Amy Van Dorp
Young Textile
Professionals Texpert
Amy Van Dorp is the Executive Director of WithIt– a leadership development network for women in the home furnishings industry, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary next year. In 2015 she was appointed director after working in various roles for the organization since 2006. Her passion for educating and connecting women to help them further their careers and businesses empowers women to grow and thrive.
Amy began her career as a graphic designer for Pace Communications but left to pursue freelance opportunities when her second child was born. Her network within the home furnishings industry was her most important asset allowing her to work and raise her family. This became a natural passion for connecting and supporting women with opportunities for career advancement.
As executive director, Amy leads teams of volunteers to create conferences and programs which bring programs and vital professional education to build a pipeline for the industry. Along with education, WithIt has introduced a formal mentor matching program which has created a lasting impact for the members who have participated. In 2024, WithIt launched the Home Furnishings Industry Internship Board which is a free portal for students and companies to find each other and create more opportunities.
Amy began her career as a graphic designer and eventually Art Director at Elegant Bride magazine where she produced beautiful wedding magazines and planners for 9 years. She left to pursue freelance graphic design business when her second child was born. She spent the next 18 years working with many companies, including WithIt, to create professional looking marketing materials, newsletters and directories. She has found every job through her network.
Texpert Advice
1. What career opportunity, challenge, or decision had the biggest impact on your professional growth, and what did it teach you?
When I accepted the role as Executive Director back in 2015, I had been working for the organization for almost 10 years. I knew the ins-and-outs of my role, but I was thrown into the deep end with managing a board, adding new staff and balancing the finances of the organization. The success of WithIt and the incredible culture that has been built, was not only my efforts, but the efforts of so many women who volunteered their time and energy. I learned the power of committees and community which create incredible programs and initiatives.
2. Looking back at the beginning of your career, what is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you, and how would it have changed your path?
Do not wait to know everything about doing a job. If there is a new opportunity that can help you grow, take it. Those opportunities don't come along very often and they will help you become better. You don't know how far you can go until you try.
3. What personal quality or skill has contributed most to your success, and how can someone intentionally develop it early in their career?
One quality that has contributed to my success is my ability to solve problems. When something goes wrong, there is always a solution. When you need to get to another place or level, there is a solution. It may not be the right solution, but you learn along the way how to get where you're going.
You can learn this through trying hard things and taking on projects that you're not sure you're ready for. As you are working through things that happen along the way, don't panic. There is always a solution, or someone who knows how to fix it.
4. What is the most valuable professional lesson you've learned through a setback or mistake, and how has it shaped the way you lead today?
I once turned down a bigger job opportunity because I was unsure that I could do the role and didn't have the confidence to take the chance. I always counsel young people that you should take those leaps.
5. What changes or opportunities do you see shaping the future of the home furnishings and textile industry, and what skills should emerging professionals focus on to prepare?
There is so much opportunity for young people to shine in home furnishings and textiles. I see how many leadership roles will need to be filled over the next 10 years as retirements happen. Take on leadership roles. You can start small by volunteering and learning to lead people through committees. Take on hard roles in your company. Learn about roles that aren't the one you are in. Ask for cross-training opportunities.
6. What has been the most rewarding part of your career, and what keeps you passionate about this industry today?
I love the people in this industry. They are incredibly creative, resourceful and giving. When I can make connections that affect what happens in someone's career, that is so rewarding. It's been an honor to watch the people around me flourish.