Life & Work with Amber Salazar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Salazar.

Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
On July 4th, 2022 I received a phone call that no mother wants to hear. My 22-year-old son Dreason was found unresponsive and had died from fentanyl poisoning. I was devastated! I decided to take some time away from work as my position of 14 years was very time-consuming and I needed time to cope. After two weeks of returning back from a 12 weeks leave, I was let go. I really felt like my world had been turned upside down. I didn’t know how I could continue. I started reaching out to organizations for support with the fentanyl epidemic and realized I AM NOT ALONE so I decided that I was going to turn my grief into power. My husband and I had previously discussed investing into our own business but we didn’t have the time to do so. My Dad came up with “Dreason The Reason” which became our stepping stone in reinventing my husband’s previous clothing line idea of “PURSUING LYFE” I decided that I would keep “Pursuing Lyfe” and my son Dreason is the reason. We now design and print Fentanyl awareness clothing amongst other designs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have had our fair share of challenges. Coming from a hardworking low/middle-class family taking such a huge financial risk, not having the experience of running our own business and not knowing where to start was nerve-racking. There are so many questions that you have to invest time into figuring out on your own. The emotional challenge has definitely been huge for myself. Just like any leap we take in life, it takes commitment and dedication. I wake up every day and ask the Lord to continue to allow me to advocate through PURSUING LYFE. It is a lot of networking which gives me the opportunity to continue to educate and tell Dreason’s story.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Pursuing Lyfe is not just your average clothing line. In honor of my son Dreason Elizalde (forever 22), we are dedicated to advocating for those who have lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning. We personalize and bring your ideas/memories/fight to life! With a background in graphic design the options are endless. Dreason is the reason we are PURSUING LYFE.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
DON’T GIVE UP! If you have the passion and the drive do it! Be gentle and patient with yourself is one of the most important things I have learned. Mistakes will be made, that’s okay. What matters is if you learn and try again! I wish I knew about all the free classes and resources that are out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pursuinglyfe.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pursuinglyfe?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=