The Story Behind the Spark

We’re not a big-box agency. We’re Ember & Rise, a founder-led consultancy built for brands who want bold strategy and cinematic storytelling that actually moves people and revenue.

Book A Free Strategy Session

The Story Behind the Spark

We’re not a big-box agency. We’re Ember & Rise, a founder-led consultancy built for brands who want bold strategy and cinematic storytelling that actually moves people and revenue.

Book a Free Strategy Session

Strategy That Sparks.
Stories That Stick.

Most agencies hand you decks, generic KPIs, and content that disappears in the scroll. We do it differently.

At Ember & Rise, we combine sharp marketing strategy with creative firepower to build brands that resonate. From performance campaigns to founder stories on film, we make sure your brand connects – visually, emotionally, and financially.

And while automation and AI have their place (we use them too), we believe resonance still comes from real connections. From stories with heart. From strategy rooted in clarity. From creative that people actually remember.

Ready to See What We Can Do for You?

Where Sharp Strategy Meets Cinematic Creative.

Ember & Rise was founded by Melissa Hwang, a strategist, brand architect, and marketer who’s spent 15+ years leading campaigns for eCommerce, food, wellness, and lifestyle brands. From running $100K+ monthly media for Smokey Bones BBQ to growing Okabashi’s online revenue by 60%, Melissa brings the data-driven backbone that turns sparks into scalable growth.

She’s joined by Corey Diamond, Creative Director and filmmaker with a background in TV and film. From stunt work on major productions to directing cinematic brand shoots, Corey brings movement, energy, and visual storytelling that most agencies can’t touch.

MEET MELISSA

Where Sharp Strategy Meets Cinematic Creative.

Ember & Rise was founded by Melissa Hwang, a strategist, brand architect, and marketer who’s spent 15+ years leading campaigns for eCommerce, food, wellness, and lifestyle brands. From running $100K+ monthly media for Smokey Bones BBQ to growing Okabashi’s online revenue by 60%, Melissa brings the data-driven backbone that turns sparks into scalable growth.

She’s joined by Corey Diamond, Creative Director and filmmaker with a background in TV and film. From stunt work on major productions to directing cinematic brand shoots, Corey brings movement, energy, and visual storytelling that most agencies can’t touch.

Our Approach: Movement. Fire. Clarity.

brand and growth strategy | ember and rise growth co

Clarify Your Story
(Movement)

We dig deep to learn what makes your business different, then craft the message and story that is authentically you. Crafting a story that moves people to action.

content marketing ember and rise growth co

Ignite the Right Channels (Fire)

We activate the marketing channels and launch paid media that make the most impact for your brand: Meta, Google, YouTube, or local campaigns.

web design and ecommerce ember and rise growth co

Bring It Into Focus (Clarity)

Your website, sales funnels, and lead follow-ups should feel seamless. We fine-tune every touchpoint so traffic turns into real leads and customers.

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Rooted in Food, Fitness, and Founder-Led Brands

Before Ember & Rise, we cut our teeth shaping campaigns for food and beverage powerhouses like Smokey Bones BBQ, Cheeseburger Bobbys, Yum! International, and PepsiCo. Melissa has even spoken at BlogHer Food on digital storytelling.

Today, that experience expands into CPG, wellness, and eCommerce – where making a brand craveable online matters just as much as in person.

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Salmon pan fried | Atlanta food marketing agency | Ember & Rise Growth Co.

We’ve Helped Build…

Evolve Energy Tribe | Atlanta food marketing agency | Ember & Rise Growth Co.

25x Return on Spend

Foot Solutions | CPG Ecommerce Marketing | Ember & Rise Growth Co

2x Ecomm Revenue

Okabashi Brands | CPG Ecommerce marketing | Ember & Rise Growth Co

60% Sales Boost

More stories coming soon—want to be one of them?

More Work & Results →

Brands We’ve Worked With

PepsiCo · Yum! International · Smokey Bones BBQ · Cheeseburger Bobby’s · Okabashi Brands · Scuf Gaming · Foot Solutions · Happy Feet Plus · Hotel Indigo · Holiday Inn Resort · Crowne Plaza · The Partridge Inn

FAQs

Let’s Build Something That Sticks.

In your strategy session, we’ll dig into your brand and marketing ecosystem—identify what’s working, what’s not, and where the untapped opportunity lives. No fluff. Just clarity, momentum, and an honest look at what’s possible.

Book Your Free Strategy Session