Meet Amber Bogan

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Bogan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.

Amber, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from my faith and the way I was raised. Growing up in East St. Louis, I learned how important it is to find light even when life feels heavy. I carry that perspective with me as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.

I believe joy is both a gift and a choice. That does not mean life is always easy. I have my share of hard days, but I choose to anchor myself in gratitude, look for the good, and trust that storms eventually pass. My children also fuel my optimism. Seeing the world through their eyes, watching their wonder, and knowing I get to shape their joy keeps me hopeful.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the founder of Little Bogan Books, an independent children’s publishing brand that centers Black joy and representation. I write picture books that celebrate everyday moments in the lives of Black children, from bead clacking hairstyles to first days of preschool to affirmations of greatness. Each story is designed to be both a mirror for children who deserve to see themselves reflected and a window for others to learn, appreciate, and celebrate.

What excites me most is seeing the impact these books have on families. When a parent tells me their child pointed to a character and said, “That looks like me,” it confirms that I am doing exactly what I was called to do. There is something incredibly special about creating joyful stories that remind children they are worthy, capable, and seen.

I want people to know that Little Bogan Books is more than a publishing company. It is a movement rooted in joy, love, and community. Every book, event, and partnership is driven by a mission to affirm children and spark a lifelong love of reading.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been the most impactful on my journey are resilience, creativity, and relationship building.

Resilience has carried me through every season. Balancing a corporate career, marriage, motherhood, and entrepreneurship is not easy. There have been moments of doubt and plenty of setbacks, but learning how to get back up and try again has kept me moving forward.

Creativity is at the heart of everything I do. It shows up in the way I tell stories through children’s books, but also in how I solve problems, build my brand, and design a life that feels aligned with my values.

Relationship building has been key. From mentors in corporate America to fellow authors to nonprofit partners who believe in my mission, people have played a huge role in my growth.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: Do it scared! You do not have to have everything figured out to get started. Strengthen your resilience by giving yourself permission to fail, nurture your creativity by making space to play and explore new ideas, and invest in relationships because collaboration will take you further than competition ever could.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was speak life into me. They constantly reminded me that I was capable, worthy, and loved, even when the world did not always reflect that back. That steady encouragement built a confidence and faith in myself that I carry to this day.

They also modeled hard work and resilience. Watching them show up for our family, taught me the value of perseverance and integrity. Just as importantly, they gave me the freedom to think for myself and to ask questions, which helped me develop strong critical thinking skills. Those lessons shaped how I approach my own life as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.

Because of them, I grew up believing that no dream is too big and that joy is something you have the power to create.

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Image Credits

Nikia Paden of Iridescent Photography

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