about thistle + Ember
Hello Beautiful!
We are a woman-owned small business rooted in the art of creating unique, locally sourced, clean, & sustainably crafted skincare, home goods, art, and thoughtfully designed décor that brings both beauty & purpose into everyday life.
But our story goes beyond the products we make. We are driven by a deep passion for making a difference, both within our community & beyond it. As makers, we do not just create. We connect. Through hands-on workshops open to everyone in our community, we nurture creativity & support fellow small business owners as they grow, thrive, and build meaningful relationships.
Since 1996, I have run & managed small storefront businesses, & I have seen firsthand how these small enterprises form the backbone of a community. For me, it has never been about competition. It has always been about collaboration, mutual support, & shared growth.
From an early age, I was captivated by the joy of making and creating. That passion shaped my path and became my craft. It is woven into who I am and guides me with purpose and focus. Turning this love of creation into a livelihood has been a dream fulfilled. More than that, it has given me a way to inspire others, bring people together, and build something meaningful through creativity.
Every handmade piece, every workshop, and every community event reflects that intention. We aim to give back, foster real connections, and contribute to a more thoughtful and sustainable future. We believe that when you create with purpose, you build more than products. You build community.
My Story
I established this company in 2014, and it has experienced many changes along the way. Market shifts, the challenges of the pandemic, and periods of financial uncertainty have all shaped its evolution. I have faced setbacks, but I have never given up. Each challenge left its mark, yet each one strengthened my resolve to continue.
For more than twenty years, I have been making, creating, and crafting gifts, celebrations, and handmade pieces with care. In 2014, I decided to share that passion with the world. I love what I do, and I value the beauty my work brings into people’s lives. While the company has evolved over time and looks different today than it did five or ten years ago, one thing has remained constant. I have never stopped creating, and I have never lost faith in my mission, my work, or the people who support it.
I am a mother of seven incredible children, ranging from young kids to wonderful adults, and I am married to a loving and deeply supportive husband. Our family is creative, curious, and closely connected. We thrive on adventure, whether that means exploring nature, engaging with different cultures, attending live performances, or traveling when we are able. When life slows down, you can often find us enjoying a good book or spending time in the garden, which is another passion of mine. Plants remind me of growth, patience, and renewal.
Like many others in our community, I work hard for everything I earn. Every dollar comes from dedication, persistence, and effort. I was not handed opportunities, and I understand what it means to earn your place. My family is my heart and my first priority. Alongside that, my husband and I run three businesses together, each built through commitment and shared vision.
Thistle + Ember is my true passion project. This is where my heart lives. It is where I get to create, connect, and give back to the community that has given so much to me. I am deeply involved locally, serving on the Board of the Duvall Chamber of Commerce, participating in nonprofit efforts, and collaborating with people who share the same values. Giving back matters here. Supporting neighbors, lifting others up, and contributing to something better, one handmade gift, one thoughtful event, and one genuine connection at a time.
Christina Doerfel
Founder, Thistle + Ember
