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Story & Lesson Highlights with Amber Bisek of Woodbury

We recently had the chance to connect with Amber Bisek and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
You have to be a natural artist, you do NOT! The stencil does the bulk of the work for you! You can make the project look amazing if you keep an open mind and aren’t so hard on yourself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amber, and I’m the owner of Board & Brush Creative Studio.

What started as a love for creativity and community has grown into something so much bigger than a business, it’s become a place where people come together to slow down, create, laugh, and connect.

Board & Brush is special because it isn’t just about making a project; it’s about the experience. We welcome everyone honestly; beginners, seasoned DIYers, kids, adults, coworkers, families and create an environment where no prior skill is needed, just a willingness to show up and try. Each person gets to create something unique while still sharing the experience with others, and that’s where the magic really happens.

For my family and me, this studio means everything. It’s taught us resilience, hard work, and the importance of building something rooted in community. We’ve watched friendships form at our tables, confidence grow through creativity, and memories made that last far beyond the workshop itself. Being able to provide a space that brings joy to others while supporting our family is something I’m incredibly proud of.

What we’re most passionate about right now is continuing to grow our community connections, hosting team events, celebrations, fundraisers, and workshops that give people a reason to step away from their busy lives and create something meaningful together. Board & Brush is more than a studio; it’s a reflection of our heart, our values, and our belief that creativity has the power to bring people together.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My Mom, I’ve never heard her complain, she works tirelessly and willingly and I have always looked up to her!

When did you last change your mind about something important?
I last changed my mind about something important at the beginning of 2025, when I realized I needed to fully own almost every part of my business from A to Z. Going into Q1, I could have made excuses with time, comfort, or the idea that “someone else does this better.” Instead, I chose to see it as an opportunity to immerse myself in the process and truly learn every step.

It wasn’t easy, and it definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it forced me to prove something to myself: that I can do each step, understand it, and do it well. That shift in mindset, from hesitation to unlimited belief, changed everything.

Since then, I’ve gained an incredible amount of confidence, clarity, and respect for the work behind the scenes. It’s leveled up not just my skill set, but my leadership and decision-making. Owning the process has made me a stronger business owner and reminded me how powerful it is to bet on yourself.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely, 100% yes. The public version of me is the real me. I’ve always been a “positive Patty” and I approach life with the belief that it’s already been written. While I may have control over some aspects, so much of life is already in the cards, and I choose to embrace the humor, the unpredictability, and the things I can’t control.

By being fully myself, I never have to worry about what I’ve said or done. There’s freedom in authenticity. Showing up as 100% me allows me to live honestly, lead genuinely, and connect with people in a real way and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People may misunderstand my legacy and assume it was about money. It wasn’t. I worked my tail feathers off, even when it didn’t make financial sense, because creating joy and soul-filling moments mattered more than any dollar I ever made. If people felt connected, inspired, or a little lighter because of something I built, then I did exactly what I was meant to do.

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