PIONEER SERIES:
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“A LAZY PERSON SHOULD NEVER
THINK OF GOING TO OREGON.”
– ELIZABETH WOOD, OREGON TRAIL 1851
The trailblazing spirit of the people who first settled in this Pacific Wonderland is an inextricable trait of the people who now call Portland home. The 503 Pioneer Series tells stories of Portland from what makes this place so special…its people.
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AMBER STARKS, owner of conscious coils
Lives: SE
Works: SW (Downtown)
Native or Trailblazer? Trailblazer from LA--been in Oregon 20yrs & graduated from Cleveland High School
Self-Described Fashion Style: 80's Retro Street
Number of Bikes: 1 old gold cruiser from an antique shop in Astoria
Favorite Beach: Astoria
Last Hike? Multnomah Falls
Food line to wait in:
Favorite Brunch Spot:
Cocktail Meet-Up:
Amber Starks is a licensed, natural hair stylist and owner of Conscious Coils’ Braiding and Natural Hair Salon in Portland, Oregon, whose mission is to renew the collective consciousness of the people by nurturing a healthy self-image and celebrating authentic, natural beauty. In 2012, she initiated and successfully helped to revised OR State Law with the passage of HB3409, the "Natural Hair Act" which created a natural hair license in the state of OR. Her ultimate goal is to inform and support individuals and families who choose natural hair. She has created a space where people from all backgrounds can come together to celebrate, share, be informed about, and promote natural hair care. Lastly, she provides services to individuals and families in need of natural hair care and styling in hopes of making natural hair accessible and fun.
We caught up with Amber at her downtown salon, and her client Jamilah graciously allowed me to sit in on her hair appointment. Thanks Jamilah!
THE JOURNEY
What led you to where you are in your career today?
It was by accident, or kismet, or even a little anger. I saw something that I thought was wrong and decided to change it.
What is the mission of Conscious Coils?
Our mission is to renew the collective consciousness of the people by nurturing a healthy self-image and celebrating authentic, natural beauty.
I think women of all cultures struggle with wanting to feel beautiful and that our worth is in our beauty. There are so many rules and narratives of what beauty is, and I wanted to create a space that people could find their own beauty and be free by knowing that who they are is more than acceptable and more than sufficient.
Biggest challenge / scariest moment that you’ve had in your career?
the biggest challenge was changing the law. The scariest moment was on the Senate floor when I didn't know if the opposing party would vote down the bill.
How did you celebrate when you overcame that?
I ran out of the building and screamed with joy! But I was just so ready to do the work I had an appointment the same day the law went into effect.
Did you have a party?
Not yet.
I'm throwing you one.
Okay! I would love that!
3 People who have helped you along the way?
They are all combos...
- Mom & Dad
- Midge Purcell & Ty Schwoeffermann of the Urban League of Portland
- My Legislature Representatives, Allissa Keny-Guyer and Jackie Dingfelder
Why do you do what you do?
Because I love it! Not that I think it's my calling, or right, or that anybody needs to hear it from me, but I love encouraging people to be human. I want to let them know that it's okay that we don't fit in boxes and that we are each uniquely beautiful.
What’s next for Conscious Coils?
More staff & scaling my hair & beauty product lines.
FOR FUN
Describe your perfect weekend in nine words or less:
A quick trip out of town with my partner.
Where do you want to go for your next vacation?
New Zealand
Favorite Concert you've attended: Drake & Miguel in Vancouver, BC. We took a road-trip that made it even better.
If you were stuck on an island with the complete bodies of work of 5 musicians / bands, who would they be?
Jamilah's Island Pick: She only needed one...Michael Jackson. Thanks again for letting me sit in, J!
Conscious Coils Info:
Website
Instagram
I got to know Amber this year through TEDxPortland. She is one of those rare people who talks the talk and walks the walk with a beautiful balance of grace and grit. You are an amazing human being, Amber! Thank you so much for your time.
~sab
