Meet Amber Strozier | Designer & Executive Assistant

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

Hi Amber, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
There have been countless instances when I felt like throwing in the towel, and I’ve indeed thrown it in numerous times. Yet, each setback has provided an opportunity for reflection, prompting me to question whether my current path aligns with my true desires. Every time, I engage in an internal dialogue reaffirming, “Yes, this is what I want, and I’m committed to pursuing it.”

The trajectory of my life shifted dramatically the day I lost my father, coinciding with the beginnings of my entrepreneurial journey. As I struggled with grief, I found myself navigating the delicate balance of managing my emotions while supporting my younger sister, who was just 19 at the time. Juggling a 9-to-5 job alongside the challenges of entrepreneurship became increasingly daunting, especially when the global pandemic happened and I was laid off.

I reached a point where I felt utterly defeated, ready to surrender to the chaos. Yet, just when it seemed darkest, a lifeline emerged in the form of a job offer as a Virtual Assistant. Concurrently, I sought solace in therapy, prioritized my well-being, and took incremental steps toward building my clothing brand.

In that pivotal moment, I resolved to persevere. Random messages of encouragement from loved ones reinforced my determination, their unwavering support proving more impactful than they could ever realize. Admittedly, the past few years have been anything but smooth sailing. However, they’ve instilled in me an unwavering resolve to press on, knowing that my journey may inspire others, even when I least expect it.

These experiences serve as a poignant reminder to persist, no matter the obstacles encountered along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always seen myself as an artist and creator. My journey began with coloring as a child, a few colors per picture and gradually expanding. Eventually, I found my passion for poetry, initially through journaling, which evolved into crafting my own verses. Poetry grants me the freedom to express thoughts that may not resonate with everyone but find resonance within a specific audience, much like music. While I’m not a singer, I can carry a tune.

In parallel, my interest in fashion blossomed, influenced by my mother’s modeling career. Initially, I didn’t give it much thought, simply enjoying styling my dolls and repurposing socks when I was living with Grandmother as child. As I grew older, I delved into urban modeling, appearing in magazines, music videos, fashion shows, and styling for celebrities and photoshoots. This passion led me to pursue formal education in fashion, eager to uncover industry behind the scenes.

“Easy” is certainly not a word I would use to describe this journey. Even today, I continue to learn and face challenges, grateful for the perpetual evolution of the fashion world. Despite the hurdles, I persisted, embracing each lesson and seizing opportunities to network and immerse myself in an industry I once thought inaccessible.

Lessons abound each day, but some key ones include perseverance, continuous learning, valuing expertise, acknowledging the realities of the industry, nurturing professional relationships, extending a helping hand, and remaining open-minded.

My aspiration is for people to engage with my brand beyond mere shopping. I’m in the process of rebranding to create a more enriching and enjoyable experience for my clients. Shopping should evoke excitement, not stress. My brand aims to ensure that clients have a delightful online experience, leaving with a smile and timeless pieces for their wardrobe.

While the journey has been arduous, I never expected it to be otherwise. Hence, I’m committed to offering guidance and support to those embarking on similar paths. I’ve cultivated resilience and determination, ready to tackle the world one step at a time. While there’s still much to accomplish, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and eager for the next chapter of this journey.

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.
Hmm, if I had a friend visiting for a week, I’d definitely plan an exciting itinerary. We’d start by heading up north to experience the Grand Canyon, making a stopover in Sedona and admiring the iconic London Bridge. Back in the city, our adventures would continue with visits to local landmarks like the Hole in the Rock, exploring vibrant farmers markets, indulging in some retail therapy at Scottsdale Fashion Square, and exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Scottsdale Quarters.

Interestingly, I recently discovered that by visiting the Library and grabbing a Culture Pass, we can access a plethora of enriching activities.

I’ve been inspired by influencer Aiesha Beasley on social media, who highlights the finest places and restaurants to visit. While on our tour, we’d make sure to check out a couple of my favorite vegan eateries: Greens New American Vegetarian and Earth Plant Based. Additionally, we’d unwind at some rooftop bars downtown and explore the upscale Biltmore Mall. And, of course, we couldn’t miss out on a fantastic Sunday Funday at my favorite spot, Samsara.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are too many sources of support to enumerate, but I always begin with gratitude towards God, as His presence has been my constant source of strength. Throughout these years, I’ve discovered the power of surrendering my plans to God and allowing His guidance to shape my journey. My cherished friends and family have been instrumental in keeping my dreams alive, offering unwavering support and encouragement. I feel the presence of my father, whose tenacious spirit continues to inspire me to persevere. Whether through uplifting messages, meaningful quotes, heartfelt phone calls, or in-person gatherings, their support has been a beacon of motivation. Witnessing their determination and achievements fuels my own aspirations. In today’s world, I find immense joy in witnessing women of all backgrounds relentlessly pursuing their dreams and accomplishing their goals. Particularly inspiring is the resilience of black women, defying stereotypes and thriving in their endeavors.

Website: https://www.thestrozierexperience.com

Instagram: @thestrozierexpeience and @stroziera

Facebook: @amberlove

Youtube: @amberstrozier1622

Image Credits
The first three pictures of me were taking by me from my Iphone.
The last two photos are from my clients who have shopped with me with in the past.