We were lucky to catch up with Amber Elliott recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Amber thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.
Schooling and training experiences are transformative journeys that involve both academic learning and personal growth. One important aspect I have learned is the sense of community and collaboration. Whether it was through group discussions, study sessions, or labs. My professors have been very supportive and informative. I never thought I’d attend college nonetheless further progress into a graduates program, but The American College of Healthcare Sciences made it so I can.
Another key aspect is the hands-on learning opportunities provided by internships, workshops, or practical exercises. These experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable skills and insights that prepare them for their future careers.
My schooling and training experience is characterized by a balance of academic rigor, interpersonal relationships, and practical applications to which I am grateful for.
Amber, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Out of high school, I chose to bypass traditional college to pursue my passion in the beauty industry. I earned my Full Specialist License from the Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy in Lakeland, FL. Opening my own spa under the name Bubbly Sensations in 2016 was a dream come true. I cherished every moment, building meaningful connections and friendships with my clients.
However, the spa world was tougher than I anticipated. Faced with fierce competition and lacking marketing expertise, I had to make the difficult decision to close the spa as rent soared. Determined to continue serving my clients, I shifted gears and went mobile.
Yet, deep down, I longed to offer a more holistic approach to wellness. That’s when I discovered the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS). I embarked on a journey, starting with the Product Manufacturing certification program and eventually enrolling in the Associate of Applied Science in Integrative Health Sciences.
Life took an unexpected, yet exciting turn, when my husband’s career led us to North Georgia. But I didn’t let that deter me. Amidst the chaos of relocation, I persevered, completing my bachelor’s degree and acquiring certifications as a Reiki practitioner, Yoga/Self-Instructor, Wellness and Fitness Consultant. I also had the incredible opportunity to study under the guidance of author Heatherash Amara, becoming a facilitator of her transformative work in “Warrior Goddess Training.”
Today, I stand at the intersection of passion, knowledge, and experience, ready to empower others on their journey to holistic wellness. I started Brews of Wellness as a reminder of my own journey. “Brews of Wellness” symbolizes a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses various elements such as herbal teas, tinctures, and infusions that promote health and balance in mind, body, and spirit. In holistic wellness, herbs and botanicals are often used not only for their physical health benefits but also for their emotional and spiritual properties.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In the midst of pursuing my dreams and expanding my knowledge through my master’s program at ACHS, life threw me a curveball. While joyfully anticipating the arrival of my fourth child, I embarked on this new academic journey filled with excitement and determination. However, amidst the anticipation, I was blindsided by the devastating news that I had undergone a missed miscarriage.
Navigating the complexities of grief while balancing the demands of academia and family life felt like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, in the depths of despair, I discovered a strength and a resilience that had been forged through years of adversity and triumph. Despite the pain and heartache, I refused to let go of my dreams and aspirations.
With unwavering determination, I am continuing my studies, drawing strength from the support of my loved ones and the belief in my ability to persevere. Each day was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as I learned to navigate the delicate balance between mourning the loss of what could have been and embracing the possibilities of what lay ahead.
Though the road is fraught with obstacles and setbacks, I refuse to let despair define me. Instead, I channeled my grief into fuel for my academic pursuits, using my studies as a means of healing and self-discovery. Through the darkness, I found peace in the knowledge that I was not alone—that countless others had walked this path before me and emerged stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the inherent strength that lies within each of us—the power to endure, to overcome, and to rise above even the most daunting of challenges. Though the pain of loss may never fully fade, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
As I continue on my path, I carry with me the memory of my little one, a beacon of light guiding me through the darkest of nights. As I’d like to call my “shooting star “., My hope is to walk with courage, grace, and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit. To continue my footpath; as my little one was named “Canyon”.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the notion that healing should be rushed or that my worth is determined by the pace of my recovery. It’s essential to give ourselves the space and time needed to heal fully and honor our intrinsic value. Comparison often leads to unnecessary competition with others, which only detracts from our authentic journey.
Instead of comparing or competing, I strive to cultivate connections rooted in authenticity. Authentic connections are built on honesty, vulnerability, and mutual respect, fostering deeper and more meaningful relationships.
Society often pressures us to hurry and leap ahead, fearing that we’ll be left behind if we don’t act quickly. However, I’ve come to understand that rushing or acting on impulse is counterproductive and ultimately unsustainable. True growth and progress emerge from a place of patience, mindfulness, and intentionality. I like to equate it to the butterfly in the cocoon.
In embracing this mindset shift, I’ve relearned the importance of releasing expectations, allowing myself to feel fully, and listening attentively to the wisdom of my body and soul. By honoring my inner rhythm and trusting in the natural flow of life, I’ve found greater peace, balance, and fulfillment in every aspect of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: Hawahlife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brews_of_wellness?igsh=MXdlcHJ4NDJnZm41dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Hawah Life, LLC
Image Credits
Images by Amber Elliott