The story of Kirstie Rickert, founder of AmourPrints, appears straightforward at first: a once-shy young woman rediscovers her confidence and builds a multi-million-dollar custom canvas art business. Dig deeper, and the true lesson emerges—many of us trap ourselves in unfulfilled lives due to self-imposed limits. As you follow Kirstie's journey, reflect on your own potential and the exciting paths waiting if you step beyond your comfort zone.
Kirstie's transformation began at 17, on her first night working in a restaurant kitchen. "I was about to vomit from nerves," she recalls. "My boss warned I'd be fired if I wasn't friendly enough. As the shyest person imaginable, I would've preferred stacking bookshelves."
Everything changed when she twisted a balloon into a dog for a child. "Everyone loves balloon animals—it's simple and fun," Kirstie says. "I connected with the kid and his parents, and suddenly I was chatting with everyone. That night built my confidence and sparked deep reflection on the way home."
She realized she didn't have to remain "the shy girl." "I could choose a different life filled with opportunities," she says. Embracing this mindset, Kirstie launched AmourPrints in 2012. "It was a huge leap—I had no savings or formal business training. But I knew my passion, so I dove in."
AmourPrints specializes in unique custom canvas wall art. In 2013, she opened an Etsy shop and made her first sale. "Thrilling milestones," she notes. She and her fiancé dropped out of college to pursue it full-time, turning it into their shared dream.
Etsy soon became problematic, suspending her shop multiple times without clear reason. "After futile attempts to resolve it, we migrated platforms," Kirstie explains.
Shopify unlocked greater potential with more control. "We automated processes, mastered operations from scratch—web design, SEO, HR, ads, and more. Unlike Etsy's hand-holding, Shopify demanded we build everything. Still, our first year hit $50,000; the second doubled to $100,000," she shares. Her fiancé handled designs and production; she managed operations end-to-end.
Despite growth, skeptics abounded. "Families worried about us quitting college, pushing safer jobs we ignored," she says. Post-wedding, a breakout sales month let them live independently. They doubled down, buying their first home the next year and welcoming their now 4-year-old daughter.
In 2019, massive monthly losses tested them. "Something urged us to persist—it proved our smartest move," Kirstie reflects emotionally.
COVID-19 in 2020 brought more uncertainty, but Kirstie adapted relentlessly. Upgrading to Shopify Plus and investing fully, they hit $3.6 million in 2020—doubling revenue this year. "Hard work and faith got us here. Our families now celebrate our perseverance."
AmourPrints reached $4 million in sales within four years. "It empowers us to give back," Kirstie says. As Christians, she and her husband donate a sales percentage to World Vision, combating global homelessness.
Reflecting from high school days, Kirstie muses, "Hindsight clarifies what we wish we'd known sooner—like shedding shyness earlier. But I'm grateful for our path. God has big plans for us and AmourPrints—we're excited for what's next."
