Elite Embers Case Study

Timeline

• April 2025 - May 2025

My Role

• UI/UX Designer

Problem

No Platform, No Structure: The Challenges of Growth on Social Media Alone

Elite Embers was operating solely through Instagram DMs, which made order tracking, product selection, and customer communication inconsistent and time-consuming. As demand grew, customers struggled with clarity around bundle options, availability, and delivery logistics, leading to missed opportunities and operational friction for the business owners.

Solution

Building a Professional Online Presence

  • Designed a clean, on-brand e-commerce site to elevate trust and credibility

  • Created a responsive layout for seamless mobile and desktop experiences

  • Developed a visual identity that reflected Elite Embers' aesthetic and story

All We Have to Offer

A curated digital experience that showcases the full breadth of Elite Embers' offerings, from hand-picked bundles to personalized colors and convenient delivery options. The new layout invites customers to explore, customize, and create meaningful gifting moments with ease.

  • Custom Bundle Selection: Visitors can seamlessly choose between pre-set candle bundles (30, 50, 70, or 100), thoughtfully arranged for any occasion.

  • Color Customization: Each candle order can be tailored with elegant color options like black, white, pink, nude, or floral — letting customers express their mood or match an event theme.

  • Streamlined Delivery Setup: Integrated calendar-style delivery booking lets users pick the perfect date for their order to arrive, making the process simple, stress-free, and reliable.

Custom Candle Bundle Selector

  • Enabled users to choose bundle sizes (30, 50, 70, or 100 candles)

  • Allowed customization by color (black, white, pink, nude, or floral)

  • Simplified the browsing and selection process with intuitive UI elements

The Persona

29 Years Old

User Story

Alyssa is a creative professional who plans weddings and upscale events. She’s obsessed with ambiance and aesthetics, from lighting to scent. She’s constantly searching for elegant, high-quality candles to use for centerpieces, guest gifts, and relaxation at home. She prefers boutique brands with an artisanal, Instagram-worthy appeal.

Goals

  • Find customizable, elegant candles for events and home décor

  • Create memorable experiences through sensory elements like scent and lighting

  • Support small businesses and aesthetically-pleasing brands

  • Easily reorder favorite candle bundles for future events

Pain-points

  • Most candle brands don't offer quantity bundle options

  • Lack of personalization or customization with scent/color combos

  • Overpriced boutique candles with long shipping times

  • Difficult websites that aren’t mobile-friendly or clear about product options

Wireframes

The Final Product

The Style Guide

Colors

Logo

Components

Conclusion

Designing the Elite Embers website was an opportunity to transform a growing candle business from a social-media-driven platform into a professional, user-friendly digital storefront. By focusing on streamlined bundle selection, aesthetic customization, and smooth delivery options, I helped create a seamless experience that reflects the brand's elegant yet bold identity. This project highlighted the importance of balancing visual appeal with usability—and reaffirmed how great design can spark not just interest, but emotional connection. Elite Embers now has a digital space as refined and intentional as the products it offers.