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

Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

I am a small business owner. I am a metalsmith primarily working in silver and occasionally other metals as well as semi precious stones. This is in addition to the fact that I have been a full time High School Art Teacher for 26 years. I think students have become fearful of risk in our current society. They fear failure. I have students who I know could have a successful career literally right now at a young age but the fear of failure often impedes their drive. I also fear the work ethic in youth has changed significantly. Instant gratification has become way to common. I try to teach resilience and perseverance in my studio. It’s something the students aren’t being taught enough. Risks lead to mistakes which lead to experience and knowledge gained. Especially in creative fields!

Amber, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have spent the last 26 years encouraging my students to become creatives but I never had faith in my own ability to make it as a professional artist. I had always done painting commissions and little side jobs but it wasn’t until I discovered my love of metal smithing that I really started understanding that it could become a small business. It has grown and given me the ability to enjoy life now as opposed to waiting until I retire. My work is a reflection of nature, music, and art all the things I love. I continue to learn and grow as my work takes me to new places and I meet new people.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started slow as I became more visible on social media. I have chosen to illustrate how incorporated my business is into my life and vice versa as it’s all interconnected. I hope this approach enables my clients to understand that there is a human being behind all of these creative decisions and that I am approachable and will work with folks who may want something very specific/ custom.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly word of mouth from satisfied customers has built my business to what it is today. People have returned as customers over and over and recommend me to friends and family. Also my cheery presence in sales situations has repeatedly helped me make sales. Just kind conversations and words with prospective buyers makes a huge difference.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @13waves_metalworks

Image Credits

Top taken by me: Amber Waters