Hi! I’m Amber Lea,
-- a 30 something currently living in Mississippi. I married the love of my life (Andrew) in 2013, and I'm obsessed with my fur family. If you are around me for any amount of time you'll notice: I bring a contagious energy with me everywhere I go, I can sometimes be a little snarky, and I can't hear a good beat without shakin' it a little. (JT anyone?!) I love to travel, explore new cultures, and try new things. Getting to know people and learning their stories is my jam (strawberry, obvi). That's me in a nut shell!
It took me a long time to get comfortable in my own skin. I have struggled with self doubt and looming ‘you’re not good enough’ thoughts. They still creep up every now and then, but at the end of the day I stand firmly planted in who I am—who I am growing to be. I'm an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church, and part of my calling is helping people realize their enough-ness. I want to create a place for people to authentically show up, and know they are not alone! I'm multi-passionate. I love helping people feel empowered, photography, digital art, content creation, podcasting and so much more.
If you have any questions or want to get to know me more, then don’t hesitate to reach out, seriously. I love making new friends!
Questions & Answers
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I'm a lifelong learner via podcasts and google, but I also have some formal education. I have a BS in Religion from Carson Newman College, an MS in Counseling from the University of Memphis and an MDiv from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
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Yes! I have been a pastor at a local church since 2014. Ordination in the United Methodist Church is a 7-year process that includes a Masters of Divinity, writing 100s of pages on theological reflection, board interviews, a residency, multiple psychological evaluations, and so much more. I went through all of that and was approved for ordination in 2020.
I know that a lot of people have a love/hate relationship with the church. It’s done so much harm. I also believe it has done so much good.
I’m working in the messy middle. I have seen the church be a place of welcome and grace, and my heart breaks for the people who experience something different.
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So many reasons, but long story short — I believe that everyone has a story worth telling. I believe that we all have a purpose and that what we desire matters. I believe that sometimes we know where we want to go, but are unsure how to get there. I believe that sometimes talking through our dreams with someone can light the fire we need to make them a reality. I believe that sometimes everyone needs a pep talk. I believe that I am called to this work, and that it is part of my purpose here on earth.
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Oh photography. It’s my creative outlet and where my business started. It allows me meet new people and allows me to be a storyteller in a really intimate way. As primarily a wedding photographer, I get to witness raw, real love and it is SOOO beautiful. I have a whole FAQ page about my photography business that I’d recommend checking out!
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My parents separated when I was 4, and they are both remarried to some pretty awesome people. I’m the oldest of 4 sisters. I married my husband, Andrew, in November 2013. Quick truth: Marriage is hard, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We have two dogs (Leo & Luke) and one cat (Luna). That’s pretty much the basics!
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I love the enneagram, and it has literally been life changing. I love that there are not bad types, but instead a focus on each type’s desires and fears. All that said, I am a 7w8. The more I learn and research and have conversations about the enneagram, the more I realize how much I’m a 7w8. If you want a little insight into how I operate, that’s a good place to start.
