We recently had the chance to connect with Amber Asif and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business is that creating customized pieces is quick and easy; as if I’m just “putting names on things” or “doing arts and crafts.” In reality, each item I make goes through a detailed process that takes time, creativity, and skill. From designing layouts and choosing colors to working with specialized materials like resin, acrylic, or vinyl, every step requires patience and precision.
Another thing people sometimes misunderstand is the value of handmade work. I’m not a warehouse and I don’t purchase supplies in massive bulk. Everything is sourced thoughtfully for smaller, personalized orders. That makes my costs different from big-box retailers, but it also means that what I create is one-of-a-kind.
When you buy from me, you’re not just purchasing an object, you’re getting hours of behind-the-scenes planning, experimenting, and problem-solving to make sure it turns out just right. It’s personal, it’s unique, and it’s designed specifically for someone’s celebration or milestone. For me, it’s never just about making a product, it’s about creating memories that will be cherished.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Amber Asif, and I’m the artist and founder of Amber’s Color Yard, a small business based in Texas. I describe myself as a mixed-media artist because I love working with different forms, from resin geode wall art and acrylic wedding welcome signs to custom party favors, family shirts, and personalized gifts. I also create fresh flower balloon bouquets, shadow box art, and Islamic-inspired pieces such as Sadaqah boxes, Eid bags, and calligraphy paintings. My goal is to create work that brings joy, adds beauty to milestones, and becomes part of people’s most cherished celebrations.
What makes Amber’s Color Yard unique is the personal touch in everything I create. I do not mass produce or operate from a warehouse. Every item is carefully designed, handcrafted, and tailored to the client it is made for. Whether it is a bridal shower favor, a balloon bouquet, a resin tray, or a piece of calligraphy art, I want each creation to feel one of a kind and full of meaning.
Right now I am focused on expanding both my product range and my creative community. I enjoy connecting with other small businesses, celebrating my clients’ life events, and sharing the behind-the-scenes of my creative process on social media. At its core, Amber’s Color Yard is about more than just art. It is about creating lasting memories and spreading happiness through colors, textures, and design.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was during the COVID lockdown. Like everyone else, I was stuck at home, and I turned to art as a way to bring positivity into my life. I discovered that I could teach myself different mediums, experiment freely, and create something new each time.
My first clients were my family and coworkers who encouraged me to start selling. That small push completely changed my perspective. I realized that what began as a hobby could actually bring happiness to others in a very personal way. When I saw how excited people were to receive something customized just for them, it clicked for me. I was not just making art, I was creating memories that mattered.
That moment also showed me that I could build something meaningful from scratch. I learned how to design, sell, keep track of payments, and market my work on Instagram through reels and posts, all on my own. What started with acrylic painting and resin soon grew into many different forms of art, including personalized gifts and Islamic-inspired pieces that help families and children connect with their traditions.
Seeing the joy on a client’s face made me realize that my passion for making people happy could become the foundation of a business. It shaped how I view my role in the world: not just as an artist but as someone who can spread joy, positivity, and connection through creativity.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were moments when I felt discouraged and thought about giving up. One of the challenges of running a creative business is that people sometimes don’t see all the time and detail that goes into each piece. It can feel disheartening when your work is compared to something mass-produced, because what I create is designed with care for one special moment in someone’s life.
What kept me going was seeing the joy my clients felt when they received their orders. That happiness reminded me why I started Amber’s Color Yard in the first place. I truly believe my pricing is fair because it reflects not just the materials, but the love, creativity, and personalization that goes into every project.
Those moments of doubt actually helped me grow. They taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting my process. Now, instead of feeling discouraged, I use those challenges as motivation to keep creating art that is meaningful and memorable.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what matters most to me is making people feel happy and cared for. I have always been the type of person who loves to bring joy, whether it is through laughter, small gestures, or something creative I’ve made. That same value carries into my business.
They would probably also say that I value relationships above everything else. Whether it is spending time with loved ones, supporting my community, or creating a piece of art that reflects someone’s story, I put my heart into making people feel seen and cared for. To me, it is about building bonds and spreading positivity in a way that lasts.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will remember me as someone who poured her heart into everything she created and into the people around her. I want my story to be that I used my art to celebrate love, family, and culture, and that I made life’s special moments feel even more meaningful.
I also hope they say that I cared deeply for my family, friends, and community, and that I always tried to spread kindness in both small and big ways. More than the products I made, I want to be remembered for the love, joy, and connection behind them. If my work and my presence left people feeling seen, valued, and a little happier, then that is the story I’d want told.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Amber Asif / Amber’s Color Yard.
