Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Thompson
Hi Amber, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I would have to choose a trade school, as I knew college was expensive and I knew my parents couldn’t afford it. I always assumed I wouldn’t go to college like my friends. Somehow along the way I also managed to drop out of high school, as well as making a lot of other bad decisions as well. I started drinking and doing drugs at a young age. When I was 18, my mom and dad sent me to my second rehab. I was clean and sober and a few years later after living paycheck to paycheck doing all kinds of jobs, I decided I wanted to do skincare and become an esthetician. I always loved anything and everything beauty. I am the girl who puts lip gloss on before going to bed! I am a Texas girl, and was living in Connecticut with my now first ex fiancé. I graduated from New York School of Esthetics in 2008. During the recession. I printed out my resume and drove to every salon in the town and neighboring towns I lived in dropping them off. I received no calls back. Fast forward weeks later, I was hired by Benefit Cosmetics at their first boutique on the East Coast in New Canaan Connecticut. I worked for them for eight years, and climbed to the very top of the entire company! Texas was home, and after mob breakup I knew my heart was in Texas. I moved home back to my hometown, after being gone for ten years. I started Brows By Amber with zero clientele, a credit card, and a lot of hope. I was a brow expert within a salon full of hair stylists, so I was hopeful for the walk in traffic. I went from client to client handing out my business card and introducing myself, as well as giving away tons of complimentary services. My goal was to just be able to make enough to pay my rent. I exceeded that goal immensely from week one! I was in Houston for two years until I moved here to Austin Texas to follow my heart once again. I found a room to rent downtown and started building my business from the ground up once again. I have now been in Austin for three years. I am currently outgrowing my current space and looking to expand!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Anything worth it, doesn’t come easy. When I run into struggles, its mostly about things that go along with running the business. Like taxes, or marketing. The hardest struggle for me was the beginning of building my business here in Austin. I was doing eyebrows before they were “cool” or it was a thing. When I was in New Canaan I was a local celebrity when I walked down the street. It was so hard to get an appointment with me. Now, I am in a new city and no one knows who I am, and I’m now a dime a dozen in my area of expertise. The comparison game made me feel not good enough or not worthy enough. At the end of the day, I had to remember I am talented, and I am very good at what I do. And I am also worthy of being in this city offering my services, just like anyone else. That has by far been my hardest struggle. My own self doubt, and my own insecurities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an esthetician, specializing in eyebrows since 2008. Almost 14 years!!! I am known mostly for brow shaping and Microblading. I am most proud of my big heart and love for people, beauty and brows, because without that, I know I would not be nearly as successful or fulfilled!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Read books, listen to podcasts, take advanced training courses, never stop learning. Make time for family friends and quiet time. Put yourself and your well being and health absolutely first. My mom always taught me, how are you going to help anyone else, if you’re not taking care of you first.
Contact Info:
- Email: browsbyamber@gmail.com
- Website: www.browsbyamber.com
- Instagram: @brows_by_amber
- Yelp: Brows By Amber
