meet ashlee
the creative behind made of embers
hey there! i’m ashlee
I teach laser makers how to design for lasers in a way that finally feels doable.
When I started designing, I wasn’t trying to become a teacher. I just wanted to make things that looked good and actually cut the way I pictured them. But somewhere between trial runs, wasted material, and those late nights tweaking designs, I fell in love with the process.
Now that’s what I help others discover too: the fun in creating, the confidence that comes from knowing what you’re doing, and the magic of seeing your ideas turn into real products. If you’ve ever wished designing felt easier, you’re in good company here.
When I started my business in 2016, I wanted something that let me stay creative and allow me to be home with my kids. Now, I’ve got a setup that gives me the flexibility to be with my family and the freedom to do what I love. My husband’s my biggest cheerleader (and occasional problem solver when tech things get wonky), but this business is my thing, and I’m here to help you rock yours too.
behind the brand
More than just a business owner—here’s what really matters to me…
- Wife to Bryson—my best friend, comedic relief, and rock-solid support system. Without his help, this business wouldn’t exist.
- Mom to Two—Winnie and Callum, my whole world! They’re the reason I pour my heart into this business every single day.
- My Faith—My love for my Savior is at the core of who I am and deeply influences how I approach life and run my business.
- Holistic Living—Yep, I’m a little crunchy! I’m all about non-toxic living, raw milk, home birth, and embracing a natural lifestyle.
from burnout to breakthrough
For years, I struggled with my mental health, hitting a breaking point in 2016. In that desperation, creating for others became my lifeline—it brought me so much joy and sparked a dream to leave my 9-to-5 to build a creative business.
At the time, I was newly married, my husband was in school, and we were living paycheck to paycheck. Even so, he didn’t hesitate to back my dreams, even knowing things would get tighter. And they did. I started small, as a wood burner, making everything by hand. Eventually, my business grew to a point where investing in a laser became the next big step. I kept making and shipping physical products for years, but by late 2023, burnout hit hard.
I’d dreamed of transitioning to all-digital and selling SVGs, but fear held me back. Physical products guaranteed income; going all-in on SVGs felt like starting over. But I was pregnant with my second child and craved more time for my family. So, in January 2024, I decided to take the leap. I hustled hard before welcoming my baby, and the results have been nothing short of life-changing.
Opportunities I never saw coming opened up, my business leveled up in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and the best part—I’m having fun! My confidence has grown, and I’m beyond grateful for this creative outlet that lets me contribute financially, be home with my babies, and grow as a person every single day.
Watching my dreams unfold has been incredible, and now I want to help you build a business you absolutely love—one that works for your life and brings your own dreams to life!
A look back on
my journey…
2018
A friend casually mentioned that a laser could improve my workflow, sparking a deep dive into research. I landed on the Glowforge, the perfect starter laser for me at the time—and that one comment changed everything!
2021
While navigating infertility, I paused my business to focus on my well-being. This sparked my holistic journey and shifted my perspective—I wasn’t just creating for mental health anymore. I was building a business for my future family and needed it to be financially sustainable.
2024
And that brings us to the present…
In late 2023, burned out and pregnant, I craved more family time. In January 2024, I took a leap and started selling SVGs—it’s completely transformed my business, my family life, and my goals.
2016
it all started with a wood burner…
I was gifted a wood-burned sign as a wedding present, and I was blown away by how unique and beautiful it was. It sparked something in me—I just had to learn how to do it myself. That one gift ultimately inspired the start of my business!
2020
We were living with my in-laws, and I couldn’t use my laser. When the world turned upside down this year and we were stuck inside, I started exploring the idea of selling SVGs. I took a course, set up an Etsy shop… and then totally chickened out.
2022
After giving birth to my first child, I returned to my business after nearly a two-year hiatus with more drive than ever. I was determined to build a business that allowed me to contribute financially while being a full-time stay-at-home mom. That determination paid off—I doubled my best year’s income and upgraded to a bigger, faster laser to keep growing.
