Meet Amaris Clements of Pretty Lane in Dunwoody

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amaris Clements.

Amaris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born March 17, 1989, to two loving parents, I was given the name Amaris which means “whom God hath promised.” My journey started and has continued to be a quest of finding out what I was promised for. A few years ago, I hit a very low point of questioning why I was here. What was my purpose? Would anybody even miss me if I was gone? Through prayer and deep reflection, I came to see that my purpose was to be a light to those around me.

As a kid, I’d always dreamed of entrepreneurship. I wasn’t sure what direction that would lead me. I was someone who struggled with insecurities about my body, my looks, and my value. I knew from this experience how important developing a positive self-image could be. We live in a world that constantly feeds us negativity and false images of what beauty looks like. I wanted to offer something different. I’ve always been considered well dressed; so I wanted something that mixed positive images and messages with style. As a result, I came up with the idea for my clothing line. I still hesitated releasing my designs out of fear of not being good enough. A tragic moment in my life, however, pushed me to finally choose Faith over Fear.

In 2012, I experienced one of the roughest times of my life when my Granny died. What I choose to remember about her was her determination and her faith. She was adamant about being as independent as she could be, and she was committed to praising God. She wouldn’t let fear, even when it was staring her in the face, stop her. After she passed, I knew that I could not sit by any longer holding on to my dreams and ideas. Tomorrow isn’t promised. As a result, I launched my apparel brand Pretty Lane (named in her memory) and my event company, Events by Amaris Janelle. I haven’t looked back since. Today, I stand so proudly and confidently knowing that God promised me for great things. I know that both my grandmothers and my little brother are smiling down on me proudly.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Fear has definitely been the greatest struggle to overcome. It has led to comparison, doubt, procrastination, and a number of other things. I constantly have to remind myself that “Girl, you’ve got this.” Nobody is you and that’s what makes you special. So what if there are others doing what you do. This world is full of amazing talent. I am just thankful that God has blessed me with the opportunity to do what I love.

Pretty Lane – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Pretty Lane is my inspirational t-shirt brand known for promoting messages of self-love and faith over fear. Our motto is “Stylishly Giving for the Gracefully Living” so we also use a portion of our proceeds to host various charitable projects throughout the year. I am also the Visionary behind Events by Amaris Janelle where I provide event planning and design services for a variety of special occasions. I truly have a passion for creating memorable experiences and seeing the joy on people’s faces that social gatherings bring. I am most proud of the opportunities that both businesses have afforded me. I’ve hosted several awareness events, raised hundreds of dollars for causes that are dear to me, and have been able to celebrate and pamper survivors. I have met so many inspiring individuals and have been able to impact people locally and abroad in a positive way. Life is all about blessing others. I’m not concerned about competition. My lane is my lane and whatever God has for me is for me.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is failing and getting back up. It’s learning and continuously growing to be the best me I can be. Success is continuing to set goals for my spiritual, physical and mental well being and achieving those goals. Success is getting up every day eager to share my brand with the world and watching it be accepted with loving arms. Most importantly, success is using my platform to make a difference in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prettylaneapparel.com
• Email: info@prettylaneapparel.com
• Instagram: @amarisjanelle
• Other: www.amarisjanelle.com

Image Credit:
S’Marie Photography. Shots of Rocca

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