Meet Amber Nelson-Thorneycroft of Pomona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Nelson-Thorneycroft.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into this work didn’t start in a typical wellness space—it started in community.
I spent years working in education, outreach, and advocacy, supporting individuals and families through life skills programs, safety training, and community-based initiatives. That experience taught me how to truly meet people where they are, hold space for real-life challenges, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

At the same time, I was going through my own personal growth journey. I found myself drawn to practices like meditation, energy work, and embodiment—not just out of curiosity, but because they genuinely helped me feel more grounded, more connected, and more like myself.
Over time, those two worlds started to merge.

What began as a personal practice turned into offering sessions and small workshops, and eventually evolved into creating my brand, Amber Aura. I wanted to build something that felt different from what I was seeing—something that didn’t separate healing from real life. A lot of spaces felt either too clinical or too serious, and I knew there was room for something more human.
That’s where my philosophy of Healing, Humor & Hedonism came from. I believe transformation doesn’t only happen through struggle—it can also happen through joy, laughter, and reconnecting with pleasure and the body in a healthy, grounded way.

Today, I work with individuals, groups, and organizations through private sessions, workshops, and wellness experiences, and I’m continuing to expand my work through massage therapy training. Looking back, everything I’ve done—from community work to teaching to wellness—has led me here.
At the core, my work has always been about helping people feel more connected to themselves and their lives—and I’m just doing that now in a way that feels fully aligned with who I am.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road.

One of the biggest challenges has been building something of my own from the ground up while also navigating transitions in my career and personal life. Moving from more traditional roles in education and community work into entrepreneurship required a major mindset shift—not just professionally, but personally. There’s a lot that comes with stepping into your own vision, especially when it doesn’t follow a conventional path.

Another challenge has been helping people understand the kind of work I do. Holistic wellness, energy work, and embodiment practices can sometimes be misunderstood, so I’ve had to learn how to communicate my work in a way that feels both authentic to me and accessible to others. Finding that balance between staying true to my voice and meeting people where they are has been a big part of the journey.

There have also been moments of self-doubt, especially in the early stages—wondering if I was doing enough, reaching enough people, or growing at the “right” pace. But during that time, I had the support of my life alchemist, coach, and mentor, Empress Angelique of Belevated LLC. She offered so much clarity, guidance, and grounded support during the development of my program and really helped me stay aligned with my vision when things felt uncertain.

What’s helped me move through those challenges is staying connected to my purpose and being willing to adapt. Every experience—whether it felt like a win or a setback—has helped me refine my approach, strengthen my confidence, and deepen the work I’m here to do.

I’ve also learned that I don’t have to do everything alone. Building community, collaborating, and leaning into mentorship has been a big part of my growth, both personally and professionally.

Looking back, the challenges have actually shaped the direction of my work in the best way. They’ve helped me become more grounded, more intentional, and more aligned with what I’m creating.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the core of my work, I help people reconnect with themselves—mind, body, energy… all of it.

I’m the founder of Amber Aura, a holistic wellness practice where I offer private sessions, workshops, and group experiences that blend energy healing, meditation, somatic awareness, and transformational coaching. I work with people who are tired of feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck—and are ready to feel more grounded, confident, and fully alive in their lives.

What I specialize in is making healing feel like something you actually want to do.

My approach is rooted in a philosophy I created called Healing, Humor & Hedonism—because I don’t believe growth has to feel heavy all the time. Yes, we do the deep work, but we also make space for laughter, joy, and pleasure. You’re allowed to heal and enjoy your life at the same time.

A big part of what makes my work different is my background in stand-up comedy. That experience taught me how to read a room, connect with people quickly, and bring lightness into real, sometimes uncomfortable moments. I carry that into my work now—because sometimes the breakthrough happens right after the laugh.

People often tell me they feel instantly comfortable around me, and that’s something I take seriously. I’m able to hold space in a way that feels safe, grounded, and real—not overly clinical, not overly “out there,” just human. My background in community work and education really shaped that, and it allows me to meet people where they are without judgment.

What I’m most proud of is building Amber Aura into something that truly reflects who I am. It’s not just a business—it’s a space where all parts of me get to exist: the healer, the facilitator, the teacher, the creative, and yes, even the comedian. And the fact that people resonate with that and trust me to guide them through their own process is something I don’t take lightly.

What sets me apart is that I bridge a gap that I didn’t see being filled. Some spaces are very clinical, others are very spiritual—but I live right in the middle. My work is grounded, practical, and accessible, while still honoring the deeper, intuitive side of healing.

And I give people something that’s often missing in this space: permission to feel good.

I bring in humor, movement, and embodiment in a way that helps people not just process their experiences, but actually enjoy reconnecting with themselves. Because healing isn’t just about working through things—it’s also about remembering how good life can feel.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help people feel more at home in themselves—and maybe laugh a little more along the way.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about this city is the diversity—not just culturally, but in energy, creativity, and perspective. There are so many different types of people, experiences, and communities here, and that creates space for people to really explore who they are and what they’re drawn to.

I also really appreciate the sense of community that exists once you tap into it. There are so many talented creatives, healers, entrepreneurs, and people doing meaningful work—it’s inspiring. You just have to find your pockets, and once you do, it feels supportive and collaborative.

What I like least is that a lot of those gems can feel hidden. There are so many incredible people and spaces, but they’re not always visible or easily accessible. Sometimes it can feel a little disconnected or hard to break into certain circles if you don’t already know where to look.

I think there’s so much more happening here than people realize, and I’d love to see more visibility and connection between communities so that all of that creativity and talent can really be seen and supported.

Pricing:

• • Private Wellness Sessions (Reiki, meditation, coaching, energy work): starting at $75–$150 per session
• Package Options (multi-session support & coaching): custom pricing based on client goals
• Group Workshops & Events: typically $35–$65 per person
• Corporate & Organizational Workshops: $500–$2,000+ per session depending on scope and group size
• Private Group Experiences (women’s circles, couples, special events): starting at $250+ depending on group size and experience

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amberaura.org
• Instagram: @amberaura0
• Facebook: Amber Aura