Meet Amber Foster | Interior Designer & boutique wine & design shop owner

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

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had been working for another designer for a little over 5 years when I started getting the feeling I was more of a boss and working for someone wasn’t the path I was supposed to stay on. So early 2021 I took the leap! I was nervous going from a salary job to nothing, but I really felt deep down it was the right move for me. I just continued to tell myself I was creative & capable. My love for design and my great support system were the driving force behind making Thrown Design and Wine a reality. Failure was not an option so I moved quickly, found an amazing space in the Wheeler District that would serve as my office as well as a design and wine boutique where I would sell home decor, accessories, and wine by the bottle while I worked on my design projects at my desk. It all fell into place quickly so there was very little time to second guess myself, though those thoughts were trying to sneak in, I knew I was meant to have my own business, and meant to have my name out there as a successful designer and businesswoman.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I had the pleasure of working alongside an amazing designer before I decided to go solo. Lisa Cazes was my boss and mentor. I was able to work on some great projects with her all over the US and doing so I was able to absorb her creative energy over the years. She taught me to not overthink things and to just do it. Her fast paced energy kept me going and I have brought that same energy to my business, always staying busy and not letting myself feel stagnant. Once I left the safety of working for Lisa, though I was scared of being on my own, I was equally as excited. I remember being so happy I was finally able to write “owner” as my position on different furniture and accessory company applications for my new business. For so long I was writing “associate designer” so this new title really made me feel empowered. I was the owner of an Interior Design business, a boutique shop in an up and coming area of Oklahoma City , and a wine shop owner. It all seemed to happen so fast, a creative whirlwind of quick decision making. There were absolutely challenges that I faced getting everything up and running, but I expected to have those. What’s life without a hiccup or two. I would just find the solution the best I could and move on to the next one. I’ve also learned that it is important to not say yes to every opportunity. I’m still learning, but it’s been so important to set boundaries and know it’s not realistic to have 20 jobs going At the same time. I want to be known for being a great designer. One who takes her time and puts so much thought and creative energy into every project. A designer that clients love working with and want to use again for future projects. I want to be proud of every space I touch.

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.
If they hadn’t had the chance to see my new shop then that would be the first stop. It is in the heart of the Wheeler District which definitely gives the chance to show how much the city is growing so quickly. We could snag a beer at The Big Friendly, the local brewery in the neighborhood. And hopefully at this point, Airpark Coffee, my next door neighbor to Thrown Design and Wine, will be open to the public and we can snag ourselves a cup of joe. I love going to Stitch. It’s an adorable cafe connected to a plant shop. They have great tacos and an elevated “pop tart”. SO good. On the same street is Sue and Evelyn vintage clothing. She always has the best collection of beautifully curated clothing and accessories. Keeping it in the East Village, The Jones Assembly is a beautiful restaurant and music venue that I always love taking friends and first timers too.

Oak City Vintage is another great shopping experience. She has multiple vendors and you can always find yourself something special there. Mode is close by and has a great new clothing selection, and the best jeans!
If it’s a nice day out, walking around the new Scissortail Park is a must. Hopefully it’s a weekend in the summer and we can stroll the farmers market. There are always so many great vendors set up selling their home grown goodies.

A favorite spot to grab a drink of mine would be Sidecar in Midtown. It is an open air bar that always serves up a good time, and of course there is Bar Arbolada. They have the best staff and I of course have to mention their famous burger. Holy wow.
I am such a foodie so I am always looking for new food places to explore. So we would definitely need to swing by the new Ellison Hotel and eat at the Milo. It is a beautiful atmosphere and has amazing food and cocktails. There is great Pho to be had at Pho Lin Hoa, crazy good Pakistani cuisine at Sheesh Mahal and great seafood at the newly opened Drake.

OKC is always having great pop up shopping events such as the Wheeler Night Markets & Scissortail Markets. I love vintage shopping so Room 3 vintage is always a great time, walking around trying to find yourself a treasure or two.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been so many of my friends and family members that have been such an amazing support system through this new journey. Always encouraging that my ideas are great and that I am doing the right thing for myself. But there is no doubt that one person stands out and has been there from the beginning, always cheering me on, My fiancé Courtney. He is there no matter what to give sweet words of encouragement. Though I have felt like giving up a time or two, Courtney has been there every time to get me out of my funk and remind me of how creative I am and that I am on the right path. Everyone needs a Courtney:)

Website: www.mythrown.com

Instagram: thrownokc & amberwavves

Facebook: Thrown Design and Wine