Amber Robinson is a psychotherapist and designer based in LA. She has a private practice in Los Angeles where she works with millennials and creatives helping them navigate their anxieties, manage relationships and heal from childhood trauma. She also has a streetwear line, 23ATLANTIC, which promotes mental health awareness and meaningful conversations.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born raised in Los Angeles. I come from a long line of female creatives, but I was always fascinated with psychology and human behavior. After working in community mental health, high schools, and group practices, I decided to open my own private practice in April 2021. In my practice, I help my clients manage their anxieties, navigate their relationships and heal from childhood trauma.

I also have a streetwear line, 23ATLANTIC, that is centered around mental health awareness and suicide prevention. I have always loved fashion and been inspired by the beauty of design, so I decided to merge my two passions start my own brand centered around mental health.

What inspired you to start your business?

I wasn’t being treated fairly in previous work settings, I was very limited to what I could take on as a clinician. So, I started my brand and my practice to be able to have 100% creative control and I have never regretted that decision.  

I started 23ATLANTIC because I’ve always been creative at heart. I lost someone very close to me by suicide and I wanted to do something to honor him as well as to contribute to the prevention of suicide in others.

Where is your business based?

My businesses are based in Los Angeles, but I provide Telehealth throughout the state of California.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Research!! For my practice, there are obviously licensing requirements, but also just being a woman in the business space, there’s a lot of intimidation and anxieties that need to be managed. I researched a ton, read books on business, and spoke with other women who had done the same thing. I think we all, as women, need to focus on helping each other out. There is enough room for all of us to succeed!

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I promote a lot on social media and that has been very beneficial. Also, word of mouth! No one can support a business they don’t know about! I am my own personal billboard, I wear my brand all the time and tell as many people I can that I’m a psychotherapist.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was probably just having the confidence to do it. When I first decided to open my own business, my previous boss told me “it would be impossible to succeed.” I left a very successful practice to branch out on my own, it took a lot of courage, but I am so glad I did it! It’s so important to believe in yourself and your vision. 

How do you stay focused?

I make sure to engage in self-care! I make time to be outdoors and to read. You have to pour into yourself before you can pour into others! I tell my clients this all the time, but it is something I live by as well. It’s especially important as creatives because we put our heart and soul into our work, so if we are not fulfilled, it will show up in our work.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I think having a niche is super important! There are a ton of private practices, but I focus on working with millennials and creatives because that is what I know. I am a millennial and a creative and it takes a certain type of person to understand the complexities of the creative mind.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Honestly, word of mouth! Telling everyone you interact with that I have a streetwear line and that I’m a psychotherapist has been extremely beneficial. As a woman and as an introvert, this has been very difficult at times, but it’s super important. We are taught to be small and not make too much noise, but as a female entrepreneur, that narrative is so damaging. We have to learn that self-promotion is ok!

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Just do it! Get your product or your company out there. It’s not going to be perfect right away— that’s ok! The most important thing is getting the work out there. And remember that every “no” you receive is just one more “no” closer to your “yes!” 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

Audible! I love to read physical books, but I also love listening to memoirs! I go on long walks and listen to people’s stories and it’s just fascinating to learn about people’s lives. I like to learn about people, how they think and feel, and why they do what they do. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Instagram and social media have been an amazing tool that helps me connect with clients, provide resources to people and get my business out there. It’s a space that allows people to interact with me and each other. In the therapy space, it can really help people feel seen.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I would say, Oprah. Not because she is one of the richest women in the world, but because she did it her way! She survived so much trauma as a young girl, but she persevered and believed in herself. She created a safe place for so many people to heal and share their stories. The number of lives she’s changed is unthinkable. She also left a stable lucrative career to start her own network— she believed in herself and her mission. She is a testament that you can never lose if you bet on yourself! 

How do you balance work and life?

I do my best to take care of myself first. I didn’t always do this and it took me learning the hard way that self-care is not selfish. I meditate and exercise daily — it’s a non-negotiable for me. And I try to get outdoors and read as much as I can.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I have a few different ways I like to decompress, one is being out in nature. I love to be outside and soaking up the sun! I also love laughing with one or two of my closest friends over good food and a good playlist!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Over the next six months, I would love to expand and grow my practice. I will also have a new collection for 23ATLANTIC dropping in Fall that I’m super excited about! Overall, I hope to continue to grow both of my businesses. 

How can our readers connect with you?

You can follow me on Instagram @amberrobinsontherapy and @shop23ATLANTIC. My websites are www.amberrobinsontherapy.com and www.23ATLANTIC.com.