Welcome to Curated Bliss: A Story of Building Beauty from Burnout

Hi, I’m Amber—and I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to fit into a world that never quite fit me back.

For nearly two decades, I worked in property management, asset management, and finance. On paper, I was successful. But in reality, I felt underappreciated, picked apart, burnt out, and deeply unfulfilled. I was pouring my energy into building other people’s visions, all while letting my own creative voice grow quieter and quieter.

One day, after yet another soul-draining week, my husband gently suggested something I hadn’t dared to consider

“What if you took a break? Just… step away for a little while.”

I left. And for the first time in years, I gave myself permission to pause, breathe, and ask a terrifying question:

What would it look like to build a life I actually wanted?

The answer became Beam & Bramble, my Pacific Northwest-inspired design studio and creative playground. I didn’t know exactly where it would take me. I just knew I wanted to create things that felt thoughtful, soulful, and deeply human—things that helped others slow down, notice beauty, and feel seen in a world that so often rushes past the details.

Why I Create

Before the spreadsheets and boardrooms, I was an artist. I studied sculpture and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts at Portland State University. Back then, I shied away from trying to make art my career. The vulnerability of having my work judged, picked apart, or seen as a “favor” people asked for free felt too heavy to carry.

But creating never stopped calling me back.

Botanicals became my language for joy. I fell in love with their intricate details. The way a single petal can hold a season, a memory, or a sense of place. I started arranging flowers and sketching patterns as a way to break free from overthinking and reconnect with my own curiosity. Slowly, I began weaving those threads - art, design, and storytelling - into the tapestry of this studio.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog, Curated Bliss, is an extension of that journey. It’s where I share:

  • Inspiration for thoughtful celebrations and everyday beauty.

  • Practical tips for wedding planning, DIY florals, and creative projects.

  • Behind-the-scenes glimpses of building a creative business from scratch.

I hope these posts inspire you to savor the details, create something meaningful, and honor your own pace in a world that loves to rush.

Why a Blog in 2025?

I know, we’re living in an era where short-form videos dominate, and blogs feel like relics from the early 2000s. But there’s something about slowing down to write and read that feels quietly radical now. This isn’t about chasing algorithms; it’s about building a space for intentional connection.

So, whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a dinner party, or just looking for little sparks of beauty in your day, I’m so glad you’re here.

Let’s create something lovely together.

Amber

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