Help Amber Rebuild Her Business and Life

Hi friends, family, and kind strangers,

My name is Jessica McDaniel, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my best friend of over 20 years, Amber Anians. Amber isn’t just my friend — she’s one of the most genuine, caring, and selfless people I’ve ever known. She’s the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone else, no matter what she had going on. I’ve watched her give to others over and over, without ever expecting anything in return.

Amber is a mom of four amazing kids, and in January 2020, she started her own candle business from scratch. By 2021, she opened her shop Blazed Candle Co in St. Peters, MO. She poured her whole heart into it — building a loyal customer base, showing up at events and markets, creating incredible products, and making her shop a warm, welcoming space.

In November 2023, she teamed up with someone she thought was her best friend to open Oh My Posh – A Gift Boutique. The store quickly became a huge success, not just because of its location, but because Amber worked tirelessly behind the scenes — managing the website, social media, customer relationships, events, vendors — everything that kept the store thriving.

Then, on July 14, 2025, everything changed. Amber was illegally locked out of her own business. Her former partner continues to run the store “under new ownership and management,” even though it’s under legal dispute. To make things worse, all of Amber’s candle-making equipment, inventory, and products are locked inside that building until the legal case is resolved.

This hasn’t just been a business loss — it’s been a devastating personal blow. Her livelihood was ripped away overnight. She’s facing hefty legal fees, loss of income, and the emotional weight of seeing years of hard work taken from her. Amber is heartbroken, stressed, and fighting to keep her head above water while supporting her kids.

But if there’s one thing about Amber, it’s that she doesn’t give up. She’s already started Pretty Little Things Collective, her new business, and is working day and night to rebuild — creating a new website, setting up at events, and finding ways to keep moving forward, even while grieving what she’s lost.

I’m asking for help to ease some of the financial strain while Amber fights this legal battle and works to start over. The funds will help cover legal fees, monthly bills, and the expenses of restarting her business from scratch.

Amber has been there for me — and for so many others — through every high and low in life. Now, she’s the one who needs us. If you can donate, even a small amount, it would mean the world. If you can’t, sharing this story is another way to help.

Let’s show Amber that even in the hardest times, she’s not alone.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Jessica McDaniel