Meet Amber Brinkley: Owner & Creative Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Brinkley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Amarie Designs began as a vision that came about in 2018 when I was searching for something different. I was working a job that I wasn’t happy in and was looking to make a change. While I was in a 90-day Influence Program with Benchmark Courses, I began searching for a more fulfilling path for myself. I realized that I have always had a passion for creativity, and my love language is giving gifts to others, especially one-of-a-kind and personalized gifts. What started as a hobby of making custom and personalized gifts for myself and others grew from a hobby into a paying business, and Amarie Designs was born. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started Amarie Designs, I wanted to utilize my creativity along with my love for giving unique items and gifts to others to create experiences for others. I also make it a mission to inspire others to see and embody their greatness and to feel comfortable in their own skin, as these are things I work on daily in my own life. From an early age, I found myself being a voice for those who didn’t know how to, or could not speak up for themselves. I became a mentor to those who felt alone and struggled to be heard and seen and learned that there are other ways to express themselves than by speaking. I found that through creative expression, people can become empowered to speak up and be heard. I truly enjoy seeing my passion as a beacon for genuine, authentic self expression for myself and others. Being able to do this through my product line has been such a gift. Starting a business is risky and takes a lot of courage, strength, and support. While it has been a rocky road to get where I am today, I truly believe that some of the biggest rewards come form the greatest risks.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Southern California is one of my favorite areas that I’ve ever visited and had the opportunity to live in. The first place I would take my friend to visit is the Breakfast Bar in downtown Long Beach. Mimosas, delicious food, and awesome vibes… need I say more? A trip down Pine Avenue in Long Beach is required, especially a stop for food and cocktails at Shannon’s, R Bar, and my absolutely favorite, Hamburger Marys! To work off all of the food we would be eating throughout this trip (who doesn’t love food and cocktails on vacation?!), a hike up Runyon Canyon would be in order. A trip to Disneyland is always in store for anyone visiting me here in California, as well as a drive over to Palm Springs. Southern California. There are so many great places to see here, and I love being able to experience it with my loved ones!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have been instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. My parents have always supported my creative mind, encouraging me to follow that path in any way that I can. A special shoutout to my brother Malcolm, creator of On The Brink Entertainment, who believed in me as a business owner and took a risk with me to create the merchandise for his brand. My friends, my incredible tribe… You all have constantly supported me on this journey as a new business owner and creator. The endless amount of love, encouragement, and accountability that you all have provided has been pivotal, and I couldn’t thank you enough. To Callie, my best friend, thank you for never letting me settle for less, not letting me play small, and always holding me to a high standard. You always know when to give tough love at the right times, and I thank you for loving me enough to continue to push me. Lastly, I’d like to thank Benchmark Courses for providing a space that allows for me to continuously aim higher and create the life that I want with a massive supportive community alongside me. Without the Influence Program (Team BE-Hive!), I may have never taken the risk of starting my own business with little to nothing except an idea and the willingness to take a risk on myself.

Website: www.shopamariedesigns.com
Instagram: @shopamariedesigns, @amarie_designs1