Meet Amber Marker | CEO | Founder of Declan + Crew

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Marker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
It is so scary to take risks, but this has been something that I truly believed help me elevate my entire brand. I’ve taken TONS of risks these last 7 years… some small (like putting myself out there on social media) and some much larger-scaled (like moving operation into a 6K sq. ft. warehouse). I will be honest and admit that I have not taken risks without failure, but I also believe that failing is a part of being an entrepreneur. The REAL magic happens when you realize how you handle those moments of risk/failure. Do you stop and let it pull you back… or do you reflect, learn from it, and hustle harder? For me, it really pushes me to try again (or pivot if that’s needed) in order to meet (and, hopefully, totally crush) that end-goal.

I always think about my initial risk which was resigning from my teaching career to stay home with my two babies and pursue this business. I can’t tell you how many times I sat there wondering if I made a mistake leaving my dream school to launch a brand and really dig in… but at the end of the day, you have to take risks for YOU. That is often times where the MAGIC happens.

What should our readers know about your business?
Named after my two boys, Declan and Crew, my brand is inspired by all things motherhood… the joys, the chaos, the messes, the deep and unconditional love. I always say that this business happened on “accident” as I sat at my kitchen table in 2014 sewing bibs for my first baby, Declan. I wasn’t able to find basic and modern items for him at local stores, so I whipped out my sewing machine and started making my own. This spiraled into friends and family requesting them, so I started a website with the intention of only really selling to those that asked about them through more personal connections. I released my first graphic tee, Posing For The Mamarazzi, several months later and that was the moment I knew that this “fun hobby” had the potential to be so much more.

It was never an easy journey, and there were so many moments those first couple years where I wanted to be done. Financially, many months I was in the red, yet my husband was always telling me to keep going. I honestly questioned so many times how and WHY he believed in me because I often didn’t feel like I could do it. Within 4 years, we were grossing 7 figures a year and the amount of growth in such a short time was insane! It truly didn’t feel real sometimes! We went from two to hundreds of orders in a week and at that time, I was doing EVERYTHING (packing, shipping, designing, social media, marketing, customer service). I mentally ran myself into the ground. The growth was extremely difficult to manage mentally and physically so I have made it a priority to truly listen to my body and slow down when needed. As an entrepreneur, I feel like your mind is always in motion with your “to-do” list. It’s your baby and you want it to grow and blossom, but I have learned I can only do that when I am feeling my best.

I LOVE my business, but I truly adore the PEOPLE and connections I get to make every day! I am so thankful for those out there that support me, my vision, and what I do each and every day. I have Mamas that have been with me since Day 1 in 2014 and there is nothing as special as being able to share this journey with them!

If there’s a word to describe building a business, it’s GRIT. There are so many days where you want to give up on it all. It’s so hard (yet SO worth it). Hands-down one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I love making MYSELF proud.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh goodness! Where do I begin! So many fun places in Columbus, but some of my fave spots…

-North Market for sure in downtown Columbus! Perfect for lunch and tons of small, local restaurants to choose from so everyone gets what they want! It’s such a fun vibe!

-Bridge Park in Dublin is a jump, hop, skip away from me and we go here as a family and on date-nights often! VASO is a rooftop bar/restaurant and BEAUTIFUL at nighttime. You HAVE to get their Sticky Toffee Date Cake. THE BEST! This is the perfect location to walk around, explore, and has some of my fave places to eat! Head to Pins Mechanical for some duck pin bowling, 16Bit for arcade games, and Jeni’s for ice cream! For tacos, our go-to is Condados! This area has some of the best hot spots and you cannot go wrong with any options over here!

-Want some yummy breakfast?! Katalina’s pancake balls or head to North Star for their Cloud Nine pancakes. Can’t go wrong with either!

-I love Innis Wood Metro Park! It is beautiful if you want to get out and take a walk while soaking up some gorgeous landscapes.

-Bringing kids? We love COSI, The Columbus Zoo, Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park, and there are some really fun splash parks!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest fan and cheerleader, my husband. There is no way I’d ever be able to do all the things I have been able to do without his constant support and belief that I can do all the hard things. He’s truly one of the reasons that I am where I am today with this business and I think you NEED someone like that because it can often feel like you’re on this “island” navigating all the highs and lows.

My team. I am so thankful to have such an INCREDIBLE group of individuals that seriously make coming into the office/warehouse every day so fun and fulfilling. From shipping orders to customer service, to listening to me rant or joining in on my TikTok dances, they are such a core element to this business and I could never do it without them.

My Mamas. I have the most wonderful community that has been with me for years. I love my business, but I always say that I love the PEOPLE I’ve connected with through this brand even more.

Website: www.declanandcrew.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/declanandcrew

Twitter: www.twitter.com/declanandcrew.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/declanandcrew

Other: Mom Squad Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/declanandcrew

Image Credits
Photos taken by Caitlin Trainer. @caitrosephotography