Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Braly
Hi Kristina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2022, AEMBR® emerged from Dr. Braly’s kitchen, fueled by a passion for clean, sustainable luxury. The brand’s inaugural launch was nothing short of extraordinary, with products selling out in a mere 90 seconds, followed by a second drop that vanished from virtual shelves in just 60 seconds. AEMBR swiftly garnered a reputation as “the brand of candles you can’t get your hands on,” captivating online shoppers who eagerly awaited each product drop. At the height of its frenzy, an AEMBR candle became a hotter commodity than tickets to a Taylor Swift concert.
Fast forward to 2024, and AEMBR has undergone a remarkable evolution. With production scaled up tenfold and a dedicated studio space, every product is meticulously handcrafted with care and precision. Having amassed an impressive 11,000 orders in under 2 years, AEMBR stands on the precipice of widespread recognition, poised to transition from a scent-lovers’ “best-kept secret” to a household name in the mainstream press.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to building AEMBR® has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a business from scratch, especially in a competitive industry like home fragrance, requires resilience and a deep passion for what you’re creating. AEMBR has been fully bootstrapped from the beginning, without any outside funding or venture capital. This means that every aspect of the business—from product development to scaling a full production line—has been self-funded and self-managed.
One of the biggest hurdles was scaling production while maintaining our commitment to handcrafted quality. Developing a full production line with the necessary manufacturing equipment was a significant investment, not just in terms of capital but also in time and learning. Streamlining production efficiency while preserving the integrity of small-batch craftsmanship required constant refinement, from optimizing pouring techniques to automating certain processes without sacrificing attention to detail.
Managing a full-time staff has also been a learning experience. Ensuring that we maintain a cohesive team environment while scaling operations has been challenging, particularly when you’re handling everything internally. It’s been essential to balance the day-to-day operations with long-term growth strategies while ensuring that our brand values and commitment to sustainability remain at the forefront.
While these challenges have tested us, they’ve also made the successes that much more meaningful. Each step—whether a struggle or a win—has shaped AEMBR into the brand it is today, one that I’m incredibly proud of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AEMBR® ?
At AEMBR, we specialize in creating luxurious, non-toxic home fragrance and care products that elevate the everyday. Our product range includes candles, interior sprays, wax melts, and sustainable laundry care—all crafted with eco-friendly, clean ingredients. What sets AEMBR apart is our commitment to using sustainable materials and crafting each product in small batches to ensure the highest quality. Our products are designed to be as safe as they are beautiful, avoiding harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and toxins commonly found in conventional home fragrances.
We’re proud of our transparency and dedication to using only ingredients that benefit both the customer and the environment. One standout feature is our FSC-certified wooden wicks in our candles, which burn cleaner and last longer than many other brands. Additionally, our sustainable practices, such as planting a tree for every product sold, are a core part of our mission to give back to the planet.
What we want readers to know is that when they choose AEMBR, they are choosing products that prioritize their health, home, and the environment. We believe in making luxury accessible while being mindful of the impact we leave on the world. Whether it’s the soothing atmosphere our candles create or the refreshing benefits of our interior sprays, AEMBR’s products are crafted to enhance well-being in a sustainable, ethical way.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Thankfully, we were founded in October 2022, so much of the downstream effects of Covid-19 were already in place when we launched and scaled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aembr.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/aembr.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aembr.co
Image Credits
AEMBR®
