Just like a master carver intricately chisels away at a piece of wood to bring out its hidden beauty, Amanda Crowe chiseled away at societal norms to carve a path for herself and other women to pursue their passion and achieve equality.

Amanda Crowe's journey inspired us back in 2017, that we named our brand after her name!

Wood carving is a timeless art form that has been passed down through generations. It requires patience, precision, and skill to bring out the hidden beauty of the wood. Similarly, Amanda Crowe, a Cherokee wood carver, had to carve her path in life to pursue her passion for carving and promote Cherokee wood carving, an art form that had been largely lost. In doing so, she became an inspiration for women everywhere who seek to pursue their passion and achieve equality.

As we at Appleyard & Crowe celebrate International Women's Day, let's take a closer look at how Amanda Crowe sculpted her journey to success.

Amanda Crowe was born on July 16, 1928, in the Qualla Boundary, a Cherokee Indian reservation in western North Carolina. She was surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rich culture of her people. At a young age, she was introduced to the art of wood carving by her uncle, Goingback Chiltoskey. However, Amanda's father, who was a preacher, did not see carving as a viable profession for his daughter and instead encouraged her to become a nurse. Amanda listened to her father and enrolled in nursing school, but her passion for carving never faded away.

Amanda Crowe's return to her Cherokee roots was a pivotal moment in her life and career. As a child, she was not exposed to her Cherokee heritage due to the boarding school system, which sought to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream American culture. It was not until later in life that she began to explore her roots and embrace her heritage.

Crowe's return to her Cherokee roots inspired her to learn more about traditional Cherokee art forms, including wood carving. She recognized the importance of preserving these art forms and passing them down to future generations. Through her work, she aimed to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Cherokee culture and art.

Amanda Crowe's return to her Cherokee roots was a pivotal moment in her life and career. As a child, she was not exposed to her Cherokee heritage due to the boarding school system, which sought to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream American culture. It was not until later in life that she began to explore her roots and embrace her heritage.

Crowe's return to her Cherokee roots inspired her to learn more about traditional Cherokee art forms, including wood carving. She recognized the importance of preserving these art forms and passing them down to future generations. Through her work, she aimed to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Cherokee culture and art.

Amanda Crowe's impact on Cherokee wood carving cannot be overstated. She not only helped to preserve the art form, but she also helped to elevate it to new heights. Her unique style, which incorporated elements of traditional Cherokee design, as well as modern techniques, helped to bring new life to the art form.

Moreover, Amanda Crowe was a role model and mentor to many young Cherokee wood carvers. She encouraged them to follow their passions and to keep the art form alive for future generations. Through her teaching and mentoring, she ensured that Cherokee wood carving would continue to thrive for years to come.

International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a day to raise awareness about gender inequality and promote gender parity. Amanda Crowe's story is a perfect example of how women can break barriers and carve a path for themselves in male-dominated fields.

As a woman in the male-dominated field of wood carving, Amanda Crowe faced numerous challenges throughout her life. However, she never let these obstacles deter her from pursuing her passion. She remained dedicated to her craft and used her talent to bring awareness to Cherokee culture and traditions. Through her work, she not only inspired other women to pursue their passions but also challenged the gender norms of her time.

Amanda Crowe's journey was not just about promoting Cherokee wood carving; it was also about breaking down barriers for women. She defied societal norms and pursued her passion despite the odds. Her success inspired other women to follow their dreams and achieve their goals, regardless of gender. She proved that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Today, Appleyard & Crowe is proud to continue Amanda Crowe's legacy by championing women in the wood carving industry. We strive to promote diversity and inclusion in our workforce by providing equal opportunities for all genders. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone can work and grow together.

Through Appleyard & Crowe, Amanda Crowe's story lives on in the beautiful wood carvings we create. Her skill and dedication to her craft have inspired many, including us, to celebrate and promote traditional woodcarving techniques.

Our focus on artisanal, handcrafted products is a continuation of Amanda Crowe's legacy and her passion for preserving and promoting traditional Cherokee art forms. By partnering with artisans across the world and developing home & kitchen products carved straight out of aged olive wood, Appleyard & Crowe is continuing the work of Amanda Crowe, who spent her life promoting Cherokee woodcarving and other traditional art forms.

Through our products, we aim to keep these art forms alive and accessible to people around the world. We thank Amanda Crowe for her dedication and commitment to preserving Cherokee culture and art forms. Her legacy will live on through the beautiful works of woodcarving that Appleyard & Crowe creates, and we are proud to continue her legacy.

We invite you to explore our range of products and learn more about us. Thank you for joining us on this journey!