From the Classroom to Entrepreneurship: Amber Hill’s Path to Empowering Youth

Amber Hill, an educator and award-winning author, has spent 22 years inspiring and encouraging youth and adults to recognize their inherent greatness. When people see greatness in themselves, they shine brightly and soar in our world. Currently serving as a PBIS Coordinator for the Columbus City Schools District, she actively shapes school environments to foster superior learning experiences. Amber excels in providing professional development to educators on a variety of subjects, including PBIS, early childhood, family engagement, climate and culture, equity, and more. Her infectious positivity empowers others to embrace their authentic selves.

With multiple published children’s books and numerous awards to her name, Amber is a shining example of educational excellence and dedication. Through her company, Epiphany Hill Enterprises LLC, she has become a prominent vendor in various communities, ensuring young learners have access to diverse children’s literature and exposing them to early learning skills. Not only will the books support bridging the gaps in early learning, but they will also build self-esteem and foster the joy of reading for our youngest learners, in particular, children of color. Black positive images matter because they shape attitudes and beliefs toward people of color. Having more positive images available will begin to change how the world views people of color and how children of color view themselves. Amber is also a Wife, a Mother of four amazing young men, a Foster Mom to many, a Coach, and a Mentor. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood/K-3 Education from Wright State University, an M.S.E. in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Dayton, and is currently a doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Management at Walden University.

How did your time in education prepare you for where you are today in entrepreneurship?
My tenure in education has prepared me to build a positive brand for myself as I embark on my entrepreneurial journey. Being a positive light for others is what helped me build the reputation that I have in the entrepreneurial sector. I believe in uplifting and treating everyone who enters my space warmly and welcomingly. I am also authentically myself and passionate about my books and any products that I disperse into this world. Everything I aspire to do is for the betterment of uplifting, inspiring, and growing others to be who God called them to be. People authentically feel that when they encounter me, which helps build my reputation in the entrepreneurial space. No one wants to buy or learn from anyone they do not like or feel not welcomed in your space. Creating warm and welcoming experiences is essential to be a successful entrepreneur!

When did you discover your passion for writing and sharing stories?
After many years in the classroom, God placed it upon her heart to write Children’s books to promote early learning skills and diverse literature. As an educator, I found our youngest learners were coming to school unprepared with the basic foundational skills to be successful in school. In addition, their joy of reading books diminished as they grew older into the intermediate grades (3-5). Through my research to find out why these factors were occurring so frequently, I noticed that it was hard to find diverse literature that was fun, engaging, and relatable to our scholars, which fueled my passion to begin my author journey. I am very passionate about improving the love of reading in children and building up their self-esteem in every book they read. Reading is the most powerful way of obtaining a wealth of knowledge that can help us all grow in all areas of our lives. Reading helps develop our thoughts, gives us lessons to read while keeping our minds active. I want to see more children begin to become passionate about books.

We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with entrepreneur Amber Hill to discuss her journey from the classroom to CEO.

Tell us about your mission to encourage youth?
My books will provide educational content along with positive, uplifting experiences for our young scholars. Not only do my books support bridging the gaps in early learning, but they will also build self-esteem and foster the joy of reading for our youngest learners, particularly children of color. There is a need for children of color to begin to see positive images of themselves and to see themselves in stories. I am determined to share the beauty of people of color with the world. Black positive images matter to shape attitudes and beliefs toward people of color. Having more positive images available will begin to change how the world views people of color and how children of color view themselves. My books have provided just that. I have traveled worldwide. Seeing how my books influence people and inspire our youth makes me proud to know I am doing what God has called me to do.

You have written multiple children’s books, can you share what message you hope families take away from your work?
My hope is to inspire more families to invest in seeing the importance of reading at all levels. “Children are our future,” and it’s true. That’s why we should invest in their potential by teaching them important skills such as reading. Books share so much knowledge that can contribute to enhancing our children and their families in many capacities, spiritual, financial, educational, health, wellness, and so much more.

Tell us about Epiphany Hill Enterprises LLC?
I am an educator and award-winning author, who spent 22 years inspiring and encouraging people to recognize their inherent greatness. When people see greatness in themselves, they shine brightly and soar in our world. Through my company, Epiphany Hill Enterprises LLC, we have become a prominent vendor in various communities, ensuring young learners have access to diverse children’s literature and exposing them to early learning skills. We do author visits that are fun and engaging. Epiphany Hill Enterprises features numerous books on our website that children will love to read. They are written specifically for their skillset and attention levels. Children’s books and literature that are both entertaining and educational. We believe that reading should be fun, and that’s why each book is a journey. Read our books before bedtime for a great way to unwind and go to sleep, or any time inspiration and creativity take hold. It’s a great way to inspire young minds to do great things in the future. Also, reading is a great way to let go of stress and focus a child’s wandering attention on something they can do in a productive, healthy, and safe manner. Turn off the TV and exercise one of the most important gifts a child has instead, their imagination!

Epiphany Hill Enterprises LLC also provides professional development to schools and organizations to actively shape environments to foster superior learning experiences. I love to help organizations build systems and structures where everyone wants to be in that space. This will help build everyone’s self-efficacy, enhancing productivity to produce the positive outcomes we want to achieve. We excel in providing professional development to educators on various subjects, including PBIS, early childhood, family engagement, climate and culture, social and emotional learning, building healthy relationships, restorative practices, equity, and so much more. Our infectious positivity empowers others to embrace their authentic selves.

Lastly, Epiphany Hill Enterprises LLC produces “Got Love” clothing. My sons design clothing that is dedicated to changing the trajectory of how the world sees them and other African American males. African American men have historically been depicted as violent, to be feared, and have many negative characteristics described by society. Their message of “Got Love” will be on many products to highlight African American males and remind the world to love them for who God made them to be. There is nothing to fear but the love they are pouring into the world to help it be a better place.

What advice do you have for educators looking to expand their learning horizon?
The Author/Speaker’s journey can be challenging at times trying to learn and navigate all the ins and outs of this journey while working as a full-time Wife, Mom, and the many other hats I wear can sometimes be tiring. Having a strong support system and practicing balance is KEY! Follow what God has for you. Never imitate anyone. Be your authentic self. What God has for you is just for you. When you listen to God and walk in your purpose everything will fall in line to what you are supposed to be doing and where you are supposed to be. Make sure to work in excellence and ensure you are producing products that uplift, inspire, and grow others. Never be scared to ask questions, find a great mentor in your field, network, and give back the nuggets you receive to others.