We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaqaydra Bryant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaqaydra, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is very important in a business. While the old saying goes, “It takes money to make money,” I think it is more than money.

It is about time, effort, revamping and more. I began my business with $1300. This was my last money. I didn’t know if I would get that back. I ended up getting it back in like 7 months because I made other sacrifices such as paying for Ubers when I didn’t have a car, showing up to the farmer’s market every Saturday, promoting my business daily sometimes, and more.

Additionally, there were times I didn’t make a single dollar for a month and I had to continue on.

Risk is about believing in yourself and continuing the vision. I am not saying to bankrupt yourself; however, as I was starting my business, I was still working a regular job to fund it. This means I’m working full time, running a business full time, and more.

Risk is about knowing that it’s going to take great sacrifice to start your business and maintain it.

I would rather take the risk and sacrifice than sit at home with an unrealized or created vision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Amber Throne is a Black and Woman owned company owned by Shaqaydra Bryant that sells handcrafted beauty products with a primary focus on skincare and personal hygiene. Examples of products that Amber Throne sells include body creams, body mists, body washes, face masks, and foaming hand sanitizers.

It was not easy starting nor is it easy to maintain my business. I started with my last $1300 and I have made that back plus more because I believed in myself. I have made great sacrifices for my business such as traveling in Ubers and showing up to various popups. I believe in my business, I believe in myself, and I love putting a smile on my customers’ faces along with taking in constructive feedback.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend actually came down from New York City in 2023 to visit me here in Memphis. I will use this as my example. Our itinerary consisted of a three day weekend where we went to the Beale Street Music Festival for 2 days and the park for the third day. She had an amazing time as this was her first time visiting Memphis and it was because I felt the festival and one of Memphis’ beautiful river parks were perfect spots to show the best of Memphis.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wish to dedicate my shoutout to the Women’s Business Center South Memphis, TN chapter. This organization believes in its clients and I thank them for all they have done to support me even before my business got off the ground.

Website: TheAmberThrone.com

Instagram: instagram.com/theamberthrone

Twitter: twitter.com/theamberthrone

Facebook: Facebook.com/officialamberthrone

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