Joyfully Ambitious: Amber Frankhuizen, Founder/CEO, AFMKTG
The branding expert and marketing maestro talks inspiration, having faith and her new podcast, Old Money.
“We don’t have time for bad design, bad attitudes, or bad business,” reads the final line on AFMKTG’s Ethos page. Needless to say, we fell in love instantly. Founder/CEO Amber Frankhuizen and her team use brand psychology, strategy, human behavior, data and exceptional design to create jaw-dropping campaigns that include everything from positioning to social media management to paid advertising. Clients range from upscale health and wellness brands to yacht companies to hospitality group to real estate developers — anyone looking to have their story told in an authentic, heartfelt, visually stunning way. (WOTW has been fortunate enough to partner with AFMKTG to create client websites!)
As her company continues to grow, Amber is ready to help other women find their financial footing. This August, she’s launching the podcast Old Money. “It will help women learn the new rules of old money,” she says. “It focuses on financial and business literacy, so they can build generational wealth and an old money legacy of their own.”
Here, we talk leadership and self-doubt with this marketing expert.
Name: Amber Frankhuizen
Pronouns: She/her
Website: AFMKTG.com
Social media: @afmktg and @amberincalifornia
Was there a moment you realized you were on the right path or in the right field?
Before starting AFMKTG, I was the VP Sales/Marketing for a real estate development firm, and I was tasked with leading a monthly strategy meeting that included our digital team, PR team, creative team and internal leadership. These meetings were FIVE HOURS long, and our team flew in from all over to attend them. The amount of preparation and stamina required was insane. But when I started to hear from our consultants that, despite the intimidating block on their calendar, they looked forward to the meeting each month because I was able to foster a fun, relaxed and expansive gathering of creative minds, I knew I was on to something. It was the first time I felt like the conductor to my marketing orchestra, helping all of these creative people tune their instruments and play alongside different disciplines, creating a beautiful symphony with their work. As a leader now, I still feel that my job is to pull the best out of people by inspiring them, challenging them, creating containers for expression and picking great projects and clients that allow us to really shine.
How do you handle self-doubt?
I always say: nothing builds confidence like success and nothing builds success like confidence. However, when building a business, too much confidence can be some people's Achilles heel — confidence can quickly degrade into arrogance, which is why I think self-doubt can be a healthy balance to that confidence. I use it as a tool, a motivator, an area of reflection. If I'm feeling like I'm pushing up against my comfort zone and thoughts of self-doubt tend to creep in, that's a good signal that I'm moving into a place of expansion. There are normally lessons and areas of growth for me to explore within those feelings of self doubt. Being an observer of those doubtful thoughts is helpful — listen to inner monologue as if you were listening to your best friend. And then give the pep talk to yourself that you would give to your friend.
Is there a life or business mantra that you live by?
‘Even Louis Vuitton makes mistakes.’ — The Countess LuAnn DeLesseps
How do you find joy in moments of uncertainty?
Moments of uncertainty can be uncomfortable, and I've just learned to be comfortable in being uncomfortable because I have FAITH that the clarity will come again. Just like the seasons or the stock market, everything works in cycles, and knowing that brings a calmness to any situation. Every situation is temporary and having faith that things will correct again helps you see past the current moment into a positive future.
Is there another woman in your field that you admire?
Any woman on the path to building something of her own has my deepest and utmost respect.
What is your favorite part of your work?
I LOVE being a creative director for our brand-building process. From researching the project/brand/business to death to inspiring our clients with amazing mood board to playing with words, shapes and ideas with our graphic designers — and then showing our clients their brand better than then ever could imagined. It's pure magic and I love it.
What is your favorite part of your day?
If I could walk my dog full time, I would be happy with that career. Waking up with her early in the morning and walking around our neighborhood before the rest of the world wakes up is the best part of my day. It's just me and my girl, waking up together, smelling the roses and peeing on bushes. Magic.
What inspires you?
Boutique hotels. They keep me working hard for my next adventure, and are always the best place to post up for a fresh infusion of new energy.
Anything new coming up for you?
On August 1, I'm launching the OLD MONEY PODCAST. It’s a show for people who feel like they should have been born with a trust fund, but never got that silver spoon. It’s a little bit of business and a little bit of pleasure. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and let's get rich together.
