Name: Hi, I’m Amber J. Lapastora! Aka Amber J. 🙂
Age: 26 – 0h ya know, that mid-twenties range, when you realize time flies faster every year, as you’re getting real close to the late twenties and early thirties age haha.
Title: Digital Content Creator / Video Producer
Married/Single: Married to the sweetest, most thoughtful, loving man (aka the hubs) EVER! He is the best blessing and answered prayer! And more than I could’ve ever dreamed or prayed for.
Kids: Not yet! We’ve been married for 2 years, so we’re prepping and planning (kind of). Mostly just enjoying and cherishing our marriage and our time together as a duo, then seeing where God leads us! And of course, we’re getting the occasional, “When are you having a baby?” remark from aunties, uncles, or my mom. Mostly my mom though.
City you live in: Phoenix! I’m originally from Los Angeles County, born and raised. We moved to Arizona a month after we got married. And have been loving everything about living in this beautiful desert city aka Valley of the Sun!
A typical day in my life includes…
drinking lots of cold water and a matcha oat latte, while I read my devotional bible or a devotional off my bible app, writing in my gratitude journal, a prayer, early AM yoga, posting a couple of encouraging words on my Instagram story in hopes of it uplifting at least one lady, making a green smoothie or preparing breakfast (lately it’s been avo toast or peanut butter oatmeal with loads of fresh fruit), quick prayer with the hubs, do my makeup, read a chapter of a book I’m reading, review my goals, go over my Google calendar, and then hit the ground running for projects I’m working on!
I was born…
in Sunny Southern C-A-L-I-FORNIA! Oh wait, but it’s sunny out in AZ too… basically been thrivin’ best in sunshine since ‘93!
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the daily sightings of cacti! Locals are probably tired of it or hardly notice them, but as a recent transplant, I don’t think I can get over my appreciation and awe for the beautiful cacti! I’m used to palm trees, but the fact that there are palm trees, plus cacti in AZ? I’m all about it! Is it obvious that I’m easily amused?
I’m listening to…
a mixture of Oprah speeches and Joyce Meyer podcast sermons on YouTube, to start my day! And to really get pumped up and increase energy levels, I’ll have a little dance party in the bathroom, while jammin’ out to Queen Bey (Beyoncé), Kehlani, India Arie, Lizzo, Cardi B, or any ‘90s or early 2000s hip hop / r&b!
My family…
is the absolute best! I love them so much! Huge shout out to my incredible, strong, supportive, beautiful mom! I have a special place in my heart for single mommas.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Michelle Obama, Oprah, Beyonce, or Cardi B, haha! I feel like there would be lots of laughs and learning at the dinner table with these ladies! In terms of anyone in history, if my husband and I could’ve had the opportunity to have a double date with Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King that would be a beautiful, glorious, inspiring dinner!
One thing I cannot live without…
tangible – Trader Joe’s and Target runs (anyone feel me on this?!)! Not tangible, yet my number one, my faith and relationship with God!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a veterinarian! I always LOVED animals, would read animal books and encyclopedias, and chose the plant-based lifestyle because of my love for animals (almost 13 years ago).
I’m inspired by…
1. Beautiful, encouraging words – from the Word or something I read/come across. 2. Unapologetic, real women that are conquering life by living out their dreams and passions daily. 3. Kind, genuine, non-judgemental people that give back and live their life with so much love and understanding for anyone and everyone.
The one person who motivates me is…
my sweet, loving husband aka THE HUBS!
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
wow, this is a loaded question because I would like to change MANY things in this world! This is so hard to narrow down. I would say, if I could change anything in the world, it would be: world hunger, homelessness, and end human trafficking. Technically, that’s three. But three huge things that the world can do without! It would be truly incredible if people no longer had to worry about being able to eat or have a roof over their heads, and not have to succumb to being forced to sell their precious bodies against their own will. If you ever have the opportunity to support a non-profit or local community organization that helps people that are affected by any of these epidemics, I strongly encourage you to do so!
The perfect day would be…
spent traveling, creating new moments by having new experiences, trying new cuisines, and learning about different cultures with the hubs!
My first job was…
when I started college and it was at Forever 21! My first job experience in the media industry was being an intern for a Senior Producer at Paramount Pictures! I assisted a team of three producers and they were all ladies! Three bold and bright ladies – it was amazing to be on a team of women dominating as producers for a day-time TV show! My first paid job in the media industry was being a Video Fellow and Editorial Intern for BuzzFeed Motion Pictures! An incredibly fun experience, as I was able to experience the difference between working for a TV show and a digital media company. Both studio lots were different and incredible in their own way!
My favorite escape…
If I could snap my fingers and teleport to Spain, Portugal, or Greece that would be amazing! Those are some of my favorite places to visit and explore 💙 A more accessible escape would be going on a hike in Phoenix, reading a book, or watching a show on Amazon Prime or Disney+.
My life…
is made up of so many beautiful blessings! And I’m incredibly grateful!
I’m currently working on…
growing and being fruitful in every aspect of my life! Mentally, physically, spiritually, and professionally.
Always…
be kind, understanding, and stay in your own lane! You never know what kind of internal or external battle other people are facing. And always choose joy and trust God’s timing! No. Matter. What.
Never…
judge or let other people’s irrelevant comments disturb your inner peace! Judgemental people and their irrelevant comments are simply reflections of their own insecurities. And when it comes to making your goals/dreams a reality, never take no for an answer! No may just mean not yet. So keep persevering, keep persisting, keep praying!
Favorite Quote…
I have SO many favorite quotes! One of them would be, “If it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it.”
Biggest Dream…
be able to accomplish ALL the short-term and long-term goals that are listed in my journal and listed in my head! All while continually growing in my faith, growing in my marriage, and continually bettering myself.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
Fake and judgemental people. I’m a firm believer in being genuine and saying what you mean. And if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it. Instead of judging others, their choices, and decisions – instead of sharing negative, verbal vomit about someone else to others – why not see the good in others and focus on what you can fix on yourself?
