Grief, Coffee, and the Birth of Ember Women in Sugar House
When loss intersects with a brand-new business venture, the blueprint for moving forward usually shatters. For Katie of Ember Women, that reality struck just four months after starting her enterprise, when her brother passed away at the beginning of the year.
On January 22, exactly three weeks after her brother’s death, she dressed, got her children off to school, and drove to Roots Coffee in Sugar House. Finding a cozy corner, she braced herself with a singular internal pep talk: “I am here to serve these women.” That mindset shifted instantly the moment another attendee sat across from her and confirmed she was there for the Ember Women gathering. That morning delivered a wave of organic conversation and connection that broke through the isolation of grief, marking the first time in weeks the founder felt a genuine ounce of herself return.
Fueling the Women Behind the Businesses
The initial premise of starting Ember Women was straightforward: build a dedicated community to bring female professionals together, increase visibility for their enterprises, and motivate them in their careers. Yet, the reality of that January morning at the Sugar House coffee shop revealed a reciprocal dynamic. Rather than simply serving the attendees, the founder discovered that the community served her, holding space and providing the collective strength needed to navigate her personal loss.
The core philosophy of Ember Women centers on seeing the human being behind the commercial enterprise or career path, recognizing that professional ambition and personal vulnerability are deeply intertwined. Community building, in this context, relies on showing up for one another through projects, passions, and the heavier realities of struggle and grief. Belonging functions as the primary fuel, ensuring that independent professionals realize they are not operating in a vacuum.
The Growth and Gratitude Panel at Kiln Holladay
Carrying forward this mission of mutual support, Ember Women has scheduled a public gathering to examine the intersection of personal resilience and professional life. On November 10 from 1 to 3 p.m., the organization will host a Growth and Gratitude Panel at Kiln Holladay. The event brings together a featured panel of speakers to dissect the mechanics of modern career development.
The panel features Becca Post, Amanda Murphy, and Courtney Lewallen. Together, these speakers will explore several key themes relevant to contemporary professionals:
- Cultivating self-trust amid professional and personal disruption
- Practicing authenticity in high-stakes business environments
- Embracing intentional living to combat burnout
- Navigating unpredictable waves of change
- Translating personal insights into meaningful, long-term growth
Attendees are invited to reflect on past milestones, reconnect with peers, and intentionally choose their next steps as the calendar moves toward the close of the year. Additional details regarding the event and the organization’s ongoing programming are available directly through the official Ember Women website.
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