Wayne Small Business Spotlight: Indigo Ember

WAYNE, PA – Towns so often take their character from the entrepreneurial spirit that shapes its shops, storefronts, and downtown areas. Patch's Small Business Spotlight series aims to shine a light on local business owners with a strong sense of place, with a business rooted in the community and its people. This week's spotlight is on the Wayne-based e-commerce paper and home goods company Indigo Ember.

Business: Indigo Ember

Owners: Patricia D.

Website: http://www.IndigoEmber.com

Address: Ember, LLC, 1000 W Valley Rd, P.O. Box 1811, SOUTHEASTERN, PA 19399-999

How did you come up with the name?

"Indigo" is inspired by the Eastern bluebird. My husband likes to assign birds to those he deeply cares about. He thought the Eastern bluebird best describes me and my personality. "Ember" comes from the imagery of the burnt edges of wood in my wood engravings. Despite both words are very directly inspired by me and my products, the name is also abstract and has a very romantic, rustic sound to it. These are characteristic of Indigo Ember (the company).

Why start a business in this town?

One of my dream life goals was to launch my own business, after gaining solid experience in the professional world. My company was launched in September 2012 under a different name (PABD Elegance, LLC). I opened my Etsy store in October 2012 and sold handmade greeting cards.

I’ve always enjoyed crafting as a child and dabbled in various crafts. In the early 2000’s, I’ve created and sent Holiday greeting cards to my family and close friends. In addition, while planning my wedding between 2005 and 2006, I’ve created my own Save-the-Dates, Wedding invitations, programs, table seating cards, favors, and more. I wanted a wedding that was intimate and incorporated some elements of handmade (created by me). Received lots of compliments from those who attended my wedding.

After having a heartfelt conversation with an old neighbor, the idea to start my company was born in September 2012.

The inspiration

The products I create for Indigo Ember are inspired by the natural beauty that exists in nature as well as my own life experiences. I love wood, its beautiful grains and permanence. I believe my love of wood stems from my father who was a woodworker.

What business are you in?

E-commerce: Paper and Home Goods using wood as the main medium.

What's the most difficult challenge you've faced as a business owner?

Creating brand awareness and getting the word out that Indigo Ember exists. There is a lot of noise on the Internet. It’s always a challenge to learn SEO, social media and more in order to draw potential customers to Indigo Ember’s website.

What's been your proudest achievement since opening?

With the exception of experiencing growth each year, the rebranding of the company to Indigo Ember. Prior to the rebrand, I felt something was missing. The company needed more focus, a stronger brand voice, and an improved E-commerce website. The rebranding occurred beginning in October 2016 and the newly designed website launch in June 2017. It was a lot of work and sacrifice but very happy with the end results and the Indigo Ember brand. The company is seeing good results because of the investment in the rebranding.

How does your business give back to the community?

I want to share Indigo Ember’s brand manifesto:

INSPIRING THOUGHTFUL HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

We believe in invoking love for your substantial relationships, those that matter most to you, by offering high-quality, one-of-a-kind products that will have your beloved basking in the rays of happiness created by you. We relish the opportunity to help you and your loved one build nostalgic memories of your special moments together.

LOVINGLY GIVING BACK WITH AN EYE ON SUSTAINABILITY

We support American manufacturing by sourcing over 95% of our raw materials from small to medium sized businesses located throughout the USA. We lovingly make our products in Wayne, PA. We aim to be good stewards of our planet and lessen our footprint as best as we can by using sustainable, earth-friendly raw materials and eco-friendly packaging.

Know of a business that deserves the spotlight? Email Max.Bennett@patch.com.

Image via Shutterstock