We had the good fortune of connecting with Emmi Burke and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emmi, how does your business help the community?
I stumbled candle making around a year ago while searching for ways to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle and cut down on single-use products. After purchasing a 6-wick candle from a major retail store, I decided to refill the container and began making my own candles. As I learned more about the process, I discovered that most candles from chain retailers are made with toxic fragrance oils and use paraffin wax which is oil based. I realized that the candles I was burning in my home were not safe for me, my pets, or the environment.
As an environmentalist, I wanted to create a product that was eco-forward, so I chose to make candles with all natural soy and toxin free fragrance/essential oils for a cleaner and safer burn. To take it one-step further, I created the Upcycled Collection. Every upcycled candle is poured into a hand-picked and locally thrifted vessel to remind us that we can reuse old things in creative and new ways and reduce waste.
I have always been energized by sustainability and finding environmentally conscious ways to live and it is a privilege to share this passion with others in the form of eco-friendly candles. Let’s reduce our waste one candle at a time.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
About the Business:
Embur Candles is a one-woman business that creates one of a kind, sustainable candles. All of our scents are original concoctions created by yours truly. We focus on safety and sustainability. Embur Candles are made with 100% organic soy-wax and cotton wicks for the cleanest burn. We use essential oils and toxin free fragrance oils so that our candles are as natural as possible and safe for people and pets alike.
We currently offer two year-round collections – the Signature Collection and the Upcycled Collection. Our signature collection offers Embur original scents in classic candle containers. The upcycled collection is a bit more unique. I thrift unique vessels from local consignment shops and turn them into one-of-a-kind candles.
Our third collection is seasonal and called the Colorado Collection. Each candle holds a piece of the picturesque Rockies, infused with its own unique scent inspired by the scene on its label. A heartfelt shoutout goes to my incredibly talented brother, CJ Burke, whose breathtaking paintings have brought these scenes to life!
About Emmi:
Hi there! I’m Emmi Burke, a vibrant and enthusiastic woman starting out on my small business journey. I kicked off Embur Candles in February 2024, diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. I am driven by a deep passion for authenticity and sustainability. I want my brand to reflect the real me, showcasing my love for the environment, my excitement for this new journey, and my sheer joy in candle making.From my affinity for silly puns (hence the business name) to my love for the great outdoors and commitment to crafting sustainably, every aspect of my business is infused with these traits.
To those considering starting their own businesses, I say go for it! You absolutely can, and should, pursue your dreams. Let your passions guide you and embrace your unique self in everything you do.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many amazing things to do in the Front Range and it’s so hard to whittle down the list to just a few short days worth of activities, but I’ll try my best.
Some must-do’s include: tea at the Dushanbe Tea House; an afternoon hike at Chautauqua Park, most likely the Royal Arch hike (it’s my favorite!); drinks at the Avanti rooftop in Boulder overlooking the Flatirons (ideally at sunset); a show at Red Rocks; spend several hours getting lost in the Denver Art Museum; and a bar crawl through RINO.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything in the Denver/Boulder area. Everyone is so wonderful and the access to nature is unbelievable. I am constantly in awe that I get to live here.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout goes out to my friends and partner for their endless support, patience, thoughtful feedback, and countless hours they have spent pouring candles, editing graphics, and keeping me company at markets. I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you a million times over!
Website: https://www.emburcandles.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embur.candles/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmi-burke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emburcandles
Image Credits
Emmi Burke
Gabi Diaz