We recently connected with Amber Clour and have shared our conversation 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?
My journey with diabetes has been transformative, shaping the very core of my existence. At the age of eight, a sudden rush to Children’s Hospital marked the onset of my Type 1 diabetes journey. Those initial weeks were a crash course in adapting to a new life, a life where I became a #walkingscienceproject. Striving for an A+ in maintaining stable blood glucose levels while embracing life to the fullest became my daily mission.
My openness about the realities of living with diabetes and a no-filter approach, resonates with the diabetes and medical community. Through my podcast, Real Life Diabetes, I share not only my story but those of other people living with this disease – reinforcing the message that no one with diabetes walks alone. The celebration of my 40th “Diaversary” on January 28th is a testament to my resilience, a milestone I never imagined reaching in the earlier, more challenging years.
As I reflect on my journey, I’ve dedicated the fourth chapter of my life to diabetes advocacy. The struggle to connect with others during the early years inspired the creation of Diabetes Daily Grind blog in 2014 and the podcast spoon followed and has since evolved into one of the largest diabetes-related podcasts globally. The Diabetes Daily Grind, now a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, exists to provide genuine support and resources for everyone navigating life with diabetes.
While I don’t promise a cure, I believe in the power of our stories to bridge the gap between the diabetes and medical community. Managing diabetes is undoubtedly a challenge, but I credit much of my success in life to dealing with the highs and lows. My mission is not just a statement; it’s the heartbeat of my existence, driving me to make a meaningful impact in the diabetes community.
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?
I’ve been immersed in entrepreneurship for as long as I can remember, embarking on various ventures since my early years. It all started with humble beginnings, from selling gum on the bus to crafting pot holders and peddling pecans and mistletoe to neighbors. My entrepreneurial journey took a creative turn during my college years when I discovered a passion for jewelry making. The positive reception led me to establish Dreamer Concepts, a t-shirt design company, which quickly gained traction, reaching seven states and even gracing the screens of box office movies.
In parallel, I initiated SafeRide, a transformative transportation system for my hometown, Norman, OK. This marked my first foray into the realm of philanthropy as SafeRide became a 501(c)3 charitable initiative. I’m especially proud that the University of Oklahoma, my alma mater, assumed control of the program, ensuring its continuous operation for over two decades.
Eager to expand my impact, I transitioned into a nonprofit model, launching Dreamer Concepts: An Art Space for Emerging Artists. Drawing on my knack for networking and advocacy, I developed programs to nurture budding artists, emphasizing inclusivity across mediums, age groups, and educational backgrounds. As the Executive Director, I was at the helm for nine years, fostering an environment that encourages, promotes, and provides growth opportunities for local artists.
In tandem with my nonprofit commitments, I co-founded the Diabetes Daily Grind blog and introduced the Real Life Diabetes Podcast. Commencing in 2014, the Diabetes Daily Grind has become a cornerstone in the diabetes community, offering support and connection for individuals living with diabetes. As I approach the 10-year milestone, the podcast has surpassed 279,000 downloads, resonating across all 50 US states and 144+ countries, bridging the gap between patients and the medical community.
My journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavors, philanthropy, and advocacy. What sets me apart is not only my diverse portfolio but also my commitment to community building, fostering creativity, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those I reach. I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join me on this transformative journey, where passion, innovation, and social impact converge.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The serendipitous encounter that led to the formation of our partnership unfolded at a Leadership Norman alumni gathering. During this event, I struck up a conversation with a woman whose son was on the brink of embarking on medical school, with a potential focus on endocrinology. This chance interaction was sparked by her noticing my medical alert tattoo, which opened the door to a shared experience of Type 1 diabetes.
Recognizing common ground and shared objectives, she connected me with her son over a casual happy hour. As we waited for her arrival, the immediate connection was palpable, and within moments, we found ourselves exchanging ideas on how to connect with others navigating the challenges of Type 1 diabetes. What made this meeting extraordinary was that he was the first person in my adult life who truly understood the intricacies of my journey and embraced life with the same zest.
In that initial conversation, our vision was ambitious—we envisioned creating a series of books chronicling the experiences of living with diabetes through the decades and formative years. However, recognizing the immediacy and accessibility of a blog, we decided to take the first step. In 2014, we jointly launched the Diabetes Daily Grind website, and shortly thereafter, the Real Life Diabetes Podcast came to life.
Our collaboration, rooted in a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of those living with diabetes, flourished and I took full reins of the blog and podcast when he stepped away in 2019 to begin his residency.
The journey from that chance meeting to the establishment of the Diabetes Daily Grind platform stands testament to the power of shared experiences and the profound connections that can arise when like-minded individuals come together.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The pivotal moment in my journey occurred when my Diabetes Daily Grind co-founder and Real Life Diabetes Podcast co-host made the decision to step down to pursue his residency. Faced with the question of whether to continue the venture solo, I grappled with uncertainty. However, my innate entrepreneurial spirit refused to let me walk away from the meaningful work we had started.
In the process of regrouping, I made a conscious decision to launch a heartfelt podcast episode addressing his departure, recognizing the strength of our partnership. Despite the emotional difficulty of the situation, I was driven by the belief that both the website and the podcast were making a positive impact, compelling me to persevere.
A significant pivot came shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown. The information I provided through the platform became more crucial than ever, yet my advertising partnerships withdrew their support. Faced with a potentially dire situation, I reverted to my entrepreneurial roots and made a strategic decision to transform my for-profit company into a 501(c)3 charitable organization—marking the third of its kind under my purview. This structural shift empowered me to seek grants and encouraged my dedicated listeners and followers to contribute through donations, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
This journey showcases the resilience required to navigate unexpected transitions and challenges, demonstrating the adaptability needed to keep the lights on and the mission alive. It is a testament to the transformative power of determination and strategic pivots in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://diabetesdailygrind.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diabetesgrind/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diabetesdailygrind
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-clour-516b9b9/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiabetesGrind
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC97V4rQcGe7d3LujAVvREtQ
- Other: Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.clour
Image Credits
I took all of these photos.