Amber Nelms is a mother, entrepreneur, and changemaker whose journey began not in a boardroom, but at home—when her son was diagnosed with autism. What followed was a deeply personal transformation that led her to build a purpose-driven business rooted in compassion, resilience, and impact. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Amber’s story as it reflects the power of women who turn life’s challenges into meaningful change, inspiring millions across our global community.
What inspired you to begin your journey as an entrepreneur?
My journey began with my own son being diagnosed with autism. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) transformed his life—he went from being completely nonverbal to thriving, building friendships, and living a full life. Witnessing that change pushed me to go back to school, earn my certification, and work in the field for years. Eventually, I launched my own company during COVID in 2020. It was challenging, but also the perfect time to start small and grow intentionally. Today, we’ve grown from one person to over 60 employees across two locations, and we help families every day. Beyond the science, I discovered that I truly love entrepreneurship—building something meaningful that impacts lives.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship is full of mental challenges. One of the biggest lessons I learned was shifting from a mindset of “need” to “want.” Instead of grasping onto people or outcomes out of fear, I had to ask myself what I truly wanted my life and company to look like—and trust that vision. Learning to build systems, work on the business instead of in it, and letting go when needed were all hard but necessary lessons. I’m still learning, and I believe that process never really ends.
What has been your proudest milestone so far?
Learning how to clearly articulate my vision and then bringing the right people together around it. Building a team that believes in the same mission and feels excited to be part of it is something I’m incredibly proud of. There are so many talented people out there, and it’s a privilege to work alongside them. My team is truly my greatest achievement.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
The landscape for women has never been better. Yes, there are moments when people are surprised that I’m the CEO—but I choose to focus on opportunity rather than limitation. Mindset is everything. If you believe the world is working against you, that’s what you’ll see. I see being a woman as an advantage. I also believe strongly in surrounding yourself with other women who understand your journey. Less representation doesn’t mean less power—it often means more opportunity.
What message would you like to share with future women leaders and entrepreneurs?
See yourself as an entrepreneur first—not your gender. Don’t downplay your accomplishments. Be proud of what you’ve achieved and don’t be afraid to say it out loud. Women are often conditioned to minimize themselves—don’t do that. Be who you truly are. Don’t pretend to fit into an image that isn’t you. Authenticity attracts the right people and the right life.
What does success mean to you?
Success is freedom and independence—the ability to do meaningful work, choose the people in your life, and create something that makes a real difference. It’s about impacting customers, employees, and families in a way that’s truly life-changing, and being present for that journey.
“Don’t downplay yourself—ever. Be who you truly are, and let that authenticity shape the life and impact you create.”
Connect with Amber Nelms:
- LinkedIn: Amber Nelms, M. A., BCBA | LinkedIn
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com
