About Ember & Rise Growth Co.
You bring the spark. We help it rise.
About Ember & Rise Growth Co.
You bring the spark. We help it rise.
Strategy with Soul.
Creative that Moves.
Ember & Rise is an Atlanta-based growth and creative agency for established brands and regional service businesses.
We bring together growth strategy, performance marketing, and cinematic creative, with a close understanding of the business behind the work. From ongoing marketing partnerships to commercial video and website projects, our approach starts with your priorities and connects the pieces needed to move them forward.
Meet the People Leading Your Work
Melissa Hwang
Founder & Strategy Lead
Melissa brings 15+ years of experience across in-house marketing leadership and agencies before founding Ember & Rise.
Her background includes leading digital and ecommerce at Foot Solutions and Oka Brands, serving as Director of Digital Marketing at SCUF Gaming, and leading digital marketing at Smokey Bones BBQ. Working within businesses has shaped how she approaches marketing: understand the business first, then connect the strategy, channels, and customer experience.
At Ember & Rise, she leads growth strategy, brand positioning, performance marketing, and client relationships, connecting the work to the bigger picture.
Away from work, she’s happiest exploring a hiking trail or getting underwater on a scuba dive.
Melissa Hwang
Founder & Strategy Lead
Melissa brings 15+ years of experience across in-house marketing leadership and agencies before founding Ember & Rise.
Her background includes leading digital and ecommerce at Foot Solutions and Oka Brands, serving as Director of Digital Marketing at SCUF Gaming, and leading digital marketing at Smokey Bones BBQ. Working within businesses has shaped how she approaches marketing: understand the business first, then connect the strategy, channels, and customer experience.
At Ember & Rise, she leads growth strategy, brand positioning, performance marketing, and client relationships, connecting the work to the bigger picture.
Away from work, she’s happiest exploring a hiking trail or getting underwater on a scuba dive.
Corey Diamond
Creative Director & Executive Producer
Corey brings about a decade of film-industry experience, as a professional stunt performer, alongside his work in filmmaking and creative production.
His stunt credits include Cobra Kai, Stranger Things, Extraction 2, and Werewolf by Night.
At Ember & Rise, he leads creative direction and video production, from developing the story and planning the shoot to filming and editing.
His martial arts and tricking background continues to influence his creative eye, bringing an understanding of movement, physical storytelling, and performance.
Corey Diamond
Creative Director & Executive Producer
Corey brings about a decade of film-industry experience, as a professional stunt performer, alongside his work in filmmaking and creative production.
His stunt credits include Cobra Kai, Stranger Things, Extraction 2, and Werewolf by Night.
At Ember & Rise, he leads creative direction and video production, from developing the story and planning the shoot to filming and editing.
His martial arts and tricking background continues to influence his creative eye, bringing an understanding of movement, physical storytelling, and performance.
How Ember & Rise Came to be
After years working with in-house teams and at agencies, Melissa wanted to build a marketing business that reflected how she believed the work should be done: with a clear understanding of the client’s business, care for the people involved, and a stronger connection between strategy and execution.
She and Corey had known each other for years through martial arts. Melissa recognized Corey’s talent for storytelling and the dedication he brought to his work, and saw an opportunity to combine their different strengths.
That combination became central to Ember & Rise: business thinking and cinematic craft, developed together.
Our mission is to help businesses grow through marketing that is connected, human, and effective.
What You Can Expect
We take the time to understand your customers, priorities, and realities of running your business.
That information shapes our recommendations, creative decisions, and where we focus your marketing.
Melissa leads communication and strategy across most engagements.
Corey leads creative and video production.
Specialist collaborators support delivery under their direction, while you stay in contact with leadership.
Proactive tracking and next steps
Ongoing marketing partnerships typically include monthly reporting, strategy, and brainstorming.
Website and video projects generally include weekly check-ins during active work.
We agree on a rhythm that fits the engagement and keeps next steps clear.
In the Press
Melissa Hwang was recently featured by VoyageATL in a conversation about building Ember & Rise, creative entrepreneurship, and the life behind the business.