Meet Amber Calloway

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

Amber, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has shaped me more than it’s hindered me. I grew up in an affluent, white community where I often stood out, not just because of how I looked, but because of what I represented. My family and I faced racial discrimination and other obstacles that could have easily broken our spirit. But, instead, they fueled our drive. My family is rooted in love. We take care of each other and those around us.

I learned early on how to navigate spaces where I wasn’t necessarily expected, welcomed, or understood, and I turned that into a strength. I became deeply self-aware, resilient, and intentional about how I show up. I’ve learned how to command a room without changing who I am. My difference became my motivation.

Being the only one means I carry the responsibility to make space for others who come after me including my daughter and my nieces. It means rewriting narratives, challenging comfort zones, and leading by example. Success, for me, has never been about fitting in it’s been about standing out and staying rooted in love.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a nurse and entrepreneur passionate about the future of wellness. I own a mobile IV hydration company, and what excites me most is that I get to work in an innovative, fast-growing area of healthcare that truly helps people feel better, recover faster, and take charge of their well-being. Being a nurse in this space is incredibly rewarding — it combines clinical care with creativity and connection.

What’s most special to me, though, is the opportunity to mentor young nurses who are chasing their own dreams. I’ve always seen myself as a leader, not a boss. I believe in collaboration, in lifting others up, and in building a team where everyone learns from each other and grows together. When one of us wins, we all win.

Right now, we’re expanding our services, participating in new events, and continuing to build a brand rooted in compassion, professionalism, and results. I want people to know that this business is nurse-led, heart-driven, and built with purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things stand out as most impactful in my journey:

First, I made it a point to learn from those who had already accomplished their dreams. I sought out mentors, paid attention to their stories, and let their experiences guide my own path. Their wins, and even their mistakes became lessons for me.

Second, I embraced the power of networking. I’ve learned that who you know can open doors that knowledge alone sometimes can’t. Introducing myself, asking questions, and staying open to new connections has helped me grow personally and professionally in ways I never imagined. I have also built long-lasting friendships this way.

And third, I owe so much to the values my parents instilled in me — confidence, love, and compassion. They taught me to believe in myself, lead with kindness, and never forget where I come from. These traits are my foundation and guide everything I do.

For anyone just starting out: be a student of life. Listen. Ask. Connect. Stay curious and stay kind. The journey is not just about arriving — it’s about who you become along the way.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling faith, confidence, and perseverance from a young age. They never let me believe that the sky was the limit. In their eyes, there were no limits. Watching them work hard, overcome challenges, and create their version of success gave me a powerful example to follow. I was able to emulate their work ethic and apply those lessons to pursue my dreams. Their belief in me became the foundation for my self-belief, and even now, when things get tough, I lean on the values they taught me to keep pushing forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thevitaminbariv.com
• Instagram: thevitaminbarivchicago
• Facebook: The Vitamin Bar Chicago