We were lucky to catch up with Aniekanabasi Asanga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aniekanabasi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

Embers started as a small spark between me and a friend. An idea about creating connection, not just between people, but with the world around us.

In the beginning, it was just us experimenting, building something that felt human and sustainable at its core. As the vision grew, so did the team. We never recruited in a traditional sense; we attracted kindred spirits — people who believed in slowing down, creating intentionally, and making things that last. For us, belief comes before skill.

The people who join Embers aren’t just building a product; they’re helping nurture a movement toward reconnection.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Embers is a Charlotte-based creative brand built around connecting with people, with nature, and with the earth itself.

What began as a simple card game has grown into a movement inspiring others to gather, unplug, and share stories like sparks around a campfire. Each deck is crafted with care and sustainability in mind, designed to spark reflection and rekindle presence in a distracted world. What sets us apart is our focus on intention – from the materials we choose to the communities we build.

Sold online, Embers is more than a game; it’s a call to reconnect and keep the fire alive.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Our best source of clients has always been word of mouth. Embers grows through genuine connection, people experiencing it, sharing it, and passing it along like a spark. That organic energy means every new supporter comes from someone’s story, not just an ad. It’s slow growth, but it’s real, and it keeps the community authentic and alive.

Any advice for managing a team?

The best way to keep a team inspired is to create space for ideas to flow. We build with a “yes, and” mindset, because every idea adds to the fire.

As long as everyone shares the same vision, people can contribute in the ways that feel most natural to them. That freedom keeps the project growing and the team energized.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carolineredge.wixstudio.com/embers
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embers.cards/