Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Clanton.
Amber, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey has been a crazy, but amazing one! My professional career is based in Marketing & Communications, specializing in traditional marketing, social media marketing, event marketing, partnership activation, project management, promotions and event planning over a seven-year span.
It all started with a developing passion for sports. I grew up in Memphis, TN playing softball most of my life and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the industry professionally. I started by majoring in Sport & Leisure management at the University of Memphis (Go Tigers!) Within my program, I was able to be exposed to many educational endeavors such as visiting the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC), completing Tiger Leadership Institute, serving as chair/board members of various student organizations and joining the Frosh Frenzy staff, a program dedicated to welcoming incoming freshmen each Fall semester. With all of that, I found an opportunity to work with the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A Affiliate of the STL Cardinals (MLB) within their Promotions Department. I joined their entertainment/promotions team, formerly known as the Memphis RedHots, in 2012 and completed two seasons with the Redbirds by 2014.
With the duties, responsibilities and rewards I got from being a Memphis RedHot, I knew that I was not only not done with sports and entertainment, but I wanted to challenge myself and bring something new to the Mid-South. I pitched an idea to implement a dance program for the Mississippi RiverKings within the Central Hockey League at that time, and they loved it! I did everything from choreographing the prep classes, orchestrating auditions for members, developing partnerships, selecting uniforms, arranging photoshoots, social media and more. These achievements along with my passion and drive to continue to push and challenge myself is what led me to further opportunities such as interning at Walt Disney World, packing up and moving to Dallas to complete two seasons with the Texas Rangers and one season with the WNBA Dallas Wings.
When I moved to Dallas, my passion for sports starting to take a turn as I immediately saw how massive the entertainment industry was in the metroplex, as well as marketing. I auditioned for the Dallas Sidekicks Dancers in 2015 and was fortunate enough to become a member for 3 seasons, serving as Admin Captain my rookie season and dance captain the following two seasons. I was also a Texas Revolution Dancer in 2017. During the 2018 Dallas Sidekicks season, I was honored to be asked to not only dance that season but become the assistant director for the dance team and program. With that, I assisted my fabulous team Director with planning auditions, I hosted prep classes and choreographed half of them, created graphics, developed relationships with partners that lead to activation and service partnerships, served as the team’s social media manager, choreographed several routines and so much more!
Currently, I work full-time as a Social Media Manager and Account Coordinator for a social media and marketing agency. I also have strong plans to start my own marketing firm very soon in addition to a clothing company that will have nothing but my heart in it, I get such joy volunteering on the production team with North Dallas’ largest National Dance Day celebration, Dallas Hip Hop DanceFest and their sister events, Legacy Hip Hop Convention and HYPE Choreographers Showcase. Occasionally, I’ll have the opportunity to work as a marketing and social media consultant, dancer and social media influencer as well.
I’ve had ups and downs throughout my journey but I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. I take each obstacle and achievement and turn it into fire, the fire I need to keep the mindset of making constant moves. With that, my passion for my personal and professional journey increases. I’m so blessed to have met the professionals I’ve met and the friends I’ve made along the way, and the opportunities I’ve been granted with.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The path to success is never smooth. I still often struggle with figuring out those little shortcuts to success. What I’ve learned and continue to understand is that everyone’s journey is different. It’s not just about what you get out of it, but also what you put into it. I would oftentimes hear “no” but it took a lot of personal reassurance and self-motivation to understand that “no” only means “not today.” I keep pushing, I keep the perseverance and I keep my eyes on the prize because the end result(s) will be well worth all of the struggles.
Tell us about your work – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am currently a freelance/contracted Social Media/Marketing Manager, where I help various businesses or brands with their marketing and content strategies. I am also an Account Coordinator for BTC Revolutions.
Most proud of (Freelance Work):
The trust that each brand/company invest in me as the consultant for there projects. I offer innovative advice from implementation, project management, strategy and reporting standpoint that sets them apart from others.
Most proud of (BTC):
The hard-work that our team puts in nonstop and the reassurance that we provide each other on having each other’s back. That’s very vital because it translate into our work and efforts that ultimately benefits our clients. We have a team of talented strategists, service-driven backgrounds, experienced marketing professionals and so much more; everything it takes for us to reach our BTC goals, and I’m very proud.
Most proud of (DHDF/Legacy/HYPE):
The bond that is instilled in this production team like none other. The team truly is like family, specifically those family members you can’t wait to see at Sunday’s dinner. Although I’ve always been a volunteer, I’ve never felt like I was any different from the gang. It’s truly a joy getting to gain more production experience alongside them and watch how the program grows each year.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is ultimately what you make it out to be. End results are great; but for me personally, success is the process and journey along the way. It is perseverance. You can’t learn to ride a bike without falling. You can’t earn that A on that final exam without studying. You can’t earn your spot as captain on the dance team without showing up to auditions first. All of those trials, tribulations and investments is what I define as “success” and what drives me to persevere. I personally lookout for those opportunities to grow along the way that way, my success story is more valuable in the end.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 469-980-6814
- Email: amberclan36@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberclanton_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amber.clanton
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AmberClanton_
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