Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber “Adora” Collins.
Amber, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started learning computers when I was 12, modeling at 14 and working in retail at 15. My dad was transitioning to IT and taught us as he studied. I attended modeling school and was signed to a 1 year contract with New York Model Agency. I was published in W and Your Prom Magazines in 2005.
I wanted to go to school for marketing but I didn’t have a mentor and I didn’t know what jobs I could do, so I went for Information Technology. I worked in corporate IT from age 18 to 23, then I got bored. I was also doing promotional brand ambassadorship occasionally for a big liquor brand.
A friend inspired me to go back to school, this time for Fashion Merchandising. That friend also inspired me to move to Atlanta where I started to attend Clark Atlanta University. Upon graduating with a 3.4 GPA, I went back to work in IT, this time with a marketing focus – digital marketing, social media and digital PR.
In August of 2017, I left my full time job to pursue a consulting career because I liked helping many people and not staying on a project too long. I have also always been interested in real estate because my mom is a realtor and in January 2018, I realized my dream of being a Real Estate Investor when I purchased my first flip house. Meanwhile, 3 years ago, I was brought on to the founding team of a Cognac that is coming to market April 2018 after so much hard work. I am on the founding team for 6 start ups, all of which I am able to be the marketing arm on small but visionary organizations – real estate investing, marketing consulting, Cognac brand, liquor distribution, home staging and restaurant content marketing.
I recently started modeling again and acting, I am hoping to eventually become a public speaker on non-traditional ways to success and following your passion. I feel like all of my businesses are interconnected and can help each other grow. I’ve met some amazing partners in Atlanta and I know my life would be completely different if I had not had the courage to move from Northern VA.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was the poorest I’ve ever been when I moved to Atlanta, but it was the sacrifice I needed to go to the next level. I still get home sick.
Please tell us about Helena Consulting.
I am most proud of the advice I am able to give small business owners, they should know what the big brands know. I think what sets me apart is how I plan to interconnect everything I’m involved in, I truly see all my endeavors as being under a umbrella empire like Berkshire Hathaway is for Warren Buffett.
I come from a wide angle with top down branding and IT strategy that looks at the user experience because I have been in the stores with the consumer and I have also seen the online algorithm at work. Helena Consulting is a marriage of technology, social interaction and marketing from my professional and life experience.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Maybe dated different guys (haha), but ultimately, everything is connected and the purpose of an event may not be evident now but as you get older, it gets crystal clear. It’s either a catalyst or a deterrent, we make those choices to let something drive or stop us with our attitude.
Bought a multi-family building instead of a single family home.
Saved money instead of buying a sports car (which I sold to move here).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HelenaConsulting.com
- Email: acollins@helenaconsulting.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/adorasaurus
- Facebook: facebook.com/HelenaDigital
- Other: www.NoirKing.com
Image Credit:
Aric Thompson AricThompson.com
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