By Olivia Ava
Amber Olson Rourke stands as a beacon of inspiration in the dynamic world of beauty and wellness entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of Neora, she has navigated the complexities of corporate leadership for over a decade, amassing a wealth of experience and insights along the way. Her journey from a young professional in the boardroom to a seasoned business leader offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to make their mark in the business world.
Olson Rourke’s path to success had its challenges. In her early days at Neora, she often doubted her instincts in the face of more experienced or outspoken colleagues. “There are so many times where we were sitting at a table and coming up with an idea, and someone who maybe had more experience than me or was more outspoken than me would go one way,” she recalls. However, she learned to trust her gut feeling, realizing that it often led to less-than-ideal outcomes whenever she ignored it whenever she ignored it.
Despite these initial hurdles, Olson Rourke’s determination paid off handsomely. Under her guidance, Neora achieved an impressive milestone – over $2 billion in cumulative sales within its first decade. This remarkable success story is a testament to her business acumen and unwavering commitment to her vision.
Olson Rourke emphasizes the importance of self-assurance and trusting one’s voice for young women embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys. She encourages women to confidently claim their seat at the table, regardless of others’ experience or titles. “We have to confidently show up at our seat at the table and act like we deserve that seat and have a confident voice in that seat,” she advises, stressing that this mindset is crucial for effective leadership and ensuring one’s voice is heard.
Olson Rourke’s approach to time management is equally inspiring. She advocates for intentionality and focus, rejecting the myth of multitasking. “I’m huge about being intentional at the moment, managing my schedule tightly and time-blocking everything so I can show up present wherever I’m at,” she explains. This strategy allows her to maximize impact in her professional and personal life, ensuring she’s fully present, in a business meeting or spending time with her family.
As a working mother, Olson Rourke offers a refreshing perspective on work-life balance. She dismisses the concept of “mom guilt” and instead embraces a purpose and presence mindset. “I don’t feel guilty for being where I’m supposed to be because that’s where I’m supposed to be, and that’s what I’m supposed to do,” she states confidently. This attitude allows her to fully engage in various roles without self-doubt.
At the heart of Neora’s success is its simple yet powerful mission: “Make People Better.” This ethos permeates every aspect of the company, from product development to employee relations. Olson Rourke explains, “Anything that we do, whether it’s for our products, for our employees, for our independent brand partners, we want to help make them the best version of themselves.”
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Olson Rourke emphasizes the importance of clarity in business goals, surrounding oneself with intelligent people, and trusting one’s instincts. She also strongly advocates for mentorship, both formal and informal. “Having somebody you trust and who’s willing to give you effective feedback is crucial,” she notes, underscoring the value of trusted guidance in navigating the business world.
Looking to the future, Olson Rourke and Neora are well-positioned to capitalize on changing consumer trends. Focusing on online convenience and personalized service, Neora aims to provide a “concierge level service” that guides customers through their health and wellness journey.
Amber Olson Rourke’s story concerns perseverance, intuition, and strategic thinking. Her journey with Neora is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs, from overcoming self-doubt to building a billion-dollar enterprise. As she continues to lead Neora into new frontiers of success, one thing is clear: Olson Rourke’s impact on the beauty and wellness industry is far from over.
