Amber Lowther | In the Listener’s Shoes

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Creative Industries, Amber Lowther has navigated a dynamic career journey—from magazines to radio. Drawing from her digital media experience, she founded PLAY Media, offering a full suite of podcasting, copywriting, and social media services. Today, Amber also hosts the Fashion Avenue podcast, delving into the latest trends in fashion and beauty.

The QUT Alumni team sat down with Amber to chat about her career, podcasting in 2024 and how she stays updated on the latest industry trends to bring relevant and relatable content to her listeners and readers.

As the Founder of PLAY Media, can you tell us more about the organisation?

I started PLAY Media, as I had been freelancing as a copywriter on the side for quite some time and wanted to create a bit more of a structure and service offering to clients. I then went full-time with PLAY at the end of 2023 and alongside copywriting, I offer podcast management and strategy, social media management and content creation for e-commerce and service-based businesses, and UGC (User Generated Content).

You're also the Host of the Fashion Avenue Podcast – what might a standard week look like for you?

I’m predominantly working for clients Monday to Thursday, and I like to allocate my Fridays for recording my podcast, editing, guest outreach and setting up the following week of work. It’s a lot of work managing a podcast on your own! I also create content for my own social media on the side, so I fit that in where I can.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to establish a portfolio career in the creative industries?

I think the most important thing for me has been networking, creating and nurturing relationships. Putting myself out there has been so valuable for my business and personal growth, and I think continuing to educate myself and work on my skills is equally as important.

Podcasts are starting to cool off from their meteoric growth rates – is there still room for new voices in 2024?

There absolutely is, but it’s important to have a niche and a solid strategy in place. You need to know what gap you’re trying to fill and who your audience is. You need to put yourself in the shoes of a listener and know what value you’re adding – whether it’s comedic value, education or a safe space.

What is one goal you'd like to achieve – professionally or personally - in the next year?

Professionally, I’d love to continue to grow PLAY Media and Fashion Avenue, as well as continue to work with brands that align with me and my values. One new thing I’d love to try is to create a product in the e-commerce space! Personally, I want to continue my wellness journey and focus on nurturing my mental health, my body and what lights me up.

A cheeky question for fashion and beauty readers: What are three trends that will take us into spring?

Love it or hate it, the bubble skirt is back in a BIG way. We’re seeing new styles of flats coming in hot – from strappy to ballet. Sheer skirts and dresses are also making waves!

How do you stay updated on industry trends and market dynamics to bring relevant and relatable content to your listeners or readers?

I’m always scrolling on social media and reading what the latest happenings are. I’m just so immersed in this world that all the content I’m being fed is incredibly helpful and on-trend. I like to bookmark and save a lot of things that I feel could be coming up or relevant too.

Can you name some of the individuals who inspire you? What qualities in these individuals do you admire and seek to emulate in your own work/life?

I am deeply inspired by entrepreneurial women. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing the most incredible and motivating women on Fashion Avenue and it inspires me so much. I think any woman who can get out there and create something successful on their own should be celebrated! The ability to do “all of the things” is something I’d love to emulate in my own work and life.

What is one skill you couldn’t live without and why?

Communication is the basis of everything for me. If you don’t have communication skills, it can be incredibly difficult to articulate yourself and build relationships. I’m always working on this and for me, I can’t live without that skill!

QUT degree - Bachelor of Creative Industries (2015).

Do you have a question for Amber? Connect with her on LinkedIn.