Meet Ember Griffis | Herbalist and Business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ember Griffis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ember, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was hanging out with my cousin making bath bombs about 5 years ago and we had the idea to start selling them. I have always been interested in plant biased medicine so mixing the scents was my side of things. my cousin made them look good. Due our lack of free time and money with me a collage student and my cousin being a single mom it never really got off the ground. After I graduated and got my first enginering position I had the money to invest in getting Faerie Apothecary off the ground. It was slow going at first because neither of us had much free time. Then the covid19 pandemic hit and I was laid off. She still didn’t have much free time but, I used this time to learn more about the chemistry of bath bombs, pigments and fragrances. I began making bath bombs in preparation for the holidays in november 2020 and was ready for my first craft market by december 2020.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I hope to make Faerie Apothecary stand apart based my commitment to being eco friendly. I do extensive research on all the ingredients I use in my products. The scents for all my products come from various herbal extracts. This includes my room sprays they are made with essential oils with no added emulsifiers or preservatives. I my most popular product is the bug spray that only includes essential oils , witch hazel ,castile soap and water. It works well outside and inside for mosquitoes, ants, gnats, and several other bugs. I have a bug bite salve for when you forget to put on bug spray. I learned this fall thanks to my dad that it even works on chiggers with one application. If you have ever had a chigger bite you know they are a real pain because the chiggers imbed themselves in your skin. This is just one product that has surprised me by working even better than expected. My bath bombs and shower steamers are made in a similar way all the way down to the pigment. I started by making bath bombs that didn’t include any fragrance oils, preservatives or artificial pigments. Those ingredients cause feminine health issues on top of possible allergens. I also calculated the ratio of ingredients that does not change the ph of the water which is another reason bath bombs cause feminine health problems for many women.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Would definitely spend one night bar hopping with a designated drive of course in decatur. We would have to start at The Imperial to make sure we have great food in our stomachs before we start drinking. Then head over to The Beer Growler for their large selection of local craft beers. Finally right down the road is The Little Cottage Brewery with several delicious craft beers and a great outdoor seating area,

We would have to check out at least one pop-up market by Bizarre Bazaar and Crypyid Creative Collective.

I would have to show them around little 5 points shopping district and my favorite stores Psycho Sisters and Junkman’s Daughter then stopping for a burger and beer at The Vortex.

I would spend at least one day depending on weather showing them the natural beauty and history of the area. We would go by Dough In The Box for coffee and some of the best donuts I have ever had. Then head to The sweetwater creek state park has a great hiking trail and interesting history. Another day we might drive up to Altoona and spend the day on the lake.

We would need at least one day and about three stomachs each in the Marietta area. The Australian bakery has some of the best savory pies I have ever had and plenty of sweet ones too. The Marietta dinner is a must they have such a huge variety on the menu and the cakes are fantastic. The Jerusalem Bakery serves really delicious and authentic mediterranean food and a bakery filled with traditional mediterranean sweets as well. Then go by Java Cats and have some coffee while we spend time with the adoptable cats and kittens there. If there was any room left we would go by Douceur De France for some delectable french pastries.

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?
This is a hard one I have so many people to thank for getting me to where I am. My parents have helped me so much along the way and taught me about the value of hard work and perseverance. My partner Edward has supported me so many ways but the encouragement he gives me when I feel like a failure is invaluable. I never would have had the confidence that I can do it without Barrie Clark as an inspiration and role model. I am lucky to have so many friends along the way who encouraged and supported me.

Website: https://www.thefaerieapothecary.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faerieapoth/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Faerie_Apoth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farieapothecary

Image Credits
Caity Marie