My son asked me recently why I don't call myself Purplestar instead of Purplepaw. He said, “Look at where you are! You're done!” But I believe we are never done in this evolving life.
What began as a series of books I read with my son—called Warrior Cats—would unknowingly inspire the name of my business. In these stories, a cat in a forest clan is given a name that progresses as they grow up. From being given a name ending in “paw” when they are first accepted into the clan, a cat may grow into a leader, earning a name ending in “star.”
This progression mirrors the journey I feel I’ve experienced in finding my identity—not a destination, but a continuous evolution of self-discovery and growth.
Meet
Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
I’m Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D. - Ami for short, and Purplepaw to some. Throughout my life, I've been driven by an insatiable desire to understand why the universe works the way it does.
My academic journey led me through molecular biology to a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, where I focused on experimental design and data analysis. For years, I applied this scientific mindset as a software engineer and executive, believing my analytical skills were my primary contribution to the world.
Then, in 2022, everything changed.
The Transformation That Changed Everything
My sense of belonging shifted in the most profound way when I transitioned gender to align the person I always knew I was on the inside with my external presentation. This wasn't just a physical transformation—it was cognitive and emotional as well. For the first time in my life, I truly felt emotions with a depth and richness I never knew was possible.
Within months of this life-altering experience, I recognized a new calling: to integrate my scientific background with my personal journey to help others understand and navigate the complex terrain of gender and identity.
The analytical chemist, the software engineer, and the transgender woman merged into a unique voice—one grounded in research but elevated by lived experience. One that could speak with authority about both the science of identity and its deeply human reality.
Our Core Values
Mission
The Purplepaw Clan exists to enable every human to experience who they are without boundaries. We create and curate practical, unifying content while guiding people to look with wonder and see with imagination.
Vision
We seek beyond the obvious to perceive the world not as it is, but as it could be—a world where identity is understood as a spectrum of human experience, validated both by science and empathy.
Connected Understanding
Unbounded Thinking
Informed Compassion
Respectful Curiosity
Resourceful Support
Whom We Serve
The Purplepaw Clan Welcomes
Individuals exploring their gender and identity at any stage
Transgender and Queer community members seeking informed resources
Parents and families supporting gender-expansive children
Organizations and HR professionals building inclusive environments
Academics and researchers interested in gender studies
Anyone seeking to understand gender and identity through both scientific and human lenses
The Journey Ahead
The Purplepaw Clan continues to evolve, just as identities do. What began as a personal exploration has grown into a platform that serves thousands, combining identity guidance, content creation, and community connection.
As we grow, our commitment remains unwavering: to provide resources that are scientifically sound, personally authentic, and practically useful for navigating the complex terrain of identity.
I believe we are never done in this evolving life—and I invite you to join me in looking with wonder and seeing with imagination as we explore who we are without boundaries.
Connect with Dr. Herrick
Ready to explore identity without boundaries?
Connect with Me
“I am confident that I will never have to change my career again—because I’ve found work that integrates every aspect of who I am.”
—Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.