Women to Watch: Amber Taylor
Amber Taylor has always had a passion for helping people. It’s that passion that connects each part of her life and career.
Having been homeschooled throughout middle school and high school and attending Lighthouse Christian Academy, Taylor dedicated many years of her life to working with children. Witnessing their growth from infancy to school age. “It was truly rewarding watching them grow and go off into the real world with everything you taught them,” Taylor explained.
In addition to her work with children, Amber possesses a background in insurance, specializing in employee benefits. “I serviced hundreds of business and personal accounts. I did a little bit of everything from finding families the best coverage at the best price, to helping service claims when someone was in a hard spot,” she said.
That spirit of caring and supporting others also resonates in her personal life. Taylor talks about how the importance of family and the deep bond she shares with her mother and sisters. She also holds certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED.
Taylor started her journey with Verts in Dexter, MO in September 2021. While Verts has been operational in Colorado for more than seven years, the company expanded into Missouri in 2021, launching locations in Gallatin, Joplin, Dexter, and Pacific.
Taylor has seen her career grow alongside the company. Verts went through a rebranding phase and launched of a second location in Golden, Colorado in 2022. Recently, the company opened its first location in Michigan dispensary in Traverse City. Next up, the Gallatin location will be moving to Liberty.
Taylor began her tenure with Verts as a receptionist in the Dexter location, from there she transitioned into the role of Lead Receptionist before relocating to Joplin in April 2022. There, she assumed the position of Manager before being promoted to the corporate team, as Regional Marketing Manager.
“On the day-to-day I do things like create graphics, flyers, and content, run our social media platforms for Missouri and Michigan (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter) and I also help manage and coordinate all events, sponsorships, and community outreach and help coordinate ways to give back to our community through volunteer work. I also coordinate all popups and budtender education for all four Missouri locations as well as providing support to all of our amazing team members at our four locations with whatever they may need to be successful,” she said.
What makes your Verts special?
We participate in many volunteer opportunities within our four locations. Assisting Meals on Wheels deliver meals to our seniors. biweekly cleanups in our communities downtown, parks, and busy high traffic areas that need it the most. We believe in supporting our local Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation, and Downtown Historic Associations. Assisted with Christmas light hanging in the park. We organize food drives, coat drives, and even toy drives for local shelters or organizations and even Ronald McDonald House, helping women, men, and children of all ages. Backpack and school supply donations to our local families. We’ve even gone as far as sitting down with local members to implement community clean-up programs that weren’t already in place in order to make a true change in the community and give back. Because of this many other businesses are also able to sign up and participate! I can honestly say I have never worked for a company where I can truly be myself and am given the creative freedom that I have. My team has always supported me in all of my ideas and I think that’s what helps our team succeed. We depend on each other and know that we have support within our family.
How has the legalization of marijuana in Missouri affected you and your business? We have definitely seen an increase since legalization and with that, we are learning every day how we can become better and do better for our patients and consumers.
How did you get into cannabis?
I remember the first time I ever tried cannabis. At the time I was being prescribed a variety of medications from my Doctor and I didn’t like how it made me feel, or what it was doing to my body on the day-to-day. I was dealing with chronic migraines and dealing with elevated eye pressure that seemed to keep rising after every yearly checkup. I was constantly in a state of anxiety, numbness, & depression before I tried cannabis. I quickly noticed the relief and for once in my life everything had just calmed down. Fast forward a few months to my next eye exam and I learned my eye pressure had finally started dropping, after being on the rise for the last 3 years. From that point on I have used cannabis daily and I truly believe in its medicinal benefits. It saved my life and lets me enjoy every day of it!
Why cannabis?
I feel very strongly about the medicinal benefits. I would love nothing more than to spread awareness and change someone’s perspective on the plant. Even if it’s only 1 person a day!
What is it like being a woman in your field?
I know my strengths are valued and I am rewarded for my hard work. I hope that by being a woman in my place of work, opens up opportunities for many other women to follow.
What are you passionate about?
My true passion is to help others. Regardless of the form that help may be, I always want my team and peers to know I have their back.
Where do you find inspiration? Giving back. I love being able to give back to others and my community.
What motivates you?
I love organization, goals, and trying new things. I feel as if you can do anything you set your mind to. Once you set expectations for yourself, you can do it all.
What advice or encouragement would you give to other women in the cannabis industry?
Be YOURSELF always! Don’t be afraid to be creative and find what truly makes you happy. Never settle for less and know your worth! Surround yourself with people who want to see you grow, learn, and flourish.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?
Bringing awareness to cannabis through events. I am honored to have a team to support me in bringing these events to our small communities.