Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Miller
Hi Amber, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Amber Miller and I am the founder of “Pretty as Peaches” — a content creation, blog and social media marketing personal brand! My story is very unique as I started my blog about six years ago with zero plan of where I wanted to go with it.
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a dual degree in Multimedia Journalism and Family Consumer Sciences, where I was also a D1 collegiate cheerleader for 4 years. After graduation, I decided as purely a fun hobby to start designing my website where I would blog about my life to continue my love for writing and share my passion for fashion, fitness, beauty, and travel. In the developmental stages of my website, blog, and social media platforms, I decided to walk in Miami Swim Week for Vizcaya Swimwear and compete in Miss Virginia USA. This was such an amazing experience and solidified my passion for being in front of the camera and sharing my life with others. I started following other bloggers and influencers that I idolized to better understand the industry, researching ways to provide for my audience, and creating valuable content. This process was a grind — very transformative, experimental, and rewarding.
After my first six months of blogging, I landed my first paid brand deal. Securing this deal was a milestone for me because I was still so new to the industry and unfamiliar with the fact that being a “blogger’ is a full time job for some people. In that moment, I decided I was going to commit my full self to growing this platform to see where my potential was. (Fast forward to three years later) I am humbled to say that I am a full time blogger having traveled to many cities and countries to share their glorious locations, as well as work with some of my most favorite brands — such as Dunkin, Hertz, Express, Papa Johns, Wet N Wild, Shark Cleaning, DIFF Eyewear, Boot Barn, Kroger, etc. The past three years of my blogging journey have been nothing short of exhilarating. I have had so many opportunities and unforgettable experiences. I have met so many amazing women that share the same hustle mentality as I do to strive to be successful and provide the best content for our audiences. Last but not least, I truly learned who was in my corner, supported me, and cheered me on all the way as they watched my platform and blog flourish. I am so thankful for them!
After my first two years in the social media world, I had made a network strong enough to dive into full digital marketing and opened up my second business — Double Tap Marketing LLC. We execute all aspects of digital marketing such as social media management, email marketing, influencer marketing, paid ads, consulting, branding, Google/SEO, website design, etc. I’ve been fortunate enough to help over 30 small businesses grow and manage their digital marketing efforts.
I have came so far since the day I committed to creating my website, but I am nowhere near where I want to be. I want to continue growing my personal brand, marketing business, creating valuable content, and share my passion with my audience!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As much as I would love to say that this journey has been a smooth ride for me, it most certainly has not. However, I try my best to look at every situation as an opportunity to grow and learn from it.
There were many times when I felt like I “just can’t do it all” between juggling personal health, quality time with family, my full time job on top of blogging, maintaining a social life, long distance relationship, etc. To put it straight forward, I NEVER stopped working. For a solid 2 years, blogging came first to everything. Some weeks, I didn’t sleep for more than 3 hours. Once I committed to growing my brand, I committed…. and there was nothing stopping me from reaching my goal. Once I saw the impact it made on my family, friends, and fiance… I made it a priority to put more of a balance on my life and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
With social media, always comes what us bloggers love to call “trolls.” They are cruel, unforgiving, unsupportive, etc. At first, the trolls definitely got the best of me. I let them question my motives, get me down, and hold me back from what I really wanted. It took about a year for me to understand that the trolls of social media did not define me as a person and I was letting them win by backing down. Anytime I am struggling with this issue, I look back at where I came from and tell myself that I am in the driver seat and my opinion is the only one that matters.
Other than a few obstacles along the way, I’ve been blessed with an extraordinary journey filled with lots of support and positivity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love this question because owning your own business gives you many more roles than you ever imagined having. Not only am I a writer, content creator, and digital marketing advertiser…. but I am an entrepreneur, accountant, event planner, travel agent, and so much more. It has taught me so many life skills that I never would have learned otherwise. Growing up, I was never the “naturally talented” person. I had to work double time for anything I wanted to achieve. I used to envy that trait of others, but now I am actually thankful for it. It has shaped who I am today and my work ethic stems completely from that. That is what I am most proud of and what sets me apart from others.
As creative business owners, we have a variety of specialties and focuses. We create content to allow our audience to see products and services we love first-hand. We are guinea pigs for new products out on the shelves. We provide feedback and opinions, share beautiful travel destinations for a variety of occasions, and provide life hacks that we have found helpful. Above all, we entertain. We give our audience a welcoming platform to come to and be themselves, to utilize as a resource for questions and advice, and to share their experiences!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a whirlwind of energy and excitement, always eager to explore the world around me with boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. My personality was defined by a fearless spirit and a thirst for adventure, often leading me to take risks and embrace new challenges head-on.
I was the epitome of an outgoing individual, thriving in social settings and cherishing every opportunity to connect with others. My love for people and my zest for life were evident in everything I did, from forging deep friendships to seeking out new experiences that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
As a daredevil at heart, I was drawn to thrill-seeking activities that kept my adrenaline pumping and my senses alive. Whether it was trying to keep up with my older brother and his shenanigans, sports, hunting/fishing, or diving into daring escapades, I was always up for the next exhilarating adventure.
Despite my adventurous nature, I was also incredibly hardworking and determined to succeed in everything I set my mind to. Whether it was excelling in academics, gymnastics/cheerleading, pursuing my passions/career, or striving towards my goals, I approached each endeavor with unwavering dedication and perseverance.
Overall, my upbringing was characterized by a vibrant tapestry of experiences, shaped by a personality that was bold, loving, and full of life. I embraced every moment with an open heart and an insatiable appetite for living, leaving an indelible mark on those around me and shaping the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prettyaspeaches.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambermiller9/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyaspeachesblog/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/amber_miller9
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyMkYo0kx69bz7hWhHgbjMQ
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/doubletapmarketingllc/
Image Credits
@kelsie_shae_photography