Say Hello to Amber!

 

I am so excited to announce that Amber of Amber Foster Smith Photography is the new owner and leader of Vend Raleigh!  Most of you already know her and recognize her as an active member within our community, an educator and a fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs.  She currently serves as the leader in the Vend Raleigh Professional Photographers Facebook group promoting engagement and community with 250 local photographers.  Amber has held the role of emcee for the last two Illuminate conferences, served on the planning committee and spoke truth of the importance of community as an Illuminate speaker.

While I watched Amber work the room at the last Illuminate with her positive energy and amazing smile, I knew Amber was the next leader of Vend Raleigh. Every time she approached a business leader with her enthusiasm and microphone, each woman woke up, felt seen, and participated in a brave way. That’s what a Vend Raleigh leader does, approaches women, stands right next to them in their bravery, and encourages them to grow.

Soon after Amber established her family and wedding photography business she quickly began creating a strong community with other women leading small businesses. Amber successfully opened her first brick and mortar The Studio: A Coworking Space for Creatives in downtown Holly Springs four years ago and launched a mastermind group that multiplied and divided immediately after she launched it. As the years have gone by Amber has continued to grow and combine her passions for photography, small business, and community. 2020 will be a year of big changes as she turns her photography business focus towards branding for small businesses and expanding The Studio into a new space twice as big as its current!

Help me in welcoming Amber Smith as the new owner and leader of the Vend Raleigh community!