Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amber James. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

As described in my recently published memoir, “I Blew Up My Life, and I’ve Never Been Happier,” I decided to take a leap of faith after a series of events (losing my grandfather during the pandemic, ending up in the hospital twice to remove my gallbladder and appendix, finding myself in a very toxic relationship.) In February 2022, I decided to take a leap of faith, quitting my six-figure job, ending my relationships, leaving NYC (after 15 years), and embarking on a soul-searching journey.

As the title of my book implies, I’ve never been happier. I’ve made space for myself and found happiness on my terms — not by what society deems as “success.” I’ve moved to Pittsburgh, written my memoir (with more self-help books on the way), and launched my small business, Notes To Self Shop.

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.

During the pandemic, as days blurred into one another and challenges mounted, I sought solace in penning down motivational messages for myself on simple Post-it notes. These little affirmations became my daily beacon, pushing me forward during the toughest times. Recognizing their power, I decided to share these positive vibes with the broader community through an Instagram page, @NotesToSelfShop.

To my astonishment, the response was overwhelming. The universal appeal of my notes resonated with thousands, and soon, I amassed a loyal following of nearly 23K people from around the world.

Seizing the momentum and the evident demand for such positivity, I transitioned from mere post-its to launching my own business. Today, I proudly offer a range of inspirational products, from books and journals to wall art, helping countless individuals find their daily dose of motivation and hope. http://www.notestoselfshop.com

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

When I began the transformative phase of “blowing up my life,” I desperately searched for connections and stories from women who had navigated significant shifts in their lives and emerged stronger on the other side. Those narratives would have been my anchor, reassuring me that change, no matter how tumultuous, can herald a new beginning.

With “Notes To Self Shop,” my ambition is to be that anchor for others. Through this platform, I aim to bring a spark of hope to those grappling with life’s complexities. Each note, journal, and piece of art I create emanates from a genuine place of understanding – because I’ve been there. I’ve waded through the messiness, the raw emotions, and the uncertainties that come with profound change. And now, it’s my turn to pay it forward.

By sharing my journey, with all its challenges and triumphs, I want to reassure women everywhere that they’re not alone in their struggles. If my story can inspire even one person to push through to believe in the promise of a brighter tomorrow, then I believe I’m on the right path. My mission with “Notes To Self Shop” is to help women feel seen, heard, and less isolated in their personal journeys and to remind them that amidst the chaos, there’s always hope.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had known earlier about the power and potential of self-publishing. In a world where traditional gatekeepers – publishers and agents – often dictate which stories see the light of day, self-publishing gives authors the power back. I’ve come to realize that as women, we often wait in the wings, hoping to be “chosen” or validated by mainstream avenues. But in doing so, we might be sidelining our unique voices and stories that desperately need to be heard. If I had discovered the wonders of self-publishing sooner, I might’ve brought my message to the world even earlier.

Self-publishing isn’t just about sharing a story; it’s declaring that we won’t wait for permission to share our truths. It’s about taking control, being proactive, and championing our narratives.

I sincerely wish more women would embrace this path, stepping into their power, and realizing they don’t need to wait for an external nod of approval. Our stories, our experiences, and our insights are valuable and deserve to be shared. If you’re passionate and believe in your message, take that leap and let your heart guide the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.notestoselfshop.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notestoselfshop/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberjames/

Image Credits
For the professional headshots (of me in blue), please credit: Heather Tabacchi.