The Amber Weitzer Podcast | Silhouettes of Success

THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS

AMY DROZ| EPISODE 133 | SHOW NOTES

FEATURED GUEST

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Amy Droz is the co-owner and co-founder of Dux Somnium alongside her husband Dusty. Amy loves the quality and craftsmanship of vintage antiques. An old book or antique map is both decorative and educational. Born in San Jose, California, she moved to Los Molinos, California at the age of 12. Amy and Dusty met freshman year of high school in Los Molinos and have been together ever since. She graduated from CSU Chico in 2007 with a major in interior design and married Dusty that same year. In 2008, Amy and Dusty started their first entrepreneurial venture together with Drozian Photoworks and began shooting weddings together. In 2020, they founded a small boutique lavender farm called Rody + Rory in Los Molinos next to the ranch Dusty grew up on. They sold handmade lavender products as well as flower presses. Amy and Dusty have always loved playing board games together and in 2022 they were inspired to make a Victorian flower hunting game called Botany. In 2023 they launched Botany on Kickstarter and raised over $1 million as first-time creators on the platform. Since then they have launched their second flower-inspired board game, La Fleur, on Kickstarter, and have even more games in development. Amy loves being able to create pretty board games that use historical artwork and themes that she feels resonate with other kindred spirits. Amy enjoys traveling, antiquing, crafting, photography, board gaming and spending time with her husband, Dusty, and two children, Ronan and Poppy.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

Adventurous: She and her husband have a variety of creative and technical interest that combine and compliment. Amy shares the back story of their collective and united paths that have brought them to this current adventure into board games. Tune in!

Nature: It's the bees' knees…truly! Amy has amazing tales of true life that they have incorporated into their board games and publications. Her love of nature, flower presses, art, vintage, history is the inspiration for her successes.

Aromatic: It's a beautiful fragrant, sweet success! Follow along on their socials to be part of this magical adventure and her Silhouette of Success journey.

INTENTIONAL INSPIRATION

Wealth dynamics: realize and focus on what you are good at-hire out for the rest.

RESOURCE LIST

AMY DROZ

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Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Michele Locke's distinguished career journey includes her tenure as an Associate Municipal Court Judge, a role she embraces with dedication. As a practicing family law attorney, her primary motivation for this pivotal shift was to deepen her engagement with family law litigation. In this area, she has always felt a profound connection and commitment.

Before ascending to the judiciary, Michele had already established a formidable reputation through her successful family law practice. Here, she demonstrated her prowess in representing clients across a broad spectrum of highly contested legal disputes, showcasing her skillful advocacy and deep legal acumen.

While on the bench, Michele presided over a specialized Domestic Violence Court. This court was primarily focused on handling Protective Order Applications, alongside a spectrum of related family law issues such as divorce proceedings, custody battles, child support enforcement, and various complications stemming from those Protective Orders. Her judicial responsibilities also extended to overseeing the Child Protective Services Court, further solidifying her expertise in navigating the intricate legal challenges associated with domestic violence, stalking, harassment, child abuse, and other contested family law matters.

Michele's unwavering passion for family law was ignited during her law school days and has been fueled throughout her childhood. As someone who has navigated the personal challenges of being a child of divorce, Michele possesses a unique and empathetic understanding of family relationships' dynamic and complex nature. This personal background has equipped her with an invaluable perspective on the profound impacts of divorce and family disputes on the individuals involved, especially during such emotionally charged times.

In her private practice, Michele Locke specializes in a comprehensive range of family law services, including but not limited to Divorce, Custody, Child Support, and Family Violence. Her practice is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of her clients, ensuring they receive the highest level of legal representation during their most challenging moments. Through her extensive experience, both on the bench and in private practice, Michele continues to make significant contributions to the field of family law, driven by her deep-seated passion and commitment to justice and the welfare of families.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Stephanie Roehm is a dynamic individual who wears many hats as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Throughout her life, she has always been on the lookout for good opportunities.

Stephanie's journey as a businesswoman began when she started building a business from the ground up. With her hard work and dedication, she was able to turn her passion into a successful enterprise. Her experience provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to help drive the overall operation and growth of her current ventures.

Stephanie is working towards growing TOCCOA while making a positive impact in her community. Stephanie's drive, determination, and passion make her an asset to any team. She is committed to making a difference and leaving a lasting legacy.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Gloria Mansfield is a Parenting and Family Fun Financial Literacy Expert. She has been in the childcare industry for over twenty-five years. She has been serving children and their families on many levels, including teacher, director, and owner of a childcare center. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching E-6 and a Bachelor of Business Studies in Marketing from Dallas Baptist University.

Gloria is an advocate for building strong families, which she founded Character Avenue, a social impact brand that partners with families of young children, schools, churches and the community instilling character education and financial literacy. Piggy Bank Tutor is a division of Character Avenue.

She has appeared on various radio, newspaper, and media outlets including ABC/Good Morning Texas, NBC5, Fox Radio Syndicated Morning Shows and CBS affiliate stations.

Adesuwa Elaiho is the founder and Executive Chef of Asukar, a premier pastry company specializing in artistic pastries.

After receiving her degree in Food Science from Colorado State University, Adesuwa went on to study culinary arts in Paris, France at the Le Cordon Bleu. After she graduated, Adesuwa spent the next five years driving growth and sales for national restaurant brands, such as Hard Rock Café and Longhorn Steakhouse to name a few.

It was during this time, Adesuwa reconnected with her desire to pursue her passion for pastry.

As she lay the foundation for Asukar, she stayed dedicated to her deeply rooted respect for traditional French cuisine. However, Adesuwa was also inspired by the art that surrounded her. She began to experiment with the shape, form and overall design of her culinary pieces.

The result was inspired, and Elaiho was soon sought out by the most elite events requesting these pastry showpieces. From suspended pastries to complex sugar arrangements, Adesuwa has established herself as one of San Antonio's foremost culinary artists.

Adesuwa is also active in her community serving on the several boards, such as ILEA, where she proudly represents black female owned business owners in the SanAntonio area.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cassie Lamere is blending a lifelong passion for exceptional event curation with a keen eye for detail, Cassie LaMere stands as a paragon in luxury event planning. As the Founder and Creative Director of Cassie LaMere Events, she has redefined the art of creating memorable experiences, merging meticulous design with a flair for the extraordinary.

From her early days, Cassie was destined to dazzle. Her innate desire to transform every occasion into a cherished memory has been the cornerstone of her 15-year career. This journey has seen her evolve from a zealous entertainer into a venerated architect of bespoke events, celebrated for her commitment to excellence and innovation.

The philosophy of personalization and authenticity is at the heart of Cassie LaMere Events. Each event is a tapestry of unique experiences woven with the threads of Cassie's diverse expertise across various sectors. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the event, from conception to execution, resonates with the client's vision and exceeds their expectations.

Cassie's leadership extends beyond the realm of event planning. Her firm, a namesake testament to her dedication, is a collective of skilled designers and coordinators who share her enthusiasm for crafting joyous moments. Their work transcends the ordinary, creating luxury experiences that not only meet but anticipate the discerning standards of their clientele.

Under Cassie's guidance, the team at Cassie LaMere Events has mastered the art of hospitality, ensuring that each gathering is marked by unparalleled attention to detail and a deep understanding of the guest experience. This commitment has culminated in events that are not just occasions but lifetime highlights, leaving an indelible impact on all who attend.

Cassie's influence extends into the community through her active involvement and recognition in various prestigious circles. Her accolades include being a finalist and nominee in the Austin Under 40 Awards, a Center for Child Protection board member, and a celebrated participant in numerous philanthropic and industry events.

Cassie LaMere Events, under Cassie's visionary leadership, continues to set new standards in the event planning industry. Each project is a testament to her ability to blend creativity with practicality, turning the impossible into the unforgettable. For Cassie, every event is not just a project but a canvas to paint memories that last a lifetime.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest For over 20 years, Courtney Garner Lewis has been a commercial banker in the North Texas Market with both large and small institutions. She is currently leading the Middle Market effort for Cadence Bank in Tarrant County.

A first-generation college student, she began her academic journey at Dallas Community College and won an academic scholarship to attend SMU where she was a pre-med student. After deciding medical school might not be an option with two small children, she changed majors and earned a degree in Finance which launched her career in banking.

When not meeting with clients or working on deals she can be found serving the community. She is currently serving on the boards of the United Way of Tarrant County, Housing Channel and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. She is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Housing Channel. She is a Leadership Fort Worth Class graduate and a 40 under 40 recipient in 2013.

Courtney currently resides in Fort Worth with her husband and three dogs. Her children are now grown, and she enjoys time with her 3 grandsons.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cindy Williams is a creative entrepreneur living her dream in the Florida Keys with her partner of twenty years and their two amusing pups. She is the Owner and President of Cindy's Custom Linens and Upholstery in Cudjoe Key, Florida.

Cindy's creative journey began at a young age, designing and sewing unique clothing for herself and her barbies since she was just 5 years old. With her mom's guidance at the dining room table in Colorado, she developed her sewing skills. In high school, she realized her passion for fashion design and pursued it by earning a degree at Colorado State University.

After her studies, she ventured to New York City, where she gained invaluable experience at J.Crew, a renowned catalog retailer. Although not a designer, Cindy played a crucial role in the production side, working closely with factories overseas.

Eventually, after three years in the bustling city, she decided to take a break and relocated to Florida, not far from Key West. There, she found her true calling working for a prominent Interior Design and Architectural Firm. She began offering custom bed linens, pillows, and window treatments as a side gig, sparking the birth of Cindy's Custom Linens. She also delved into upholstery, learning this new craft from a master upholsterer and honing her skills for the past two decades.

Cindy now owns a small workroom and studio located 21 miles from Key West. Her business specializes in interior design, upholstery, window treatments, and custom bed linens, serving a wide range of clients, from residential to commercial hospitality. She takes pride in offering these custom services and employs a talented team to assist in all aspects of the work. Cindy's experience as a master seamstress spans 45 years, starting from her early years of sewing at the age of 5.

Beyond her thriving business, Cindy and her partner, Alecheia, have a zest for life, embracing the "Work Hard / Play Hard" mentality. They enjoy traveling, savoring good food, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Their two beloved pups, Roscoe and Sugar, play a central role in their lives, with plans to expand their furry family in the near future. The memory of past pets, including Marti, Isaac, Detroit, Jose, Cletis, and Lucy, remains dear to their hearts.

Cindy's story is a testament to following one's passion and continuously evolving in the pursuit of creative endeavors.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Lezlee Liljenberg is a business owner, entrepreneur, and author on a mission to help others in the discovery of their true identities, their biological families and dealing with DNA surprises.

In a previous life Lezlee was a successful commercial real estate broker and in 2004 turned to insurance as she started her first agency from ground zero, growing the business to over $6 million in revenue in less than 12 years. After 18 years she sold her enterprise and formed Liljenberg Insurance Expert Witness, where she is a consultant and expert witness for insurance cases.

Over the past 30 years of her life, she knew there was something not quite right with comments and issues popping up concerning her past. Her DNA test from Ancestry sparked even more uncertainty in her heritage.

Lezlee spent several years asking all the right questions of her family and friends, to no avail. Then in 2020, her brother encouraged her to take the 23andMe test which would turn her life in a totally new, exciting, and, needles to say, a topsy turvy direction.

In 2021 she discovered the identity of her true biological family and has taken numerous steps to meet them, many times with disappointment and pain, but more importantly, she has encountered love and acceptance that overcomes the hurts. The uncertainty drives her forward and closer to the truth of the past and that of others.

Lezlee is sharing her DNA story about love, loss, pain and pursuit of the truth to hopefully help others know that they are not alone. Her story is not an unusual one as the community of the "Non-Parent Expected" grows exponentially every year.

She wholeheartedly believes that age should never keep you back from learning more and taking new adventures. No matter our age, ethnicity, origins or skin color we all are in this thing called "Life" together.

Lezlee Liljenberg holds a BA in Journalism/Public Relations and a MA in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has published two books and numerous articles. Her story of her DNA journey entitled "If You Only Knew-A DNA Journey" will be her next publication and you can follow her blog and stay in touch with her at www.iamlezlee.com. She would love to hear your story and for you to become part of her family.

Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Jaima Brown-Emmert, also known as the "Queen of Pattern," is a highly creative stylist and the founder of Daisy Bennett LLC, a brand that has made a significant mark in the world of wallcoverings. With over 20 years of experience, Jaima has been adorning homes worldwide with her vibrant colors and modern takes on classic patterns.

Jaima's journey in the world of design began as a color mixer and artist at Sunworthy Wallcoverings in Toronto, where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of wallcoverings. Her upbringing, influenced by British parents, instilled in her a love for wallpaper and flower gardens, making them an integral part of her daily life and home decor.

One of Jaima's sources of inspiration comes from her travels, where she enjoys visiting design shops, museums, boutique shops and markets to discover vintage fabrics, scarves, books or fashions that spark new ideas for her collections.

Jaima's journey took her from Toronto to Chicago, where she continued to blaze a trail in the design world. She even became an American citizen in the process. In 1999, she moved to Chicago to assume the role of Design Director for SA Maxwell. In 2003, she launched the Jaima Brown Home brand, targeting the interior design market. Her designs have been brought to life and produced in countries like Italy, Spain, New Zealand, France, and England. Jaima is thrilled to see her colorful Chinoiserie murals, novelty prints, and fabrics showcased by celebrated interior designers around the world.

No matter where you are, whether it's Paris or New York City, Daisy Bennett LLC, has your walls covered in style and color. Jaima's designs offer a vibrant and unique vibe that can transform any space, making it a true reflection of her creative vision. So, if you're looking to infuse your life with color and style, Jaima Brown-Emmert is the designer to watch.