Amber's Story: Building the Business of her dreams

Amber’s dream had always been to start her own company. When she was laid off from her media producer position at Cargill shortly before the pandemic began, she recognized the opportunity and took the time to figure out how to do just that.

Through networking with her colleagues, Amber heard about Hired and applied for the CLIMB program. Through it, she received additional financial support to supplement unemployment insurance. She also found courses covering small business essentials with Hired and Women Venture.

“I’ve been assigned a mentor and have someone guiding me through the business class. It’s helpful to have someone with experience to show you the ropes.”

Amber also took Hired’s personal branding workshops. “One of the course assignments was to reach out to past colleagues to help better understand what I do through the experience of others. Now I feel I can promote myself in a more authentic way.

“There’s a big pro in being forced to slow down,” says Amber. “Now I’m doing the work I actually want to do and building my business the way I want.” She has established Danger Vision Productions and is slowly getting her business off the ground with new clients. She continues to take advantage of support from Hired as her company takes shape.