Amber Renae is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for herself in the fashion industry as an entrepreneur, fashion editor, and TV presenter. With her extensive experience and expertise, she aims to educate, enlighten, and motivate aspiring individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in the business world.
Define life & business on your own terms, become a magnet for abundance.
Renae’s extensive background in digital services and product-based ventures spans over a decade, making her a trusted source of inspiration for women worldwide seeking to enhance their personal image and embrace their individuality with confidence. Leveraging her expertise, she has developed two highly acclaimed eCourses aimed at empowering aspiring stylists to transform their passion into a successful business venture. Renae’s courses not only provide invaluable insights into proven performance and presentation techniques but also equip participants with the tools they need to gain widespread recognition within the industry. By tapping into Renae’s guidance, budding stylists are able to unlock their full potential and embark on a rewarding journey of self-expression and professional growth.
Amber Renae’s remarkable journey in the fashion industry began with the successful launch of her own fashion brand in 2002, catapulting her to international retail success. Her unique sense of style and expertise caught the attention of the fashion world, leading her to be featured as a style icon on Project Runway Australia. Renae’s talent for styling has also made her a sought-after professional for various red-carpet events, including the prestigious TV Week Logie Awards, where she has worked with numerous celebrities.
In our exclusive interview with the extraordinary Amber Renae, we delve into her captivating journey and vast industry experience. Renae generously shares her insights on the importance of persistence and determination in pursuing one’s dreams within the fashion industry. She also sheds light on the essential requirements and skills necessary to make a mark in this competitive field.
Renae’s invaluable wisdom and firsthand knowledge provide a glimpse into the inner workings of the fashion world, offering aspiring individuals a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed. Through her remarkable journey, Renae serves as an inspiring role model, encouraging others to follow their passions, embrace resilience, and strive for excellence in their own fashion endeavours.
BUSINESS SUCCESS
DEMI: WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS?
Being a successful business owner takes a lot of hard work, and to become the business leader I am today means a great deal to me. I’ve tried and failed many times over the years, I persevered time and time again and overcame much adversity. I didn’t give up! I’m a results driven person and a great problem solver, so when I want something, I’ll do whatever I need to do in order to reach my goals.
BRAND POSITION
DEMI: WHAT SETS YOUR BRAND APART IN THE MARKETPLACE?
I am incredibly grateful for the wealth of real-world knowledge that I have accumulated throughout my journey. It has provided me with invaluable insights and experiences that have shaped my understanding of this wonderfully challenging industry. I am genuinely thrilled to have the opportunity to impart my tips, advice, and wisdom to my students, empowering them to navigate the complexities of this field with confidence and success.
I am grateful for the opportunity to mentor the next generation.
My courses are all based on my very own personal experiences; therefore, students will receive a unique insight into relevant industry information which they can utilise in the marketplace today.
GETTING STARTED
DEMI: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE NEW FOUNDERS STARTING A BUSINESS?
One crucial step towards success is making a public commitment to your venture. Often, the hardest part is taking that initial leap. By publicly announcing your intentions, you create a sense of accountability and gain support from those around you who become your unofficial accountability partners. This external motivation can be instrumental in keeping you focused and dedicated to your goals.
In addition to making a public commitment, it is vital to seek knowledge and education about the industry you are entering. A mentor, eCourses, blogs, videos, and other resources can provide you with valuable insights, guidance, and expertise. By immersing yourself in learning everything there is to know about your chosen industry, you position yourself for success. Stay curious and continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
Remember, success is not achieved overnight. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. By combining a public commitment with a thirst for knowledge, you set yourself up for a solid foundation on which to build your success in the industry you are entering.
BUSINESS FEARS
DEMI: DID YOU FACE ANY FEARS STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
Heck yeah! Fear is a natural part of the journey to success, and it affects everyone at some point. What sets successful individuals apart is how they choose to respond to their fears. Rather than letting fear overpower and hinder progress, they harness it as a driving force.
Facing your fears head-on and taking action in spite of them is a powerful practice. Each time you confront fear, you become stronger and more adept at handling challenging situations. Embracing fear as an opportunity for growth and learning allows you to develop resilience and adaptability.
There’s a quote that resonates deeply with me, and perhaps it will inspire you as well:
The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear, projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs. It’s the same thing, fear, but it’s what you do with it that matters. – Cus D’Amato
IN HINDSIGHT
DEMI: REFLECTING ON YOUR JOURNEY, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
In hindsight, I would have been more practical with cash flow in my first business and kept a regular part-time job to pay for my own personal expenses. And I would advise new business owners to make sure that they have a stable source of income for the first one to three years and don’t rely on your business to feed you or pay your bills. It’s awesome if it does, but don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
DEMI: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING YOUR OWN SHOW?
The fact that it never feels like work. I can’t remember the last time I woke up and went to ‘work’. Granted, I probably spend more hours working on my business than most people ever do at their day job, but it never feels like something I ‘have’ to do.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE
DEMI: WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE FACED IN BUSINESS?
The greatest challenge in almost all start-ups is cash flow. As a creative, it’s typically the last thing we’re interested in focusing on. We want to do all the fun, creative stuff, but bookkeeping and accounting is about as far from fun as you can get in my opinion. So, you need to prioritise this and schedule time to do it each and every week, or you need to outsource.
BUSINESS INSPO
DEMI: WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU ON YOUR ENTREPRENUERIAL JOURNEY?
There isn’t a single person, but rather a few of them. And these are all people who I look up to such as teachers or mentors. So, it’s anyone who has inspired or mentored me along the way.
STARTUP TIPS
DEMI: WHAT ARE THE BEST STARTUP TIPS YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
- Never stop learning.
- Figure out your strengths and weaknesses.
- You need to develop immense self-awareness.
- Plan your time with ninja-like precision to ensure maximum productivity and profitability, and this usually means eliminating 80% of what’s on your to-do list.
- Well, this one took me a long time to realise but unless you’re focused on earning money, you’re not in business, you’re a hobbyist.
Focus on maximising your strengths whilst outsourcing your weaknesses. You don’t have to be good at everything and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help by outsourcing the things you’re not good at.
OVERCOMING FAILURE
DEMI: WHAT INSIGHTS DO YOU HAVE REGARDING FAILURE AND HOW TO NAVIGATE IT SUCCESSFULLY?
My first business went bankrupt, and I was hospitalised with a whole host of health problems (cancer unfortunately made that list, among other things). It was a challenging and difficult period in my life. Yet, I firmly believe that we learn more from failure than we do from success. Failure can be a powerful teacher if we approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Initially, I allowed these setbacks to deter me. For a couple of years, I let them define my path and hold me back. However, with time, I made a conscious choice to look back and extract the valuable lessons from that period. It was during this reflection that I realized the immense growth and learning I had gained from those experiences.
You learn more from failure than you do from success, don’t let it stop you.
Failure taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. It taught me to reassess my strategies, identify areas for improvement, and develop a deeper understanding of the industry and my own capabilities. Most importantly, it taught me the value of a positive mindset and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
DEMI: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER REGARDING PRESENTING IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE?
One of the most common fears when stepping on stage is the worry that the audience won’t like us. However, it’s important to remember that the audience actually wants you to succeed. They are rooting for you to do well and are eager to be inspired by your words and presence.
As a speaker, your primary goal is to captivate and inspire your audience. When you consider your own experiences as an audience member, you’ll realise that you never secretly hope for a speaker to fail. Instead, you invest your valuable time and attention, hoping to be taken on a journey. You want the speaker to lead, teach, entertain, and ultimately, inspire you.
Understanding this mindset of the audience can help alleviate your fears. Instead of worrying about their judgment, focus on the opportunity you have to make a positive impact on their lives. Embrace the role of being a trusted guide who can share valuable insights and motivate your listeners.
Your job as a speaker is to do just that, inspire your audience. Your audience wants you to win.
So, the next time you step on stage, remind yourself that the audience genuinely wants you to succeed. Embrace the opportunity to engage, educate, and entertain them. By delivering a compelling and inspiring presentation, you will leave a lasting impact and fulfill the desires of the audience who have invested their time and attention in you.
WHAT IT TAKES
DEMI: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IT TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS?
In the world of business, one must be prepared to face and overcome difficulties and setbacks, as entrepreneurship is filled with both. Developing exceptional resilience and a high pain tolerance is crucial for navigating the challenges that arise. Regrettably, I often witness individuals who embark on their entrepreneurial journey, only to be discouraged by a couple of setbacks, leading them to believe it’s too daunting to continue.
Business demands unwavering determination and grit.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve encountered more setbacks, disappointments, and rejections than the average person has had hot lunches. However, the key to my success lies in my unwavering commitment to getting up one more time than my competitors did.
To achieve your goals in the business world, it’s vital to embrace a resilient mindset. Each setback should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and learning. Rather than allowing rejection or disappointment to dampen your spirits, use them as steppingstones toward greater achievements. Every time you face adversity, consider it a chance to refine your strategies, learn from your mistakes, and develop new skills.
Remember, the path to success is rarely smooth or linear. It requires persistence, determination, and a willingness to keep going despite the obstacles. Embrace the challenges that come your way, knowing that each one conquered brings you closer to your goals. By maintaining an unyielding spirit, you can rise above your competitors and achieve the success you desire in the world of business.
RESOURCES + TOOLS
DEMI: DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY USEFUL RESOURCES OR TOOLS FOR NEW FOUNDERS?
My entire business is online now and I’m always looking at ways to automate or streamline as much of the day-to-day running as possible. As a qualified Civil Engineer, I’m highly systems and process driven, and I am constantly seeking new ways to innovate. In that regard, I love any tools that help increase productivity or communication with my team including the following:
Trello Project Management software, good for keeping track of tasks on a big project.
Also, I love communicating tasks using Jing which lets me create screen grab videos, much easier than typing a 5-paragraph email to my team.
Evernote is a must-have, it’s like post-it-notes on steroids.
And as for books, check out Tim Ferriss (the guy who wrote The 4Hr Work Week) new book: Tools of Titans – it’s a highly resourceful read and draws on thinking from many leaders such as Tony Robbins and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
WHAT’S NEXT
DEMI: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR ‘AMBER RENAE’ THE BRAND?
I’m thrilled to announce that my Presentation, Performance, and Publicity e-course is now open for enrolment, coinciding with the release of this message. Audiences are encouraged to join the waitlist to secure their spot and gain access to valuable insights and resources.
In addition to the e-course, I will be regularly sharing my expertise through a series of Facebook Live Videos throughout the year. These videos will cover a diverse range of topics, including business wisdom, tips, strategies, and inspiration. I aim to provide a wealth of knowledge and support to aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to enhance their skills and achieve their goals.
Furthermore, you can expect a collection of insightful business articles that I will be sharing, adding even more value and guidance to your entrepreneurial journey.
By joining the waitlist and following along with my Facebook Live Videos and articles, you’ll have the opportunity to tap into a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. I am excited to share my expertise and help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with building a successful business.
Amber Renae shares the following insights on work, wellness, & life.
I love what I do because… It allows me to inspire and educate thousands of women all over the world.
Never be afraid of… Failure. It’s part of the course to success.
My greatest talent is… Ability to identify my own unique strengths and to develop habits & businesses around them.
My biggest challenge is… Being open to receiving.
I overcame that challenge by… Undertaking deep self-assessment and unlocking the subconscious fears I had around receiving.
When starting a business one must… Be pragmatically pessimistic. You need to define all the worst-case scenarios and accept that if any of this happens, you’ll have learned a bunch of really valuable lessons.
I Never go to work without … Making sure I’ve meditated and I’m in a good headspace.
Never underestimate … The power of vulnerability. Everything that you want in life lies on the flipside of that uncomfortable conversation or situation.
I hope to one day… Change one million peoples’ lives for the better.
In my spare time… I Read. I’m a huge bookworm and love to get my hands on diverse, non-fiction genres in the hope of mind-expansion.
Every girl needs… Self-confidence, and a community of women to support her.
On perfection… Perfectionism is just fear disguised as trying to do your best, done is better than perfect.
On every day… The only thing there is, is the now. I try to spend as much time in the now moment as possible.
On attitude… Nothing great ever happened to those who played it safe.
On purpose… Purpose is ever evolving. Love yourself and listen to yourself.
On living… Everyone struggles. So, don’t overestimate the world and underestimate yourself, you are better than you think.
I absolutely love… Myself.
Success means… Being able to look in the mirror each day and say I love you, I’m proud of you, and you’re doing a great job.
Living the dream means… Being location independent and chasing an endless Summer.
My favourite quote… “Those who are certain of the outcome, can afford to wait, and wait without anxiety.” – A Course in Miracles.
Happiness is... A practice that one needs to develop with daily routine. Happiness is a muscle that you need to train with daily discipline, much like you do any other muscle. I’ve got 5 Happiness Hacks that I live by, sign up at LINK to get your happy on today!
What’s next… I’ll be launching a couple of new courses, including a course on video presenting and production.
I love helping entrepreneurs and small business owners take their businesses to the next level. Please contact me if you’re ready to supercharge your impact, escalate your influence and skyrocket your success.
Amber Renae: WWW.AMBERRENAE.COM
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“Thank you, Amber Renae, for generously sharing your incredible journey with us and our readers. Your story is a testament to your unwavering determination and resilience, as you have taken complete control of your path, creating both a fulfilling life and a thriving business. Your ability to inspire others to pursue their dreams is truly admirable and impactful.” – Demi Karan, Heels Agency
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