I’ve always been someone who likes to set goals. Sometimes, I follow the SMART system and am focused on measurables; other times, it’s more about how I want life to look and feel. A little over 6 years ago, I got intrigued by the idea of adding vision-boarding to my goal-setting process, and I stumbled upon Amber Housley’s online course for creating a vision board. Y’all, I was so impressed by the delicate balance she’d mastered of good energy and fun amidst results-driven work. It was great, which sent me down a rabbit hole of all the many offerings that Amber had at the time. Since then, I’ve engaged with Amber’s services via retreats, memberships and more online trainings; meanwhile, she’s diversified her offerings even more. Plus, we bonded over our love of music and discovered we are sisters in Kappa Alpha Theta. I know you’ll be equally impressed by Amber. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Amber Housley

Amber Housley is a business coach, marketing strategist, retreat planning expert, creative and speaker who empowers women entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses with joy and creativity. Through her unique blend of marketing savvy and retreat planning expertise, she helps you turn your passion into profit, all while embracing the beautiful balance of business and life. Here are a few of the ways she shares her expertise:

Blooming Business Inner Circle - Get the proven frameworks, smart marketing strategies, and community support of brilliant women ready to grow and scale their businesses in this all-inclusive membership that helps you grow a thriving business and bring more joy to your life.

Coterie Mastermind - An accelerated, intimate coaching experience that brings together an exclusive group of brilliant women with a unifying purpose to make their businesses thrive.

Inspired Retreat - A 4-day retreat experience for women entrepreneurs to grow, connect and be inspired. Filled with actionable business education, inspiring content, and an intimate community to refresh your heart, spark momentum, get work done, and surround yourself with other female business owners who totally get you.

Bloom & Grow Live - A two-day retreat experience to cultivate meaningful connections, expand your network, and foster collaborations with fellow women entrepreneurs, mentors & industry experts. Happening this September 12 & 13 in Nashville!

Invite & Delight - A step-by-step retreat planning course that includes everything you need to create, plan, sell and deliver an exceptional retreat or live-event experience for your business.

Follow Amber on Facebook and Instagram for more about her offerings and adventures.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Amber Housley

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

I empower women entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses with joy and creativity. Through my unique blend of marketing savvy and retreat planning expertise, I help you turn your passion into profit, all while embracing the beautiful balance of business and life.

Combining experiences as a corporate marketing strategist and decades of event planning, I share my knowledge with women entrepreneurs through online courses, coaching programs and transformational retreats; teaching them how to build impactful businesses while maintaining a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Why did you start your company?

I started my company because I knew the typical 9-5pm corporate workplace wasn’t for me. Not because I wasn’t good at it – I kept climbing and could excel in it…I just had a bigger passion for helping other women grow their businesses. My business is a playground for me. I get to use so many different skills and no day is the same. I get to use my own creativity and varied interests in a way that serves others beyond myself. It’s a win/win scenario.

What have been the most rewarding parts of your journey in founding this company?

The client success stories by far and the women I get to meet along the way. I’m grateful I have the opportunity to be part of their journey as they reach goals they’ve always dreamed of. Whether their business is a full time career or it’s fueling private school tuition, activities and family vacations…it’s been rewarding to see women grow their skills and their income and truly write their own success stories.

Bringing women together at Bloom & Grow Live

About what are you most proud?

That I’ve come into my own self in my 40’s. I’m proud of my self-development and confidence I’ve grown as I’ve matured. Growing a business in my 20s and 30s while raising young kids and a traveling spouse was not for the faint of heart. I’ve reached a new season of life and appreciation of who I am and what I desire from life, and it feels good.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am a 50/50 split…I CAN be organized, but it depends on the task. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it is a blessing because I can give myself a lot of grace now. I was hard on myself for many years in our home because there are some spaces I’m not as good at being tidy. I’ve found that if I make the space beautiful and inspiring, I can keep it organized. Our recent pantry makeover is a great example of this – I love how I designed it and it keeps me inspired to keep that same look. I need to work on the closet systems next!

In my business, I do have systems and tools in place so that I’m able to strategically map out and follow because my brain enjoys it. It’s satisfying to see the whole picture from start to finish, so I’m always looking for ways to see the end goal.

What individuals have changed your life and why?

My kids. They have challenged me and humbled me in so many ways. As they’ve grown into preteen and teenage years they make me laugh and take things less seriously. I don’t think I appreciated them as much when I was in the exhausted years and now we are in a season of me enjoying and soaking them up as much as I can. They remind me of choosing to live “the sweet life” daily in everything I do and to appreciate it all.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Be open to trying many different tools and systems till you can find one that works for you. If you don’t like it or are resistant to it, you won’t use it.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I live by my Google Calendar (every appointment both work and family are on it) and I love the project management tool, Asana for my business. Checking off tasks is highly satisfying.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

This is an area I excel in. Having everything on the Google calendar and sharing “meeting invites” for every activity, trip or important day with my spouse has been key for us. It’s not just me managing all the things and communicating them. We are planners and plan for things many months ahead. We work hard during the week, but come Friday-Sunday we are good about making time for fun and playtime whether camping or boating during the warm season.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I’m a big lover of the outdoors and support preserving our parks system both nationally and within our state. There is so much inspiration and joy that comes from being in nature.

Welcome Kit for the Blooming Business Inner Circle membership

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I love spending time in my garden. A little sweat pulling weeds and making a bouquet of fresh flowers is very satisfying.

What is your favorite author / book?

I read so many different books that I don’t have a favorite author. However, Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” is one I’ve recommended often especially for us “dreamers” I seem to attract to my circle. It’s good because it’s about dreaming AND doing.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“If it is to be, it is up to me.” A quote painted on the side of an elementary school I passed by often growing up. It still sticks with me and reminds me of the power of action-taking on dreams.

What is your go-to accessory?

I love a good patterned headband.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

JVI Secret Gardens - sweet little flower and plant nursery that is cute and has the best plants for my garden and yard.

Nectar - great for margaritas and tacos. I love the open-air concept and has a great big backyard for the kids to run and play while the adults visit at picnic tables.

Sister’s Whimsy - great place for a gift and carries some of my favorite home + gift lines.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican, especially baja style, from my upbringing in Southern California and Nevada. Fresh grilled meats and pico de gallo. Simple but delicious!

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Muran Moisture Gel is my favorite base layer before Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Face Brightener primer. I love the whole Thrive Causemetics line of makeup because it is non-toxic and lasts.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Our family travels to a national park every summer to spend a week exploring and adventuring. Glacier National Park in Montana is at the top of the list! It is stunning and magical in the summer

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Practical Magic is a fun one. I heard a sequel is in development!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To fly. I love it when I dream about flying.

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

The world is wide open for you! Travel, live, enjoy it all. It goes by faster than you think.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

My grandma Mary. I have memories of her rolling homemade tortilla dough in her east Los Angeles home as a child. There’s so much I would want to ask her about her life that I didn’t know to ask back then.

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