Meet Amber Clour

We were lucky to catch up with Amber Clour recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Living with Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years has taught me to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. This condition demands constant vigilance, requiring me to adapt swiftly to fluctuating circumstances like low or high blood sugar, illness, and stress. Each day presents new obstacles to overcome, yet I’ve learned to remain agile and composed, leveraging effective problem-solving skills to ease the journey.

Initially, I prided myself on my independence, but managing diabetes has taught me the importance of seeking support when necessary. Through therapy and connecting with peers, I’ve cultivated a network of people and resources I can rely on during tough times.

Ultimately, I’ve embraced vulnerability by openly acknowledging my struggles and taking time for self-reflection. By utilizing tools like therapy, meditation, and spending time with loved ones, I reinforce my resilience and remind myself that I’m doing my best each day.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve been a serial entrepreneur my whole life. My lofty list of entrepreneurial endeavors began at an early age with selling sticks of gum on the bus which soon morphed into knitting pot holders, and collecting pecans and mistletoe to sell to neighbors, friends and family.

Fast forward to the college years – I had a love for making jewelry and with the attention I was receiving I started selling it in boutique shops across the state of Oklahoma. That creative endeavor blossomed into a t-shirt design company, Dreamer Concepts, and my custom tees could be found in 7+ states and were featured in box office movies.
While developing Dreamer Concepts, I founded SafeRide, a transportation system for my home town of Norman, OK. It was my first 501(c)3 charitable endeavor and I’m proud to share that the University of Oklahoma, my alma mater, took over the program and it is still available 24 years later.

After a few years of success, I decided to open my own storefront which morphed into my second non-profit adventure – Dreamer Concepts: An Art Space for Emerging Artists. I took my streak of luck and friendly stalking skills and built programs to help emerging artists. The Dreamer mission was to encourage, promote and provide opportunities for growth for artists in my community and featured all mediums, age brackets and educational levels.

Eight years later, and while still the Executive Director for Dreamer Concepts, I co-founded the Diabetes Daily Grind blog and launched the Real Life Diabetes Podcast. The DDG was founded to support and connect people living with diabetes and help bridge the gap between the patient and medical community. It was a success and in 2024 I celebrated 10 years of putting my diabetes story out to the world. The podcast just surpassed 285,500 downloads and is received in all 50 US states and 144+ countries.

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

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have profoundly shaped my path:

Dream Big: Embracing the mentality that “the sky’s the limit” has been pivotal. This mindset has infused every aspect of my life with a sense of possibility. Overcoming challenges with hard work and determination has shown me that anything is achievable.

Advice: For those starting their journey, dare to dream beyond conventional limits. Believe in your potential and pursue goals that inspire and challenge you. Cultivate resilience to persevere through setbacks, knowing that each obstacle is a stepping stone toward your dreams.

Willingness to Learn and Ask for Help: Despite holding a degree in Environmental Studies, my professional journey led me into founding three nonprofits and launching a jewelry company—fields where I initially lacked expertise. Being open to continuous learning and seeking guidance from others have been crucial in navigating unfamiliar terrain and achieving success.

Advice: Early in your journey, embrace a thirst for knowledge and humility to seek advice from mentors and peers. Actively seek opportunities to expand your skills and understanding, whether through formal education, mentorship, or hands-on experience. Recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit that enriches your capabilities and perspective.

Persistence and Creativity: I’ve learned that when faced with closed doors, thinking outside the box can open unexpected pathways. Persistence and a creative approach have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and gaining traction in both personal and professional endeavors.

Advice: When encountering obstacles, approach them with creativity and tenacity. Explore alternative solutions and remain adaptable in your strategies. Understand that setbacks are opportunities for innovation and growth. Trust in your ability to find novel ways forward, even when the path seems unclear.

In summary, cultivating a visionary mindset, a hunger for knowledge, and a resilient, creative approach have been foundational to my journey. To those embarking on their own paths, remember to dream boldly, embrace learning and support, and approach challenges with determination and creativity. These qualities will empower you to navigate obstacles and achieve your aspirations.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a variety of strategies and tools depending on the situation:
Meditation: Taking moments to meditate helps me regain focus and inner calm.

1. Deep Breathing: I practice deep breathing exercises to immediately reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Journaling: Writing down my thoughts and feelings helps me process emotions and gain clarity.
3. Self-Care: Engaging in activities that nurture my well-being, such as taking a relaxing bath or spending time in nature, is essential.
4. Making Lists: Organizing tasks into manageable lists helps me prioritize and tackle them systematically.
5. Exercise – Long Walks: Physical activity, particularly long walks, allows me to clear my mind and recharge.
6. Taking a Break: If possible, stepping away from the overwhelming situation for 20-30 minutes helps me regain perspective.

During moments of feeling overwhelmed, I find comfort in several early mantras that have guided me:
“No one will know it’s not perfect if I don’t say anything.” This reminder helps me let go of perfectionism and focus on progress.
“No one will die if this doesn’t get done… I’m not a brain surgeon.” This humorous perspective helps me keep things in proportion and reduce unnecessary pressure.
“It’s okay to ask for help.” Acknowledging my limits and seeking support when needed is crucial for maintaining balance and effectiveness.

Overall, combining these strategies and affirmations empowers me to navigate feeling overwhelmed effectively and maintain a healthy balance in both my personal and professional life.

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