When I founded Ashes & Embers in March of 2020, I never could have imagined where this journey would take me. 

The day I launched my business officially, was the same day nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns began. With mass panic spreading, and financial uncertainty for so many— photographers were having cancellations left and right in order to social distance, and many, myself included, felt like they needed to save every dollar they could for the worst case scenario.

Instead of allowing myself to be defeated, I decided to keep pursuing my dreams and persevere. I sent my dresses out on a free tour, and the response was so overwhelmingly positive, it changed my life forever. 

Suddenly, people were sharing my creations left and right, and in under three years we have built a safe and uplifting community of nearly 9K people in our Facebook group!

Going into this, I was so inspired by design itself— but I had no idea that the truest gift in doing this would be the connections I made with my members, many of whom I call my friends today. 

I have loved and cherished learning so much about so many of my customers and supporters. The genuine relationships I have built and connections I have made have changed my life forever. Hearing from so many women about how my dresses made them feel SO beautiful, confident and empowered, I realized that that was the reason I found myself on this path. 

Helping women feel every bit as beautiful as they are, and empowering them to flaunt it in front of a camera and see themselves in a different light is the most incredible thing I have ever done. I mean, who knew that putting on a fancy dress could completely change the way you saw yourself? That it could help you see yourself the way others do, and appreciate your beauty in a new way. 

Often times I feel like I am living in a dream, and am always eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been given and made for myself. I get to do what I love, create magic, empower women, support mental health, AND still be able to be home with my family everyday— and I am so brimming with love and light that it overflows onto and into all that I come in contact with.

In all reality, I’m just a normal gal, chasing her dreams and building a future, but I could not do it without every single one of my supporters.

Thank you all for being a part of the most epic journey, and as always, wishing you LOTS of love and light! 

              Xoxo,
                          Jess

meet jessica whitaker: designer & creator of Ashes & embers

I'm so happy you are here!