most. It has taken nearly five years to grow to 36 retailers, and getting to this point required patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep going even when progress felt slow. That consistency has been one of the biggest drivers of my success.
Intention guides every decision, from what I create to how I partner with others. I want everything I put out into the world to have purpose, whether it is a piece of resin art, a collaboration, or a connection within the community. Being intentional helps me maintain quality, stay focused, and build a brand that feels meaningful rather than rushed.
What do you believe has contributed most to your success in this award category
I believe the biggest contributor to my success in this award category is the combination of persistence, authenticity, and the genuine connection I have built with my audience and retailers over time. Nothing about my journey has been overnight. It has taken nearly five years to reach a place where 36 retailers now stock my products. That slow, steady build shows how consistently I have shown up, refined my craft, and trusted the process.
I think my willingness to keep learning, improving, and pushing the boundaries of what resin art can be has helped me stand out. I am dedicated to quality, detail, and intention in every piece, and that commitment shows.
Amy Finch (Left) Standing with Saneta Johnson who is a finalist
What insight or advice would you offer to women who want to grow, lead, and make their mark
The advice I would offer to women who want to grow, lead, and make their mark is this. Trust yourself, start before you feel ready, and stay committed even when progress feels slow. Growth rarely looks glamorous in the moment, but every small, consistent step builds something powerful over time.
What future goals or ambitions are you excited to pursue after receiving this award
One of my biggest ambitions is to continue expanding the reach of my work, both creatively and commercially. Now that I have grown to 36 retailers, I am excited to aim even higher, exploring new stockists, new regions, and new opportunities that allow my pieces to connect with a wider audience.
