Amber English is a Woman Who Means Business

Family, faith and wide-open land built the foundation that shaped Amber English’s personal life and her company, Pixie. Raised on a multigenerational ranch in Walnut Shade, she was one of eight children homeschooled by parents who emphasized togetherness and responsibility. “It wasn’t a traditional upbringing,” English laughs, recalling days spent playing in the rain and creek, rarely watching TV. “But it was one surrounded by family and love and traditional values.”

That closeness never faded. Today, much of her family still lives on the ranch, including English’s sister, who works for Pixie. Formerly known as Pixie Cup, the company produces menstrual products like cups and discs with a continually growing line of additional products. A converted barn on the property serves as headquarters, and a 10,000-square-foot warehouse is under construction, expected to be completed in March. “I feel like we’re standing on the shoulders of those who went before us,” she says.

This sense of grounding proved crucial in 2023, when English’s husband, Jared, suffered a life-altering mountain biking accident. He broke his neck at the C1-C2 vertebrae—the most severe break possible—and survived because English’s brother administered rescue breaths until EMTs arrived. Jared is now a quadriplegic.“It was obviously traumatic,” English says, “but it’s also defined who we are.” In the aftermath, she describes a “180-degree value shift.” Relationships and deep conversations became central. “We think in terms of, ‘How can we make a difference and impact with the little time we have?’ Our faith, our grit and our determination have increased.”

English’s grace and resilience translates to Pixie, which she co-founded with her brother using just $3,000. Bootstrapped from the beginning, the business has grown steadily without venture capital, debt or pressure to scale. “Growing slow and steady has allowed us to stay small, lean and flexible,” she shares.

Pixie’s mission, centered around providing sustainable menstrual products while prioritizing dignity and confidence, has always been core. “It started out mission-driven,” English says, “and the joy that comes from giving has been such a great return on investment.” Each year, the company reflects on what’s working, what isn’t and how to better serve its customers—an approach she credits for Pixie’s continued growth.

Through it all, family remains central. Siblings support the business in countless ways, from social media to product development and ad management. When English’s appendix ruptured weeks before our interview, both sides of the family stepped in, helping with business logistics and daily caretaking. “It reinforced what we already knew,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s those relationships that matter.”

When she looks back, English sees God’s faithfulness in every chapter—even the hardest ones. That reflection shapes how she perceives the future, grounded in faith rather than fear. “Regardless of all the scary things life may have coming, we’re going to be okay,” she says. “That confidence is a really powerful tool to move forward.”