Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Chaney.
Hi Amber, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Amber Nicole Chaney. I grew up in Eureka, California, the middle of seven kids — three brothers, three sisters. Both of my parents struggled with severe substance abuse, and I became the first person in my family to earn a college degree.
I earned my associate’s at Montgomery College, my undergraduate degree in Theater Arts at the University of Maryland, and my master’s in Strategic Communications from American University. My second master’s, an MBA, is from Yale School of Management, Class of 2026 — my dream school and my biggest accomplishment. At the root of who I am is being a lifelong student, and along the way I studied at the American University of Rome, the University of Ghana in Accra, and Fudan University in Shanghai during Yale’s Global Network Week — experiences that reshaped how I think about people, culture, and storytelling.
I spent 12 wonderful years in communications at Vietnam Veterans of America, work that earned me the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award — an immense honor as a civilian. From there, I worked with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, before becoming an entrepreneur and launching my own social media marketing firm during the height of COVID, when social media became critical during a global shutdown.
I’m a proud young invisible and ambassador of Invisible Wave, an organization for young adults navigating health challenges. I had a 15-centimeter tumor removed, and that experience gave me a lasting connection to other young people carrying things that aren’t always visible. I also serve on the board of Young People in Recovery (YPR).
My path hasn’t been linear. I’ve had to reinvent myself, take risks, advocate for myself, and keep moving even when I couldn’t see the next chapter clearly. But from Eureka to Maryland, the Smithsonian, entrepreneurship, and Yale, one theme has stayed constant: when there’s no blueprint, you create your own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As one of seven kids, responsibility found me early — I carried more than a typical child would. Being the first in my family to attend college, and then to go on and earn multiple degrees, meant there were many times my goals and ambitions weren’t fully understood.
I had a 15-centimeter tumor removed as an undergraduate, an experience that changed my perspective on life at a young age.
My greatest loss came just a few months ago, two weeks before my graduation from Yale School of Management — my dad died at only 62 years old, in a tragic accident. He will never see me walk the stage. A classmate reminded me that he has the best seat in the house now, and that in the end, it’s just a piece of paper — what mattered was that he knew I’d gotten into my dream school and who I had become because of Yale.
With every obstacle, I ask myself, “What is the lesson?” And often, the lesson is a reminder that life is bigger than us — bigger than one moment, bigger than one loss. I love the quote from Serena Williams: “I become my best player every time I lose.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chaney Communications LLC?
Chaney Communications was born from seeing a need—so many organizations and brands were doing incredible work but didn’t always know how to tell their stories or build authentic communities online. We specialize in social media strategy, digital communications, influencer marketing, content, and brand storytelling. I transitioned from my work with the Smithsonian and nonprofits to working with Bowie State University, the University System of Maryland, and women’s forums, and eventually into beauty brands and influencers. That transition has allowed me to do some really fun projects—from Coachella and TikTok beauty events to Meta Headquarters. Some of my favorite work has been in the beauty space, where I’ve had the opportunity to help design and launch a skincare line. My favorite project was assisting in development for a skin care line. designing the glass bottle, the formula, and inscriptions and being involved in bringing that product to life—from design and marketing to production and shipping. There was something incredibly rewarding about seeing an idea that started on paper become a tangible product. It’s a side of brand development in the beauty industry that I hope to do more of.
I’m also venturing into real estate, with a goal of creating quality housing opportunities for low-income individuals and families. Whether I’m helping a brand find its voice, bringing a product from an idea to market, or revitalizing a property, I want the things I build to have both purpose and impact.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be an excellent listener. Be a lifelong student. Be open to learning. The most articulate and accomplished people I’ve ever met are the most humble, quiet when it counts, and eager to listen and learn. And most importantly do you best work when your back is against the wall. Also, as a female entrepreneur take risks and be your own advocate!
Pricing:
- Chaney Communications is open for business and currently welcoming new clients and collaborations. We offer customized social media strategy, digital communications, influencer marketing, brand development, and consulting tailored to each client’s needs and goals. From emerging businesses and entrepreneurs to established brands and organizations, we love partnering with people who have a great story, product, or mission and helping them bring it to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chaneycommunications.com
