From the age of 10, Arlington resident and designer Amber Johnson knew she wanted to be in fashion. That dream became a reality when she started her own business and released her first clothing line in February. Now, Jamber, a unisex streetwear brand, is making waves not only in the local market but also on the national stage — finding itself in the running for “Oprah Magazine’s” Favorite Things 2020. While her pieces won’t be in its beloved December issue, Amber has her eyes set on the future and is determined to persevere, no matter what obstacles get in her way.
MY CHILDHOOD DREAM… inspired me to start my own clothing line. After I went to college and started my job, that vision started to pull me. I began to revisit my childhood dream, and I made it a reality.
JAMBER… was a childhood nickname. I wanted to incorporate my name into the brand. But it also stands for ‘just anticipating more by exercising resilience.’ It’s a brand that represents motivation and resilience like the icon the hummingbird. The hummingbird was never supposed to be able to fly. Its wings are too small. Not only can it fly but also it is the only bird that can fly forward, backward, up, down and even hover. It represents determination. We want our customers to feel motivated to go chase their dreams.
MY BACKGROUND IS FROM… the athletic world. Growing up, I played basketball. I worked for a basketball company. And I always shopped for mismatched outfits. I love wearing clothes from the women’s and men’s department, so I decided to make a collection that is unisex. Jamber is made from meticulous details and a unique twist in every garment. The fabric is different. You can dress our styles up or down either with high heels or athletic shoes. I just wanted to do something for everyone.
I WANTED TO CREATE… clothing for the customer who wanted to stand out, who has that creative energy within them. I wanted vibrant colors, so they could show personality. I wanted to show them that if they want to be different, they can come and wear Jamber. I obviously want them to feel comfortable, but I also want them to feel empowered. We have hidden messages in the tags of our clothing. This collection’s tags read, ‘It starts with a dream; it's fueled by passion but requires commitment to make it happen.’ I want customers to feel their dreams require commitment. I want them to know if I can do it, they can do it. That doesn’t mean designing clothing.
THIS IS A BUSINESS… that I did not start out in. I knew nothing about it. But I’ve had to learn along the way how the fashion industry works. I’ve had to find my market, find my customer, try to get in touch with the right buyers, find contacts.
COVID-19 HIT… but my vision has stayed the same. In life, we go through roadblocks, but instead of focusing on COVID, I focused on where Jamber was going. I kept trying to push Jamber forward.
I HAVE... the utmost respect from entrepreneurs. Being an entrepreneur is hard — it’s very, very hard — but betting on yourself is the most rejuvenating experience you can ever have. I didn’t come from privilege. Everything I’ve had to do, I’ve had to work for. As your own boss, you don’t know if you have a check coming in. If you don’t work, you don’t eat.
MY ADVICE TO ENTREPRENEURS… is that challenges will come, but don't give up. You need to know where you want your business to be. If you keep working on it, then things start to happen. A lot of people give up too quickly, and they are almost there. I can see it clear as day where Jamber will be in the next five years. I see Jamber being a globally recognizable brand; it’s what keeps me going. If you don’t have a vision, then you don’t know where you are going to go. You need to know where you want your business to be and then keep working on it. Things will start to happen.