Meet Amber Covington

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

Amber, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding My Purpose: How Breaking Led to Building

When people ask how I found my purpose, I often pause—because the truth is, I didn’t discover it in a moment of clarity or celebration. I found it in the rubble of heartbreak.

For years, I poured my heart into workforce and community development. It wasn’t just work—it was heart work. I gave everything I had to the mission of uplifting others. But in my last role, everything shifted. I was abruptly terminated from a position I deeply loved—not because of performance, but because of egos, politics, and quiet backdoor conversations. The betrayal was deep and devastating. People I trusted—people I believed would stand with me—either turned away or quietly helped push me out.

The emotional toll nearly broke me. I didn’t realize how much I had internalized until a routine doctor’s visit revealed stroke-level blood pressure and dangerously high blood sugar. Days later, I received a call urging me to undergo urgent breast cancer imaging. I was physically exhausted, emotionally depleted, and spiritually drained.

Then came the breaking point. One night, after a severe reaction to medication, my husband Asa rushed me to the ER. I lay in that hospital bed, quietly weeping, and whispered a desperate prayer: “God, please give me peace and healing.” And in that moment of surrender, something powerful happened. I released the fear. I released the anger. I released the heartbreak. And slowly, healing began—my vitals returned to normal, and the cancer scare cleared. I still undergo regular scans, but I carry no fear—only faith.

Out of that pain, something beautiful was born.

In March 2025, with Asa’s unwavering support, I launched Third & Ten Consulting—a firm rooted in purpose, committed to building stronger, more equitable workforce and community systems. I chose to bet on myself. I chose to lead with integrity, to serve with compassion, and to never again compromise my peace for proximity to power. Most of all, I chose my family—because they come first and will always be there when no one else is.

Starting this business has not been easy. I’ve spent countless hours refining proposals, building infrastructure, and navigating uncertainty. I’ve stared imposter syndrome in the face more times than I can count. But I’ve also witnessed God’s favor in ways that still leave me speechless. My very first client? God told me to charge only $100. I paused. “Really, Lord?” But I obeyed. Not long after, I signed a major contract that’s now taking my business to the next level. The promise of “1,000 times more”? It’s already unfolding.

They can take away the title. They can even take away the position. But they can never take away the calling. What God placed in me was never tied to a job—it was a gift. And gifts don’t expire when the job ends.

This journey has taught me three undeniable truths:
• Peace is priceless.
• Purpose is non-negotiable.
• Sometimes, the breaking is what leads to the breakthrough.

To anyone navigating uncertainty, loss, or betrayal: Trust the process. Trust God’s timing. Walk in the light. What feels like the end may actually be the beginning of your greatest assignment.

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

I’m currently focused on building two purpose-driven ventures: Third & Ten Consulting and Adina’s Alluring Adventures—both grounded in transformation, empowerment, and vision. As I continue to lean fully into entrepreneurship, I’m also preparing to launch two long-held dreams in 2026: a lingerie boutique designed specifically for curvy women, and a charcuterie board business that celebrates creativity, connection, and flavor. These ventures have lived in my heart for years, and now that I’m walking boldly in my purpose, I’m excited to finally bring them to life.

I also plan to release a book in late 2026 or early 2027—a deeply personal reflection on my journey, my faith, and the sacred, surprising ways God has carried me through both heartbreak and healing. Being a serial entrepreneur has always been part of my vision, and I’m deeply grateful to be building multiple brands that align with my values and passions.

Third & Ten Consulting, launched in March 2025, was born from a season of both personal and professional transformation. The name is inspired by a football term that represents high-stakes strategy under pressure—a perfect metaphor for how I’ve had to navigate leadership and life. At its core, Third & Ten is a strategic consulting firm that partners with organizations to build stronger, more equitable workforce and community development systems. With nearly two decades of experience, I help nonprofits, workforce boards, government agencies and small businesses design impactful programs, secure competitive funding, and lead systems change efforts that center people and purpose.

What makes this work especially meaningful is that it’s rooted in legacy and leadership. One of our newest projects has allowed me to grow my team—bringing on a graphic designer and, most personally rewarding, my son as our first paid intern. I’m not just building a business; I’m modeling what it looks like to create legacy through ownership and opportunity. We’re also preparing to expand nationally, with upcoming opportunities on the West Coast and a potential international project in the early stages—something I never imagined would be possible.

Adina’s Alluring Adventures is my heart-centered passion project. Named after my middle name, Adina, it’s a travel brand that curates intentional getaways for couples and families. While the brand initially focused on joy-filled travel for women of color, it has evolved into a welcoming space for anyone seeking memorable experiences that nurture connection, rest, and renewal. Whether it’s a weekend retreat or a dream vacation, each offering is crafted with care to help people recharge, reconnect, and reimagine what’s possible. It’s more than travel—it’s about healing, celebration, and designing joy with intention.

What excites me most is witnessing the momentum behind all of my ventures. At Third & Ten, our recent contracts are propelling us into new markets, allowing us to scale our impact beyond Tennessee and into regions across the country. Adina’s Alluring Adventures is also evolving beautifully—from a passion project into a full-fledged brand that offers curated travel experiences for couples and families seeking connection, renewal, and rest. And as I prepare to launch two new brands in 2026, I’m inspired daily by the creative freedom and responsibility that comes with building something from the ground up. Each step forward reminds me that purpose isn’t just found—it’s built, nurtured, and walked out every single day.

Whether I’m strategizing in a boardroom, mentoring youth, or curating moments of joy through travel and design, my mission remains the same: to help others find their purpose, reclaim their power, and live lives of abundance.

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

When I reflect on the journey that led me here, three foundational pillars stand out as truly transformative: mental and physical health, professional development, and spiritual advisement. These aren’t just areas of knowledge—they are lifelines. They’ve shaped me not only as a leader, but as a whole woman. Each one carried me through seasons when survival required more than strategy—it demanded soul work.

1. Mental and Physical Health
After enduring burnout, betrayal, and a near medical crisis, I came to a life-altering realization: wellness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. You simply cannot pour into others if you’re constantly pouring from an empty cup. These days, I start most mornings with a walk or strength training, and I’ve completely overhauled my eating habits. Physically, these routines ground me. Mentally, I prioritize therapy and regular emotional check-ins. Counseling played a pivotal role in my healing—it helped me process trauma, release grief, and reclaim my peace.

I also had to reestablish my personal boundaries. My circle was already small, but now, I’m fiercely protective of who I allow close. This journey has shown me clearly who’s truly willing to stand in the gap—and who’s only there when it’s convenient. Today, I feel more aligned in my body, mind, and spirit than I ever have before.

To those just starting out: Protect your peace like your life depends on it—because it does. Set boundaries. Normalize rest. Invest in your healing early. Find a therapist you trust and make wellness a routine practice, not just a crisis response.

2. Professional Development
I’ve always been committed to growth, but entrepreneurship elevated my appreciation for continuous learning. From grant writing and business infrastructure to systems design and leadership strategy—I’ve made it a point to keep growing. I’m currently enrolled in the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Women in Leadership Program, I’ve been inducted into the ForbesBLK community, and I was recently awarded a scholarship to join Consultants for Good, a national network of values-driven consultants. These experiences have not only sharpened my skills, but also expanded my vision and connected me to peers who push me to be better.

My advice? Be insatiably curious. Take the course. Apply for the fellowship. Ask the hard questions. Surround yourself with people who stretch you. Your natural gifts may open doors, but it’s your discipline, consistency, and hunger to grow that will keep you there.

3. Spiritual Advisement
My faith is my foundation. In seasons of confusion, silence, and sorrow, it was prayer, scripture, and spiritual mentorship that reminded me I wasn’t alone. I’ve learned that purpose often becomes clearest after surrender—not striving. The answers I sought rarely came in loud revelations—they came in quiet moments of obedience, in stillness, and in conversations with trusted spiritual advisors.

Every day, I begin with prayer—whether it’s a personal devotional, a prayer call, or a conversation with a mentor. That spiritual rhythm keeps me anchored. It keeps me whole.

For those on the path: Find voices that speak truth with grace. Discern the difference between noise and divine direction. And always remember—peace is one of the most powerful confirmations you’ll ever receive.

Final Word:
Build a life rooted in wholeness. Nurture your mind. Develop your gifts. Guard your spirit. Because success means nothing if you’re fractured in the process. When you lead from a place of true alignment—heart, mind, and soul—that’s when your impact becomes undeniable, and unstoppable.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I firmly believe in the power of collaboration—especially when we bring different skill sets and perspectives to the table. As Third & Ten Consulting continues to grow nationally, we’re actively seeking values-aligned partners who are passionate about workforce development, community transformation, equity-driven strategy, and creative problem-solving.

Whether you’re a consultant, creative, researcher, subject-matter expert, or an organization looking to co-design impactful solutions—we’re open to teaming on projects where collaboration can elevate the outcomes.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, I’d love to connect. You can reach me directly at acovington@third10consulting.com. Let’s build something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091514389320
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106860717/admin/dashboard/
• Other: Third & Ten Consulting website coming soon!