FRĒDA WOMAN: Amber Lewis

Introducing Amber Lewis to FRĒDA FORUM + the FRĒDA WOMAN series

Founder of Amber Interior Design, SHOPPE AMBER INTERIORS, All Sorts Of, and author of Made For Living.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACK STORY. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I was born in Hawaii but grew up in beautiful Malibu, California. Not in a ritzy or luxe way, though— we were like total hippies! My siblings and I would spend our weekends collecting seashells while our dad surfed, our mom taught us everything about crafting, and we ate avocado sandwiches before avo toast was a thing. My dad has been a builder ever since I was a kid, so I grew up around construction, tool belts, and was taught the value of hard work and entrepreneurship at a young age. Mix that with everything my mom taught me creatively and artistically, and that’s how you end up with an interior designer who started her own businesses working with architects, builders, and creates spaces :)

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR COMPANY AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO SO?

I officially started Amber Interiors in October 2013. When my husband and I bought our first home in 2010, I started a blog and began documenting the DIY and small renovation process. It was the same year Instagram launched, and with some good luck, timing, and determination, it all took off from there. I started sewing pillows in my garage and would have Instagram flash sales — and that’s the short story of how Shoppe Amber Interiors was born. Design and styling had always been my obsession. I truly believe it’s in my blood! I picked my bedroom paint color at six years old (I chose pink), I was always rearranging my room, and I’d save my pennies to buy something for my spaces. When I started the blog in 2010, I knew design was my passion — and when I realized I could turn it into a business, I couldn’t think of anything else in the world I would rather do.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT THE COMMUNITY YOU HAVE BUILT WITH AMBER INTERIORS AND SHOPPE AMBER INTERIORS?

This community has turned into my family in a way that I never could have dreamed of. It’s a support system that keeps me going every single day. I’ve always been very open and upfront about my life and my businesses from day one, and it’s so incredibly special to build a connection by doing it so openly. When I shared my personal health news of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last year, my community showered me with so much love and positivity, almost to the point of being overwhelmed in the best way possible. The kindness I’ve been shown is unbelievable.

WHAT DOES WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN MEAN TO YOU?

It means being full-heartedly happy for them and cheering them on, no matter what.

CAN YOU SHARE ONE OTHER FEMALE-FOUNDED BUSINESS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

I recently discovered the beauty that is Schentell Nunn and her floral business, Offerings Co. Her designs are absolutely stunning. Check her out and support her business if you can!