Another mama who deserves a shout out this week! My friend Amber, of Amber Winick Art + Design Advisory. Aren't she and her daughter Alice, 19 months, gorg? Like many of us, this Brooklynite mom is a talented multi-tasker: wife, mother, small business owner, art historian, designer, educator, writer, fur baby mama... I'll stop there!

I met Amber awhile back while at the park with another one of my momtrepreneur friends, Leah Fox of Charm + Magic. (If you missed my blog on Leah, you can read it here.) In fact, when Avery and I arrived, Leah and Amber were already talking. Leah knows a good one when she sees one! Meeting moms around town is a bit like dating, actually. You never know - should I ask for her digits? Will I ever see her again? So many mommy fish in the sea of Brooklyn! And we're all just swimming around, juggling our many tasks, wearing our many different fedoras, looking for some camaraderie, honest friendship, and a playdate to eat up the (sometimes terrifying) afternoon hours of 4-6 before the DBB (Dinner, Bath, Bedtime) saga begins.

Amber and I got to talking while the babies toddled around the Tot Lot. We quickly figured out that our professions went hand in hand. I was still working at Cullman & Kravis, Inc. at the time, where we often brought in expert art advisors for our projects. As an interior designer and as an aspiring collector, I have to admit, there is something so nice about having an art advisor. Truly, they can learn your tastes, tell you which pieces to invest in, help you build a collection over time. It's so worth it to have someone who is both knowledgeable and has a great eye when it comes to curating a space.

Amber is uber smart and talented (check out these publications!). I would recommend her in a heartbeat to any client who is interested in art and wants a little help figuring out how to give a space that extra touch. Whether you're a serious collector or just getting started, it's easy to see how art can make (or break!) the places we live and work. Here is what Amber has to say:

“I try to take an intuitive approach to collecting. I get to know my clients in order to understand what moves them, what they think about, and how they think. I then share artists and artworks that I think they may connect with. Often my clients become good friends. As a designer, I try to create spaces that intrigue. I love spaces that feel relaxed and never want anything to feel too precious or untouchable.”

YES. Preach it, girl! That is something to strive for as a designer. You want things to be beautiful, yet touchable. Pristine yet cozy. Most importantly, you want the space to elevate your client's spirits, to speak to them on a personal level. This often involves stepping outside of yourself and your own personal tastes - a total challenge.

When Amber was pregnant, she was presented with a career opportunity she couldn't pass up - a Fulbright Research Fellowship in Budapest, Hungary. What a tough decision, and tough timing! She knew in her heart of hearts she had to go for it, despite the many life changes she was about to encounter, or she may look back with regret. So when Baby Alice was three months old, the family packed up and continent-hopped over to Europe. I give them so much credit for doing this! As new parents, it's overwhelming enough having an infant in the comfort of your own surroundings. I think at this point I was barely out of my pajamas and still nodding off on the sofa with one eye open on Avery's bassinet! Here is Amber, shifting cultures, rocking motherhood abroad and researching in Budapest's Museum of Applied Arts (as well as public and private collections throughout Hungary!)

Not only do we have a love of art history and design in common, but since our munchkins are so close in age, Amber and I can relate on many levels. It's a delicate task to juggle motherhood with running a small, design-based business. It's so great to know we can bounce ideas off each other, refer one another, collaborate (and commiserate from time to time!) We will hopefully have some fun things in the works soon, so stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, how beautiful is Amber's portfolio? Here's just a quick glimpse!