An Inspired Chat with Ember Henderson of Ypsilanti

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ember Henderson. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Ember, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
I’ve felt most loved in the little everyday moments. When my son climbs into my lap just because he wants to be close. When my boyfriend hands me a cup of coffee in the morning before I’ve even asked. When I’m laughing so hard with friends that my face hurts. Those are the times I notice it the most, because they feel natural and unforced.

And yes, I do believe I deserve it. For a long time I thought love had to come from doing something big or proving myself. Now I see that just being present and being myself is enough. Love shows up when I allow it to, and I think that’s what makes it so real.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ember and I’ve always been drawn to creating in different forms. I paint, I write, I work with clay, and I love finding ways to bring ideas into something tangible. For me, creativity has never been just about making an object, it’s about shaping an atmosphere and inviting people into it.
I started a project called Temple Haus that combines art, design, and community. It’s been a space to experiment, to host gatherings, and to explore how beauty can make people feel connected. What I think makes my work unique is that it isn’t locked into one lane. Some days I’m sculpting pottery for candles, other days I’m developing workshops for families or sketching out concepts for events. I like that it can shift with what feels alive.
At the heart of everything I do is the idea that creativity belongs in everyday life.

Whether that’s sharing art, brewing tea with friends, or building spaces where people can laugh and connect, I’m always looking for ways to make life feel a little more textured and meaningful. Right now, I’m excited about growing Temple Haus in new directions, while also leaning into my writing and personal art practice. It feels like a season of expansion and I’m curious to see where it leads.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My boyfriend, Jordan is the person who saw me clearly before I could see myself. We met back in 2012 and from the very beginning he’s been steady in his encouragement, his support, and the way he’s believed in me. Even when I doubted myself or felt unsure of my path, he always reflected back my strengths and reminded me of who I was. That kind of consistency over the years has meant so much. I feel really lucky that our friendship has grown into the partnership we share now.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of not being enough. Not doing enough, not creating enough, not being lovable enough just as I am. For a long time I thought I had to prove my worth by how much I achieved or by how beautiful or put together things looked. That pressure kept me from relaxing into the present and trusting myself.

What I’m learning now is that life moves more easily when I let go of that fear. I don’t have to be perfect to be loved or to create meaning. The most fulfilling parts of my life, being a mom, building relationships, making art, have come from showing up as I am, not from chasing an impossible standard.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, but it’s not the whole picture. The public version of me is real in the sense that everything I share is a genuine part of who I am. My art, my writing, the spaces I create, those are all expressions of something true. But like anyone, I also have private sides, quiet days, and parts of my life that don’t make it onto a screen.

Over time I’ve been letting more of my real self show, even the simple and ordinary parts. It feels good to know that what people see is no longer a performance but a reflection of how I actually live and what matters to me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would want to build a society that feels deeply connected to both nature and each other. I imagine a place where homes are designed to blend into the landscape, with living walls of plants and wide windows that let the light pour in. Energy would come from clean and renewable sources, and the air would always smell fresh after rain.

The roads would be made of glass that catches the sun and reflects the sky, so even something as simple as walking to meet a friend would feel like moving through a work of art. Food would come from shared gardens where people grow and cook together. There would be music in the streets, and learning would be lifelong, woven into the rhythm of daily life instead of locked inside institutions.

It would be a community where no one feels separate or left behind, where creativity and care are as natural as breathing. A society that chooses beauty, kindness, and imagination as its foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TempleHausYpsi.com
• Instagram: vapid.liminal