Ami Burl shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ami , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I had two moments that really filled me with joy. The first was at a “Get the Grants” workshop I led. Watching participants who once felt overwhelmed by the grant process leave with the confidence and tools to pursue funding on their own was incredibly moving. Their excitement and willingness to step into new opportunities reminded me exactly why we do this program: to empower people with skills that unlock doors and create long-term sustainability.
The second moment was a bit different, but equally meaningful: I had the honor of serving as the emcee for a Human Dignity Gala. Standing on stage and guiding such a powerful evening of community celebration, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. It was a chance to not only lift the incredible work being done locally, but also to use my own voice in service of others, a responsibility I never take lightly.
Both of those experiences, whether in a classroom or on a stage, brought me joy because they reflect the heart of our mission: to give a voice to the voiceless, to help people tell their stories with confidence, and to watch them shine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ami Burl, the founder and CEO of LA-Ink Publishing, a consultancy I started in 2019 with a simple but powerful belief: storytelling can unlock opportunities and transform lives. My background is in journalism, public relations, and broadcast production, but over the years, my focus has expanded into empowering nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and creatives to find their voice and share it with confidence.
What makes LA-Ink Publishing unique is the way we combine strategic storytelling with practical tools like grant writing education and pitch coaching. For some clients, that means securing the funding they need to keep their organizations thriving. For others, it’s about standing on a stage or in a boardroom with the clarity and confidence to move an audience.
Right now, I’m especially excited about our “Get the Grants” initiative, which includes a workbook, mini-course, and live workshops. In just the past few months, participants have been able to secure substantial funding, and more importantly, they’ve gained the skills to do it again and again. Alongside that, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a speaker and emcee at major events like the ones mentioned above and powerful panel discussions, where I continue to see firsthand how powerful storytelling can be in driving connection and change.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe what often breaks the bonds between people is a lack of understanding and the absence of true listening. When people feel unheard, unseen, or dismissed, it creates distance that can grow into mistrust. I’ve seen it in organizations, communities, and even families, where stories aren’t shared or valued, people drift apart.
What restores those bonds is empathy and intentional connection. For me, that’s where storytelling comes in. When someone shares their journey openly and honestly, it builds a bridge of understanding, even across very different backgrounds or experiences. During the pandemic, for example, I worked with organizations that were struggling to stay afloat, and what restored hope wasn’t just securing funding; it was the conversations, the shared resilience, and the willingness to stand together in a challenging season.
Faith has also been an anchor in my own life, reminding me that restoration is always possible. When we slow down enough to listen, extend grace, and give people space to be heard, bonds can not only be repaired but strengthened. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work at LA-Ink Publishing to giving a voice to the voiceless, because stories have the power to heal, unite, and move us forward together.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: don’t rush the process; everything happens at the right time. I know now that setbacks aren’t signs of failure; they are part of the preparation. What feels like waiting or even disappointment is often shaping you for something greater than you imagined.
I would remind myself that God’s timing is never late and that every closed door is simply guiding you toward the right one. Instead of rushing to the next milestone, I would encourage my younger self to embrace the lessons in each season: the patience, the faith, and the quiet strength that come from trusting the process. The struggles are not punishments but shaping tools, building resilience for the opportunities already waiting with your name on them.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to Get the Grants, an initiative that empowers nonprofits and small businesses to secure the funding and resources they need to sustain and grow their impact. Too often, organizations doing meaningful work struggle to access the support that would allow them to serve their communities more effectively. Through workshops, training sessions, and practical tools such as the workbook, Get the Grants equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complex grant landscape independently.
For me, this is a long-term commitment. My focus is on creating sustainable systems that deliver measurable results and equipping organizations to serve their communities effectively, and ensuring that the benefits of these efforts extend far into the future. Every workshop and resource developed is a step toward building stronger, more resilient communities, and that sense of lasting impact is what drives me forward every day.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my customers and clients would miss the combination of guidance, practical tools, and personalized support that helps them take real action. With Get the Grants, they gain more than funding strategies; they gain confidence, clarity, and the ability to navigate opportunities they once thought were out of reach.
I think they would miss the way I approach their challenges as a partner and collaborator rather than just a consultant. I walk alongside them, offering encouragement, strategy, and insight every step of the way, celebrating successes and helping them overcome obstacles. My clients often tell me that what they value most is that I help them see solutions, not just problems, and equip them to make meaningful progress on their own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LA-Inkpublish.com
- Instagram: LA-INK Publishing (@lainkpublish) • Instagram photos and videos
- Linkedin: LA-Ink Publishing – Business Owner at LA-Ink Publishing, Inc | LinkedIn
Image Credits
@photobomberpix
