A Social Media Influencer is Born
The next day Amber, Dan, David, and Julia were all out looking for potential properties for mental health clinics. They wanted at least three locations within Carson City and then they would branch out to surrounding cities in the metroplex. Carson City had three main areas that were considered lower income and Amber wanted locations in each, but she also wanted locations in commercial areas that supported these populations, or that they utilized on a regular basis.
Amber and Gladys had spoken extensively over lunch last week and now Amber was determined to find locations as soon as possible. When she spoke to Dan about it he was more excited than she was. He began posting about Trace Progressive's part in the endeavor and he and David set up Amber's new social media pages – all under the name "Theinquisitiveworldview".
Amber had been resistant at first, feeling she didn't have to maintain social media pages, then she met Gloria and worked with her for three days. The woman was a marvel and Amber kept asking where Dan had found her.
As soon as Amber was happy Dan suggested they filmed the entire mental health clinic search process, with two hours of it being live. Amber had been nervous when they started today, but once she got working the nervousness melted away and her efficiency and need for perfection burst through.
David held the professional-grade stabilizer for the camera, moving with a fluid grace that ensured the shot remained steady even as they walked through the dusty debris of the first location. Julia was off to the side, managing the live feed comments and ensuring the audio levels were crisp. Dan stood back, watching his wife through the lens of the monitor, and he found himself breathless.
Gloria smiled into her tablet as she screened messaged for Amber to answer personally and entered messages in the live stream highlighting Amber's words and actions.
Amber stood in the center of a cramped, low-ceilinged office building in the West District – a low socioeconomic area near a dying industrial district. The walls were a dingy, peeling beige, and the windows were narrow, barred slits that barely let in the morning sun.
"Look at this," Amber said, gesturing to the cramped hallway as she spoke directly into the camera. Her voice was steady, professional, yet deeply empathetic. "When we talk about mental health, we often focus on the thoughts and perceptions, but sometimes forget the setting for these conversations affect those same said perceptions. We expect an individual to be comfortable and forthcoming surrounded in a space of tense melancholy. We treat people in spaces that are not inviting. We have offices inviting and comfy and offices and waiting rooms cramped and stifling. Suddenly it is not about seeking truth and understanding, it is about hiding and ignoring."
Gloria quickly replied to comments questioning Amber's expertise.
She walked toward a small corner room that had no windows at all. "This isn't a therapy room. It's a closet. If we want to effectively serve the people of Carson City, we cannot give them minimal standards. We have to show them that truth lies in the details and that comfort and consideration is deserved by all. It is time to change perceptions by understanding just how worthy we all are."
David glanced at Dan and whispered, "She's a natural. Look at the live numbers. People are losing it over the 'Worthy' line."
Dan didn't answer; he was too busy admiring the way Amber's mind worked. She wasn't just looking at real estate; she was looking at the human soul. She was so competent, so skilled at articulating the bridge between science and humanity, that he felt a surge of protectiveness mixed with awe.
"Now don't get me wrong. We can remodel this and get it to where we want it, but we have decided to spend our money more on ensure success for those we serve and less on frills. But we still need frills to ensure success. This is how mental health work is – you continually find yourself within these catch-22 situations. But it's okay. You only need to make the best decision and believe it will be okay from there. Hence we will look for facilities that are at least 60% of what we want and work from there."
Gloria posted again:
The group moved to the second location, an old textile warehouse on the edge of the commercial district. As soon as Amber stepped through the massive industrial doors, her entire aura changed. The ceilings were twenty feet high, supported by exposed brick and massive timber beams. Giant arched windows flooded the space with golden light.
"This," Amber said, her face lighting up as she turned back to the camera. "This is where we can breathe, relax, and discover without feeling smothered or anxious."
She walked toward the center of the open floor plan, a broad smile on her face as she looked passed the camera. "I want to introduce you all to the person who decided that this all needed to be done. One of my best friends, Gladys Patrick – yes, that Gladys Patrick, one of the founders of Patrick Financial. Come join me Gladie."
Gladys stepped into the frame, looking every bit the sophisticated investor, but with a warmth that matched Amber's. They stood together, two powerful women against a backdrop of industrial history.
"Gladys and I believe that mental health isn't a luxury," Amber told her followers. "The Patrick and Trace investment isn't just about buildings; it's about creating a network. Gladys, tell them why this specific layout caught your eye."
As Gladys began to speak about the integration of community gardens and open-air waiting rooms, Amber stepped back for a moment. She caught Dan's eye. He gave her a subtle thumbs-up, his eyes shining with pride.
David leaned into Dan's space again, still filming. "She's not just an influencer, Dan. She's an architect of change. I don't think I've ever seen anyone command a room—or a live stream—like this."
Dan nodded, his heart full. "She's been doing it her whole life, David. The world is just finally getting to see it."
The live stream continued for another ninety minutes, with Amber and Gladys taking questions from the chat. She handled complex psychological queries and basic logistical questions with the same level of poise. She was building a brand, but more importantly, she was building a fortress of transparency that Jessica Lance could never hope to penetrate.
By the time Gloria signaled that they were off-air, Amber was glowing. She wasn't tired; she was energized. She walked over to Dan and tucked herself under his arm.
"How did I do?" she asked softly.
"You changed the game, Amber," Dan replied, kissing her temple. "You really did."