Meet Amber Lauren | Founder & Creator of WavyWMN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Lauren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite affirmation is, “I release the fear of being seen.” I first heard it on the Clubhouse app during a morning meditation group. It stuck with me ever since. Being an entrepreneur, it’s hard to deal with self-sabotaging. It reminds me that it’s okay to be seen—no matter what. You don’t have to experience things alone, especially learning how to create community. It helps me understand that it’s okay to be yourself, for the sake of yourself. It’s okay to self-care. It’s okay to be free! We can talk about the journey of entrepreneurs all day, but we NEED balance. We need wellness (whatever healthy habit that means to you). Even if all that is, is sleeping. It’s not healthy to live and breathe your business, we have to be individuals too. It’s a marathon, not a race.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My background is in journalism. Starting off in broadcasting during my time in undergrad, hosting two radio shows and becoming the Assistant Music Director. Then later transferring schools, shifting to print and online writing for the remainder of my time in school.

After I graduated, I fell into social media management and marketing. It wasn’t really my passion, but it put food on the table. Not wanting to let up, I launched a blog (that I still currently run), but I realized I wanted to start a business. I definitely learned that I will never turn away from writing or broadcasting, as they’ve always been passions of mine. Which is also why I turned our #WavieTalks series into a podcast!

April 2021 saw the launch of the #WavieTalks series. Seeking to help shift conversations around natural hair and its textured beauty. Highlighting Black Women Wavers, Barbers, Hair Stylists, and Black-owned hair-care businesses. Hosted by myself, discussing anything and everything under the sun—especially waves! From tips, exclusives, sage advice, transparency, and so much more.

We’ve always discussed how conversations like this need to happen, and its our duty to bring them to life. Shedding light on overlooked topics, and the hairstyles underrepresented in the beauty aisles. Not to mention the heavily-dominated male industry of waving.

Here on #WavieTalks, there will never be a dull moment. Complete with our wide range of guests, who are apart of Waving community in some form. Most importantly, the WavieTalks space is proudly for and by Black people from all walks of life. No matter where you are in the world, or even if you’re not quite yet a Wavie; you’re guaranteed to leave with something.

Having the privilege of interning for not one, but two incredibly successful Black-owned businesses based in NYC, it really shaped my perspective on things. If anything, I’m beyond grateful to witness and be apart of such history in their respected industries. This also made me realize how impostor syndrome is a B****. And self-sabotage?! Listen, overcoming that s*** isn’t easy. But it’s so worth it. Many a night I’d spend filled with anxiety and questioning the future. But if it’s one thing I’ve learned, we only get ONE life. That’s it. No dress rehearsals, no rewinds. Easier said than done, I know.

But think about it: Would you want to spend the rest of your life in the same position forever? I didn’t think so. It’s with all these experiences that have helped mold me into the Black Woman entrepreneur I am today. Had it not been for these moments, WavyWMN wouldn’t be here. And I’m incredibly grateful for launching the largest active community of Black Women Wavers in the world! For those in the back, to wave the hair is to brush the natural curl of your hair flat, achieving a wave-like pattern.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooh baby where do I start? Definitely check out the Botanical Garden (both Brooklyn and the New York), they have the most beautiful flower displays! If you’re looking for a party, definitely hit up Ode to Babel or an Everyday Ppl day party! There’s also plenty of Black-owned brunch spots and places to check out. Bed-Stuy’s Tompkins Av. & Halsey St. is definitely a street filled with Black-owned spots like Bed-Vyne. Who could forget Flatbush & Crown Heights? So many places like Ras Plant Based, Hibiscus Brew and more! Did I mention they’re opening a Slutty Vegan in downtown Brooklyn by the Barclays? So many places in such little time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where do I even start? My Mom, who always encourages me to keep going even when it’s hard. My oldest sister, Kanaiah who affirms me constantly in my entrepreneurial and creative journey. My late Dad, who instilled the importance of generational wealth while sowing me the importance of financial stability. My close friends who always cheer me on, my tribe all over the world who make sure that I know to always give myself grace! I appreciate you all, and you all know who you are who’ve helped keep me grounded these past two years!

Website: www.wavywmn.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wavywmn

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wavywmn

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wavywmn

Other: The #WavieTalks podcast is available to stream on Anchor FM, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

Image Credits
To the picture of myself (Amber Lauren) side profile picture by Jada Harrison / @flashalook – Instagram