We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelina Claybrook and Jessica Blaschke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelina and Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind our brand, Desert Embers, is deeply rooted in our personal story and commitment to wellness and the joys of shared experiences. It started with a simple shared interest in candle-making between two sisters, Angelina and Jessica, which grew from a hobby into a passionate endeavor. During a significant transitional period for Angelina, adjusting from military life to motherhood, we found solace and creativity in crafting candles.

Our brand philosophy is centered on creating a product that not only enhances the ambiance of any space but does so in a way that is safe for people, pets, and the planet. This is why we meticulously chose to work with natural soy wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils. Our candles are designed to reflect the serene and unspoiled beauty of the Arizona desert, a constant inspiration for us. The tranquility and natural elegance of our surroundings are infused into every candle, ensuring that each one promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.

Our extensive research and commitment over nine months to find the right blend of waxes and oils highlight our dedication not just to craftsmanship but also to ethical production practices. This includes ensuring that our products are free from harmful chemicals commonly found in other fragrances, supporting both environmental and personal well-being.

In essence, Desert Embers is about bringing a piece of our peaceful desert sanctuary into homes in a way that is healthy, environmentally responsible, and emotionally enriching.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Certainly! Candle making, for us at Desert Embers, is not just a craft but a form of art that we continuously refine and perfect. The journey to where we are today professionally was definitely not easy, and it’s a path of ongoing growth and learning. Each candle we create is handcrafted in small batches in our Arizona home, ensuring meticulous attention to detail not just in performance, but in aesthetics and aroma as well.

What sets us apart is our commitment to the quality and uniqueness of our products. We design our own labels, mix our own unique fragrances, and pour every candle by hand, ensuring that each one has a personal touch. As a small sister team of two, this hands-on approach allows us to maintain a high standard of quality and to infuse our values directly into our products.

We’re most proud of our dedication to creating candles that are not only effective in their function—providing a clean, long-lasting burn and delightful scents—but are also safe and environmentally friendly. Our use of natural soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and lead-free cotton wicks are decisions that reflect our commitment to our customers’ wellbeing.

The challenges we’ve faced along the way, such as mastering the craft, understanding the market, and scaling our business, have taught us resilience and the importance of adaptability. Learning from feedback, whether it be praise or constructive criticism, has been crucial in honing our craft and enhancing our product offerings.

We want the world to know that at Desert Embers, every candle is crafted with love and care. Our story is one of passion, family, and the pursuit of a dream, rooted in the values of sustainability, community, and artisanal quality. We hope that our candles not only light up rooms but also bring a sense of comfort and joy to all who experience them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d ensure they experienced the best of Tempe. We’d kick things off with breakfast at a local hotspot before enjoying a scooter ride around Tempe Town Lake. Shopping and some relaxed mini-golf at Tempe Marketplace would fill an afternoon, and our evenings would feature delightful meals at places like Culinary Dropout. We’d also include visits to cultural sites like the ASU Art Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden. The week would be a perfect blend of outdoor fun, cultural exploration, and local dining, showcasing the warmth and variety of Tempe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, we wholeheartedly agree that our journey with Desert Embers has been greatly influenced and supported by many wonderful people around us. First and foremost, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our family and friends. Their unwavering belief in our vision and their endless support have been the backbone of our success. They’ve cheered us on, provided feedback, and have been there through every step of this adventure.

Additionally, we owe a great deal of thanks to the local retailers who took a chance on us early on. Their faith in our products allowed us to reach a broader audience and helped establish Desert Embers as a trustworthy and beloved brand within the community.

Lastly, we must give a special shoutout to our loyal customers, particularly those who seek us out time and again at the weekend markets. Their enthusiasm for our candles not only motivates us but also affirms that we’re on the right path. It’s their encouragement and continued support that fuel our passion and drive us to keep creating and improving. So, to all these groups, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our story.

Website: https://www.desertembersfragrance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desert_embers?igsh=eG5zems2MDB4bDJm&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertembers?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.