We recently connected with Amber Simon and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Hi, I’m Amber Joy, founder and CEO of QUIVR. My journey to the confidence and self-esteem I have today is literally miracle work! From my formative teenage years to adulthood I faced “all” the challenges, I mean you name it and I think I faced it. Growing up, my sisters and parents were my cheerleaders, instilling in me the belief that I could achieve anything. Despite this, I grappled with the need for external validation, especially as a young black girl in predominantly white spaces. I often felt overlooked and struggled to see my own beauty and worth.
In college, this search for approval led me into situations where I was naive and easily manipulated. This pattern seeped into my professional life, where I constantly battled stereotypes and tried to fit into a mold that didn’t feel authentic. My personal relationships mirrored this struggle. I often placed my partner’s needs above my own, sidelining my dreams and ambitions.
Everything changed in 2018. Amidst a difficult divorce, I suffered a heart attack. This was my wake-up call. I realized the importance of loving and investing in myself. I began a journey of self-care, both emotionally and physically. I embraced my past, no longer allowing it to be a source of shame but a catalyst for growth. I learned to voice my opinions confidently and set firm boundaries in both my personal life and career.
As I began to trust myself and celebrate my achievements, I found my confidence soaring. This newfound self-assurance led me to leave my corporate career and start QUIVR. I wanted to create a space where others, especially those overlooked or underserved in the realm of pleasure and intimacy education, could find their voice and empowerment.
Looking back, if someone had told me five years ago that I would walk away from a lucrative career to start a business in pleasure education, I would have laughed. But today, I embrace the challenge with open arms. My journey from feeling invisible to standing confidently in the spotlight has been tough, but it’s shaped who I am today. To anyone out there facing self-esteem issues, know this: you have the power to change your narrative. Believe in yourself, embrace your journey, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m excited to share that this year marks a pivotal moment in our journey. We’re developing our proprietary app, a transformative step that will redefine the member experience. Imagine a space where learning about pleasure and intimacy isn’t just informative but also immersive – that’s what we’re creating.
This cutting-edge platform, which we’re exploring to include VR experiences, will offer an unmatched, interactive learning environment. We aim to integrate pleasure and intimacy education seamlessly into daily wellness routines, just like mental and physical health. The same way you utlilize your gym membership we want to see our community investing in their pleasure wellness, It’s about creating a resource that’s accessible, engaging, and constantly evolving to meet our members’ needs.
At QUIVR, we believe in the normalization of nurturing our pleasure lives, and our upcoming platform will be a game-changer in making this a reality. It’s more than an app; it’s an experience that invites exploration, discovery, and transformation at every level of one’s pleasure journey.
Being the heart and soul behind QUIVR. My journey to founding QUIVR was deeply personal, fueled by my own experiences and the realization of a widespread need for comprehensive, inclusive pleasure and intimacy education. At the age of 10 I was sexually molested by a close family friend and quickly learned my body was not my own and consent just didn’t matter. By 19 I met my soon to be ex-husband who’s only care was what I looked like and nothing about who I, as a unique and beautiful human was. When I finally worked up the courage to tell him I had never experienced an orgasm he looked me square in my face and told me, “I don’t care what you think, I don’t care what you know, I only care about what you look like…” It crushed me and I knew in that moment I needed to take my own pleasure (literally and figuratively) into my own hands. My journey to QUIVR was about creating a safe space for those of us who want to explore our pleasure boundaries in a safe, discreet and informative fashion. Think of the QUIVR community as your one stop shop to pleasure and intimacy education with the support that you need, when you need it and how you need it.
What excites me most about QUIVR is our mission to empower individuals. We’re not just a platform; we’re a movement towards a world where discussing and exploring sexual wellness is as normal and essential as any other aspect of health. Our approach is rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and empowerment.
This year, besides our platform development, we’re focusing on expanding our reach and impact. We’re hosting workshops, developing new learning materials, and collaborating with experts to bring diverse perspectives to our community.
QUIVR is more than a brand – it’s a testament to the power of embracing our authentic selves and the transformative impact of owning our pleasure narratives. We’re here to change the dialogue around pleasure and intimacy, and I’m thrilled to lead this charge.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey as the CEO and Founder of QUIVR, three key qualities have been pivotal in shaping my path and driving the success of our mission. These qualities are resilience, empathy, and a strong understanding of strategic planning and execution.
1. Resilience: My journey has been filled with challenges, including navigating biases and overcoming personal and professional setbacks. Resilience has been crucial in pushing through these barriers. It’s about adapting to change, learning from failures, and persisting despite difficulties. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to view each challenge as a learning opportunity. Cultivate a mindset that embraces setbacks as stepping stones to growth and success.
2. Empathy: Building QUIVR required a deep understanding of the diverse needs and experiences of our community. Empathy allowed me to connect with our members’ struggles and aspirations genuinely. It’s essential to listen actively and understand the perspectives of those you’re serving or working with. For those starting out, I recommend honing your ability to empathize. This can be achieved through active listening, engaging with diverse groups, and always seeking to understand the experiences of others.
3. Strategic Planning and Execution: A clear vision and a solid strategy have been the backbone of QUIVR’s growth. Understanding how to set achievable goals, prioritize tasks, and effectively manage resources has been crucial. For those in the early stages of their journey, focus on building your skills in strategic thinking. Learn how to set realistic goals, break them down into actionable steps, and regularly review your progress. It’s also important to be flexible and willing to adapt your strategies as needed.
My advice to those at the beginning of their paths is to nurture these qualities. Be patient with yourself, seek learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. Remember, every journey is unique, and these qualities can serve as your compass as you navigate your way to success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
QUIVR is indeed open to partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission of revolutionizing pleasure and intimacy education. We’re particularly interested in collaborating with:
1. Health and Wellness Experts: Professionals who specialize in sexual wellness, mental health, and holistic well-being. Our goal is to integrate diverse perspectives on wellness into our platform to offer a more comprehensive experience.
2. Tech Innovators: Individuals or companies in the tech space who can bring fresh, innovative ideas, especially in app development and virtual reality, to enhance the interactive learning experience of our members.
3. Content Creators and Educators: Experts in sex education, relationship coaching, and personal development who can contribute engaging and informative content to our platform.
4. Community Organizations and Non-Profits: Groups that focus on sexual health, trauma recovery, or empowerment, where we can mutually support and uplift each other’s work.
5. Brands Aligned with Sexual Wellness and Empowerment: Collaborations with brands that resonate with our ethos could include event sponsorships, joint campaigns, or product integrations.
For those interested in collaborating with QUIVR and contributing to our mission of empowering individuals in their pleasure and intimacy journeys, I welcome you to connect with us. You can reach out through our website, www.QUIVR.global, or directly contact me via LinkedIn or email AmberJoy@pink-cookie.com. Let’s explore how we can work together to make a meaningful impact in the field of pleasure and intimacy education.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.QUIVR.global
- Instagram: @QUIVR.global
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amberjsimon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2lrH2q6a3MpYvkAcQ9dbgA
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Andrea Law, Lawless Love Photography https://www.lawlesslovephotography.com
