From South Philadelphia to Spotlights
Born on October 21, 1983 in South Philadelphia, Amber Rose Levonchuck grew up with modest means. Her mother, Dorothy Rose, and father, Michael Levonchuck, separated when Amber was young, placing the burden of support on her shoulders early. Her father was of Irish and Italian descent and her mother of Cape Verdean heritage.
At just 15, Amber began working as a stripper under the pseudonym “Paris” to help her mother and brother amid financial hardship. She has openly spoken about how this period of her life motivated her future ambitions.
The Breakout Moment
Her big moment came in 2008, when she appeared in the music video for Put On by Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West. The visibility from that video opened doors—Kanye’s interest led her to modelling for the Louis Vuitton brand, and a contract with Ford Models followed.
She further expanded her presence by walking the runway at New York Fashion Week and starring in numerous hip‑hop videos. Her look—shaved head, bold style—became an identity, one that defied conventional modelling norms.
Building Business & Brand
Amber didn’t stop at modelling. She launched her own eyewear line in 2009 and a clothing line “Rose & Ono” in 2012 with friend Priscilla Ono. In 2015 she published her book How to Be a Bad Bitch, sharing career, finance and love advice with her trademark frankness.
She also entered the tech world, launching the MuvaMoji app of 900 curated icons in 2016, which resonated with her bold‑and‑brash aesthetic.
In entertainment she made her mark: she hosted her own talk show, The Amber Rose Show, for VH1 in 2016, and began hosting the syndicated call‑in radio program Loveline.
Advocacy, Identity and “SlutWalk”
Amber used her platform to speak about personal trauma and systemic issues. In 2015 she founded the Los Angeles chapter of the annual feminist protest march, SlutWalk, aimed at challenging the shaming of women for their sexual behaviour.
She has spoken candidly about her early life experiences of sexual harassment and bullying—turning them into fuel for activism rather than shame. Her open identification as a feminist, and her willingness to discuss non‑binary relationships and fluid sexuality, has further broadened her impact.
Love, Loss and Lessons
Amber’s personal life has been as high‑profile as her career. She dated Kanye West from 2008 to 2010—the relationship that helped propel her into mainstream attention. In March 2012 she became engaged to rapper Wiz Khalifa and they married in July 2013. Their son was born in February 2013.
Yet by September 2014 she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the separation became a public process.
In subsequent years she dated other public figures and welcomed a second son in October 2019 with Def Jam executive Alexander “A.E.” Edwards.
Through it all, Amber has emphasised self‑worth and boundaries—her story underscores how public relationships can be both platforms and lessons.
Today: Influence and Inspiration
Today, Amber is a multifaceted personality: model, author, entrepreneur, talk show host, activist and mother. She represents an archetype of reinvention—someone who turned early struggle into multiple opportunities and who uses her voice not just for brand, but for cause.
Her message is clear: vulnerability is strength, authenticity is value, and ambition deserves space. Her lifestyle may be glamorous, but the roots of her success lie in resilience, strategic choices and unapologetic self‑expression.
For those seeking inspiration, her story serves as a blueprint: embrace your past, build your platform, stay true to your values, and use your success to lift others.
What’s Next for Amber Rose?
With her eyes on expanding her brand and deepening her activism, Amber shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s further business launches, speaking engagements or deeper movement building around gender, sexuality and body‑politics, she remains a figure to watch.
Her journey is far from over—and it’s not just about the headlines. It’s about the legacy she’s building.
Do follow her on Instagram.
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