Visionary Entrepreneur Championing Diversity and Innovation in Leadership
THE VISION
Envision a world where people are deeply connected to their gifts, living with purpose, joy, and ease: I thrive in bringing this to life through experiences that reconnect people—to the land, to themselves, and to each other.
Whether through intentional travel and wine experiences, aligning with clear leadership with Quantum Integration™, or gathering visionaries at Founder’s House™, my work is about fostering clarity, connection, and transformation.
Next up: Velisa™, my extraordinary wine line, a vision that extends even further—bottling the essence of mindful living and shared moments, bringing people back to the richness of the present.
At the heart of it all is a belief that life flows more effortlessly when we are connected—to the earth, to our purpose, and to a community that inspires us.
Very nice to meet you.
I’m a wine entrepreneur, lawyer, and visionary on a mission to establish the first wine company deeply rooted in African culture, sustainability, and social responsibility. Originally from South Florida, I now call Cape Town home, immersing myself in its stunning natural beauty and vibrant wine scene. Honored as a scholarship recipient from Wine Unify and the McBride Sisters SheCAN Fund, I’ve trained at the Napa Valley Wine Academy and earned my WSET Level II certification.
Before embracing wine entrepreneurship, I navigated eight chilly years at Harvard, earning degrees from the College, Law School, and Business School. My career has taken me from Wall Street’s M&A investment banking to education startups in Beijing and Big Law firms in California, where I’m a licensed attorney.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m fueled by creativity, adventure, and connection. I’m an avid reader, globe-trotter, visual artist, meditation enthusiast, and plant medicine advocate. And when I’m not diving into wine or work, you’ll find me vibing to amapiano music, bonding with dogs, or exploring the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and Source.
Degrees & Certifications
Harvard College AB cum laude
Harvard Law School JD
Harvard Business School MBA
Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level II
Quantum Integration™ Licensed Practitioner
VELISA
Velisa is a celebration of boundless, vibrant wines that reveal the elaborate flavors of ancient soils. Rooted in a mission to ignite pleasure in our senses, joy in our communities, and connection with the land, Velisa honors the custodians and stewardship practices of times gone by. With intention and innovation, each bottle embodies a deep respect for tradition while embracing the future of winemaking.
IZIZA
The Iziza Wine Blog is a celebration of wine, culture, and connection. Through Amber Ashley James’s lens as a wine consultant and entrepreneur, the blog explores the stories behind the vines, highlights the artistry of winemaking, and shares insights from her journey in the wine world. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, Iziza offers engaging content to inspire your next sip.
FOUNDERS HOUSE
A global network for ambitious entrepreneurs, Founders House provides a collaborative space for growth, innovation, and leadership development. By empowering founders with the tools and connections they need, it fosters a thriving community of changemakers.
QUANTUM INTEGRATION™
As a fully licensed Quantum Integration™ practitioner, Amber brings her unique approach to her sessions. This transformative process aligns energy, clears blocks, and enhances intuition to help high-performing individuals unlock new dimensions of creativity, success and authentic confidence.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Amber Ashley James provides expert legal counsel with a focus on corporate law, mergers, and international business. A Harvard Law graduate and California-licensed attorney, she offers strategic, integrity-driven support for navigating complex legal matters.