Daily Inspiration: Meet Amber Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Ford.

Amber, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Amber Ford, a single mama of the best boy I know, Denver. He is my whole world aside from my work. A lot of people ask “What is Native in Nashville?” So I’ll make this as short and sweet as possible. It started off as a blog. Before I had a kid, I was out and about all the time, eating, shopping, going out, taking pictures… and people literally would text me every day asking me various questions about places, restaurants, where should they go for all these types of things. I decided to compile my ideas on a blog. I knew I wanted it to be Nashville-related and wanted a catchy name.

Since I’m from here, I went with Native. Kind of used “Sleepless in Seattle” as the basis. I created the logo, website, Instagram, FB, and first blog post in one night (February 2016). Anyways, fast forward to a little into blogging, maybe three months in, I had about five people in one week say “your logo is so cool, you should put it on a shirt.” I had been wanting to get one made for myself anyway so I did. I wore it to a Nashville Sounds game and posted a picture, and within a week I had 190 orders. I continued blogging for a good while, even got voted 3rd place best blog in Nashville by the Tennessean, but it became too much and too hard to do, along with working full-time, becoming a mom, and filling orders all on my own. Some days, I would work until 1 and 2 in the morning but it’s always been worth every minute and late night!

I was able to turn this into my full-time job in January 2020 and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I truly LOVE seeing people wearing something I created. I was voted “Best Fashion Designer” for the Nashville Scene Reader’s Choice Awards in both 2019, 2020, and 2021 as well, which is the greatest honor to me in a city so full of creative, amazing people. I now make every item I sell myself, with the exception of the hats, because I don’t know how to embroider YET, but I definitely want to learn. Native in Nashville has opened up so many opportunities and relationships for me.

With the help of my brand and platform, I have been able to raise thousands of dollars for charities and people in need, including raising $53k in 10 weeks for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, when I was a candidate for “Woman of the Year”. Without this, I know that would not have been possible. It is my true passion and I thank God every day for helping my dreams turn into a reality. I pour my heart and soul into this every day.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think there have been many struggles. Maybe just overworking myself and learning things later would save me time, money or help me get people their items quicker than the turnaround time. I’m huge on customer service and being a people pleaser, so I am also ALWAYS on my phone because I like to be available to take orders anytime and answer any questions people may have.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I handmake every item I sell, aside from hats. I take a lot of pride in that. I haven’t always had the time to do that. It started when I stopped working full-time and I eased into making more and more things. I used to be required to make at least 24 items that were the same logo and color. Now, after teaching myself to make items, I’m able to make just one or two of an item and even custom orders for people.

I would say, I’m most proud of winning the “Best of Nashville” readers choice award for “Best Fashion Designer” for the past three years. I’m also proud of making quality clothing that people, both, look and feel good in.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am truly thankful for people posting pictures wearing my clothing. I definitely think word of mouth is the best form of advertising. I always try to repost everyone either on my stories or my IG/FB who don’t have a private page.

That’s the best advice I could probably give. Them posting a photo helps me reach a whole new group of people I could have never reached on my own. I also think it’s very helpful for people to see things on real people, instead of a flat lay.

Contact Info:

• Email: Nativeinnashville@gmail.com
• Website: www.nativeinNashville.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/nativeinNashville 
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/nativeinNashville

Image Credits
Kelsey Young of Before Charleston Photography