We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Tookes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.

Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I have two companies, well, technically three, but I’m focused on two companies at the moment. Bible Bawse Chicks and Creative Bawse Consulting. Bible Bawse Chicks is a faith-based brand that was created for millennial women who want to “boss” up or elevate their lives spiritually, financially, physically, and mentally. The driving force for this brand is my walk with Christ. Being a Christian is trendy now, it has never been a trend for me. There have been moments where I’ve truly had to learn Christ for myself.

Creative Bawse Consulting is my new baby. I recently served as the PR Guru for an event called Content & Cocktails. This was the first event of many events under Creative Bawse Consulting. Creative Bawse Consulting specializes in event planning, public relations planning, creative consultations, and public speaking. Through this business, it is my prayer to become the number black-woman-owned PR company in the world.

My “why” behind my businesses is my grandfather, the late James N. Tookes. He is the reason I have this entrepreneurial spirit and why I cannot give up on my dreams. He’s the reason I’m always striving to soar like an eagle.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Amber Tookes, I’m born and raised in Tallahassee, Fla. I am a graduate of THE Florida A&M University with a degree in Public Relations. I also attended Aveda Institute Tallahassee where I studied cosmetology and later obtained my license through the state of Florida. I’ve established four businesses: AmberNhi Beauty, Bible Bawse Chicks, Creative Bawse Consulting, and Graceful Promise.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always had a love for beauty and making women feel beautiful. In 2019, I decided to turn my love for beauty into my career. I’m a published writer, hairstylist, makeup artist, public speaker, and event planner/ host.

In 2021, God gave me a vision of a women’s empowerment, faith-based brand. This was created to be a combination of Sprinkle of Jesus and God is Dope. Due to some self work needing to be done this beauty has been put on pause until the vision is clearer.

June 2022, I was invited to be a panelist on the “Real Love: Love and Sisterhood Panel” for SHETEA2022. Being apart of this panel gave me the confidence to fulfill the vision given to me.

In 2023, I asked God to elevate me. I knew as much as I loved beauty I needed to take a break from behind the chair and tap into my other gifts. The four years of being a beauty professional was the grooming and maturation process of what was bubbling inside of me. I wanted to put my PR degree to use and birthed Creative Bawse Consulting.

I also partnered with Maria Villafane and formed a business called Graceful Promise. Through Graceful Promise, we aim to ignite the faith and identity in Christ for our community through Christ guided events.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met Maria this year at a vision board party I hosted. Maria not only attended the event, but she was one of the giveaway winners. We’ve since collaborated on another event and bonded. We connected on the fact that we wanted to grow closer in Christ, thus creating our event, the Dear Heavenly Father Prayer Conference. In the planning process, we’ve prayed and were given the confirmation that we need to form our business, Graceful Promise.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Yes. Non-creatives don’t understand the multifaceted dimensions that comes with being a creative. Specifically, in regards to part not being a tool for funds, but a tool for expression.

For hairstylist everywhere, we are pouring our hearts & soul into a very tender part of our clients. This process allows many of us to express ourselves. When I am styling, I’m able show to care, compassion, love, and honor as I cultivate different looks for my clients. I also provide a safe place to connect with a client on an intimate level allowing them to express themselves. Together we create art.

In addition to, My business, Creative Bawse Consulting, allows me to amplify my voice through my clients vision. As I provide creative consultation, event planning and graphic designs, I am able to give valuable incite that is both appreciated and artistic. Together me and client’s collaborative work create business, brands and designs that are appealing to their target audience.

These forms of expression would be impossible if they were just mere tools for income. When I am working with clients I am able to express myself and that is worth more than anything money can buy.

Contact Info:

• Website: ambernhi.com
• Instagram: @_ambernhi; @ambernhibeauty; @biblebawsechicks; @creativebawseconsulting
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amber-tookes

Image Credits
Gerald Tookes Photography Sean Woods Media