“We need more front porches for front porch sittin’ so we can be communities again.” –Alan Jackson
Welcome to the South, where the front porch is more than an entrance; it’s the heartbeat of the home. It’s where Grandma waves to passersby while snapping beans from her rocking chair. Neighbors gather for a little sweet tea and spicey talk. Teenagers steal that shy first kiss. Fall welcomes the colors, the costumes, and the candy, while Christmas transforms an ordinary porch into something magical. For Amanda Hoerdemann and Caitlin Pleasants, owners of The Porch Pop, those memories and traditions became the inspiration for their business.
Amanda grew up in Cary, North Carolina, and studied hospitality and event management at East Carolina University. After college, she worked in private events in Washington, D.C., before moving to Charlotte where she got into real estate and now also owns her own staging company.
“I feel like I’ve always been decorating and designing things ever since I was little,” Amanda shares. “Whether it was constantly rearranging my room (hello, staging!) to helping my mom with holiday decor for all seasons (hello, Porch Pop!), I’ve always gravitated towards setting a tone and making a theme come to life.”
Caitlin’s path was similar. A Mount Airy native, she studied communications and public relations at UNC Charlotte and built a career in event planning where she worked with a college department, a local museum, hotels, and catering sales.
“Throughout every role,” she says, “I realized what I loved most wasn’t just planning events … it was creating meaningful experiences. I love working with people, paying attention to the little details, and helping make life’s special moments feel even more memorable.”
The two entrepreneurs met through the daycare their sons attended and quickly discovered they shared more than just motherhood. They shared a passion for design and making people feel celebrated.
“We started talking about how a beautifully styled porch could do exactly what a great event does,” Caitlin explains. “It sets the tone, creates a feeling, and makes people smile before they even step inside,” Amanda adds.
Their backgrounds in hospitality continue to influence everything they do today. Their goal isn’t simply to decorate; it’s to remove the stress of creating a beautiful seasonal space so clients can focus on enjoying the season and the moments that matter most.
Both women also understand the importance of balancing business and family. Amanda is mom to 6-year-old Hayes, while Caitlin is mom to Brysen, 6, and Andi, 2. For both, their children are their greatest accomplishments.
At the heart of The Porch Pop is a mission. Whether it’s a front porch dressed in the colors of fall, a magical holiday display, or a welcoming look that lasts all year long, Amanda and Caitlin believe the smallest details can make the biggest impact. Every design is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people who call it home, transforming an ordinary entryway into a warm welcome … one porch at a time.