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

Hi Amber, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
There are so many things I’ve done as a parent but the best gift I’ve given my kids is therapy and working on healing myself. That allows me to be a better human for them in the moments they need me most. Learning to listen to my own inner child and work on healing those wounds has allowed for my relationships with them to further deepen. Particularly when raising a teenage daughter. There is so much angst in the mother/daughter relationships during those years and I realized very early on in order for us to not just “survive” the teen years, but also thrive, I had to start with me. It was quite possibly the best thing for me and them. I was able to begin unpacking my own issues and she and I were able to come out on the other side better and closer than we were going in. It’s been pretty cool to see this relationship to evolve as she gets older.

Because of this healing, I’m able to approach both my children from a different place and perspective than what has been the “norm’ for years. It’s actually a lot easier to meet them where they need me than to come from a place of ‘do as I say no matter what’. I like this more evolved version of parenting I’m in and I think they do too. I’d still like them to replace the toilet paper without me saying something though.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a long time writer, photographer and creative content director located in Southern California and the owner of Elevated FlatLays. A creative company that specializes in compelling, unique and captivating high quality brand content within the wellness, lifestyle, and beauty categories for both cannabis and ancillary brands. With over a decade of experience in the world of online influencers, writers and creatives. I consider myself a social media magician and the originator of the #flatlayslay and have created a name for myself over the last decade as a flat lay specialist with my unique composition and style. Over the last two years I began to shift my focus from creating content specifically for myself to assisting other women owned small businesses cultivate their brand content within the digital space.

I am also an active champion of the cannabis industry and normalizing its use among women, (mother’s in particular) and letting go of the stigmas that are attached to it. I’ve taught flat lay courses at Alt Summit and HighHerStakes Conference to both influencers, and business owners with requests for more sessions and was recently featured in the April 2021 420 Issue of CannaCurious Magazine as well as speaking on a panel for Moms in Cannabis for the 420 Experience.

I believe in supporting women owned businesses and love that my business allows other women to take something off of their plates and focus on what they need to grow within their industry.

Recently my flatlay work was featured in CannaCurious Magazine ‘s 420 Issue and that was a huge hallmark of success for me as well a long time dream come to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is SO much to do in So Cal and the majority of it doesn’t involve Hollywood or celebrities!

Sunday morning would be brunch at The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica followed by a stroll down the pier and then cruising Venice boardwalk, taking in the scenery. With a quick peek inside Sneakers N’ Stuff to swoon over all the dope kicks and grab a burger for a light lunch on the beach. Wrapping up the day by driving down PCH to all the way to Newport Harbor to really enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the variety of neighborhoods that stretch of road can take you through and that true Summer in So Cal feeling.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many who have been influential in my career trajectory and throughout my journey. From my early days creating flatlays on the fly with simple posterboards and props to where I am now. So many in my blogging and cannabis community have encouraged and championed my work. R’chelle Mullins of RchelleLynne was definitely one of my earliest supporters and proponents of my flatlay work as it related to cannabis and ancillary products. Tammy Pettigrew of The CannibisCutie has also been a huge influence in my life and career. Those two relationships have led to so many other networks and colleagues as well as clients. I’m grateful to have a truly supportive group of women around me. I’m personally a huge fan of women like Courtney Warwick of Black Girl Grn Thumb and what she’s doing in the community and her energy. Another favorite is Tess Melody an entrepreneur and L.A. translplant who has seemless adjusted to L.A. life and exudes an energy of love, positivity inclusivity and joy.

Website: https://galleries.page.link/nGryh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromcarpools2cocktails/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carpl2Cocktail

Other: https://www.instagram.com/elevatedflatlay/

Image Credits
photo credit: Amber Dorsey for Elevated Flatlays

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