Inspiring Woman - Amber Harper
I remember the first time meeting Amber...she had just joined the AAU team that I was playing on. Dynamite 87 was our team name...and we walked around looking like little boys, but you didn't want to see us on the court!! LOL!! I remember Amber came to the team with DEFENSE!!!! We both ended up leaving the team, and then randomly ended up at McMurry University together our freshman year. I only stayed at McMurry for a year...but that didn't stop any of the fun that was had! I vividly remember going out one night with Amber and some others, and they all entrusted me to drive us to and from the club without my glasses on. I can PROMISE you that we had the Lord and ALL of our guardian angels in the car with us that night!!!!!! Over the years I have watched Amber be a complete BOSS in everything that she has done...and lately have been sooooo inspired by her courage and determination to start her own business, and completely KILL it!!!!! I am so thankful that she was not only willing to participate, but that she was just as excited to be featured as I am to feature her!!!!!!
I introduce you to the DYNAMIC Amber Harper
*Generally speaking, what was your childhood like?
My childhood was ok, I guess it depends on who you ask. I was raised by a single mother. We grew up in a small city Erie, Pa. She always made sure we had what we wanted and needed. Growing up I did not know we were poor. My mom did a great job of hiding that. Lol (now that I am grown, she tells me that was not for us to know) I do remember living in a shelter once, but at the time my mom told me we were at camp. So, looking back on life now as an adult I would say we struggled bad, however living in that moment my mother did an excellent job of masking it and making sure we did not feel it. I have an older sister and older brother; but growing up it was just my sister and I who are 11 months apart. That was great growing up with my best friend.
*What
have you learned over your lifetime that you’d like to share with the younger
generation?
What I have learned over my 34 years of living that I wish I could instill in this younger generation is to enjoy life as it happens, stop wanting to be grown SOOO bad. Being an adult is hard and you cannot get your younger years back. Go after what you want without hesitation and without regrets, or you will find your older self wishing you would have taken that job out of state or starting that business in your twenties before kids, ETC.
*What has the journey/process been like for you to get to where
you are today?
The journey to where I am today has been quite the ride. Lots of ups and downs, lots of tears, wanting to quit, but also a lot of wins and proud moments. Starting a business with a full-time career and 2 toddlers has probably been the hardest thing I have ever done. Mainly due to bad habits such as poor time management, not being a morning person, and sub-par organizational skills to begin with lol. But it has forced me to change those things. Lots of sleepless nights, going nonstop for weeks with no time to stop and breathe, and lots of wondering should I quit and just wait until the kids get older. But when I tell you God always gives you what you need, and he has instilled unwavering perseverance in me that has no doubt helped me on my journey.
*What
sacrifices have you had to endure to get to where you are today?
I have sacrificed sleep, time with my husband, family, and kids, I have sacrificed my much needed feminine me time (the things that make me happy such as keeping my nails, toes, and hair done), I have sacrificed date nights, trips, buying things I want vs only getting what is needed to put everything back into the business. The most heartbreaking sacrifice is working so much and hearing my toddlers tell me “Mommy you’re always working on wigs, I don’t want you to do wigs today” it breaks my heart, but I know if I sacrifice now while their small, I won’t have to later when it really counts and matters the most.
*What
do you do for a living?
I have a Masters in Occupational therapy. I have been a practicing OT for 10 years now…wowwww it sounds crazy for me to even say that out loud. It feels like just yesterday I was finishing grad school. Wow. I also own a custom Wig and hair extension line Hair Ego, LLC. I offer custom machine-made wigs, hair extensions, and different hair extension accessories/products.
*What
motivates you the most?
My family, specifically my kids motivate me the most 100%. I just want them to be ok, to not have to take out 150k in student loans to get an education, I want them to have a place to call home instead of moving every 1-2 years when a lease is up, I want them to experience things I never did growing up, and most importantly I just want them to know they can do anything they put their mind to and I want to be that living walking example and role model for them.
*You
are a complete BOSS…as a woman, why do you feel like creating this path for
yourself was/is necessary?
Creating your own lane and path as a woman is important. I think it teaches young girls not to depend on a man solely for financial reasons, it teaches young girls that women can do everything men can do and gives us a base to stand on when were fighting for equal rights, equal pay, all of that. I just want my daughter to know she can do it all unapologetically contrary to what the world tries to tell us.
*Describe
your most important friendship(s).
I am soooo blessed to have the friendships I have in my life. My friends give me my flowers while I am here, they encourage me, have my back, put me in my place when need be and hold me accountable with no ill-intentions or malice. Especially during a time where fake love and friendships are so real, people only wanting to be around you to benefit off you, or one-sided friendships where people take take take but do not give the same efforts in return, real friends are a real gift from God. And all my friends genuinely want me to be my best self. I have friendships that go back 27 years and some as new as 6 years, but it is the same with all of them and I love my girls to death.
*Who was the most
influential person to you as a child?
The most influential people to me as a child were my great grandparents. They were superheroes in my eyes and even still to this day I still view them the same. They taught me sooooo many life lessons that has stuck with me over the last 30 years. Even as a toddler I still remember things they taught me. Every moment was a teaching moment with them. The amount of love, wisdom, favor, and prayer they placed over my life is insurmountable. No doubt the wisest people I have ever known.
*Anything you would like to say about your “platform” “area of
expertise” “business” or anything at all?
The One thing I want to say about my platform is that the Hair industry is a multibillion-dollar industry, and we know if black women do not do anything else, were going to make sure our hair is DONE. It is so much money in the hair extension business and the possibilities are endless. So, if you are looking to get into wig making and do not know where to start. I love mentoring and teaching and I am willing to help anyone looking to start their own business and path to financial freedom, freedom to be your own boss, flexible schedules, and having the ability to scale and grow your business as far as you want to.
Thank you sooo much Amber for agreeing to be featured!! Your journey to where you are now is so inspiring!! Please go follow and support all of her Hair Ego Collection socials below!!!
Comments
Post a Comment