Who we are
Embers & Oak Storyworks is a women-owned communications agency led by co-founders Carrie Carroll and Hanh Nguyen.
Our company was born out of our deep respect for each other, our individual mastery of our chosen crafts and our passion for helping brands we admire share their story.
About Hanh
I’ve always been an artist at heart.
My early training was in fine arts, and growing up sculpture and photography, in particular, were my primary mediums of self-expression. Once I got to college, I discovered that filmmaking encapsulates all the art forms that I love. It’s this perfect vessel that can amplify my voice. As someone who has struggled with a stutter all my life, communication and confidence have always been challenges. Filmmaking allows me to express my voice through the stories of others, in an effort to make sense of our complex and challenging world. It wasn’t until recently that I came to see my stutter as a gift. Because of it, I move through the world more slowly, with greater strength, patience and perhaps a deeper, more intentional understanding of others.
When I first began my career, I did everything from wedding videography to architecture videos, scenic painting for “Yo Gabba Gabba!” to stints as a legal clerk and blackjack dealer — all the while, honing my skills and holding my dreams closely. Looking back now, I’m grateful for those varied experiences and lessons, and pull from them all when I’m in the field. Somehow, they have come together to build the fabric of my professional career.
During my five years with American Honda as a content developer, the position became another distinct, invaluable incubator for me to hone my craft. But mastering storytelling isn’t just about refining technical skills — it’s always been about mastering myself. Storytelling, I’ve come to learn, is a practice. Every story I tell, it brings me closer to becoming a better version of myself.
About Carrie
I grew up thinking my passion was writing. It turned out I was wrong. While studying communications at UCLA, I explored classes in film, speech and art history, and discovered that what truly fuels me is the ability to move people. I’m endlessly fascinated by the way stories can make us feel and think in new, different or deeper ways. And I love that, in our modern world, great stories can be told through so many mediums.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of working across a range of industries, from entertainment (where I met my husband) to automotive (where I found my business partner), each chapter providing invaluable lessons and shaping my approach to communications. At Artisan Entertainment (now Lionsgate) and later at Paramount Classics (now Paramount Vantage), I learned the art of resourcefulness and how to make magic with a shoestring budget. At Honda, I honed my skills as a communicator and gained a deep respect for Japanese culture, like quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.
Whether I’m crafting messaging, driving social engagement, or rallying organizations, I’m always driven by a love for purpose-driven storytelling. At the heart of it all are the the people—the spark that makes any story matter.
I live in Torrance, California with my husband, our four incredible kids and our tiny, but vocal dachshund. My family is a daily reminder of the beauty of individuality. Raising neurodivergent children has taught me to see the world through a more colorful creative lens—one that values empathy, nuance, and originality.
At my core, I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding and bring people together. And I think the world could use a little more of that.
Sauerkraut Pizza: An Origin Story
While working together on a video production for Honda, the foreshadowing of our partnership came in the form of a sauerkraut pizza (yes, you read that right).
We were filming in Central Ohio and quickly realized we had similar instincts. As one of us would start to make a suggestion, the other was already one step ahead, making the same adjustments. It was clear early on that we were in sync professionally and also shared similar values.
During that shoot, we decided to grab lunch at Pop’s Pizza in the quiet town of East Liberty. It was our first meal together, and while I was tempted to go for the safe pepperoni option, I told Hanh she should choose. Without hesitation, she ordered the sauerkraut and brown sugar pizza, and I instantly regretted my decision to defer. But something about her confidence made me trust her, so I went along. To my surprise, it was the most delicious pizza I’d ever had. In that moment, I realized: trust Hanh and she’ll lead you to new, unexpected experiences.
Years later, when Hanh told me she was striking out on her own, that sauerkraut and brown sugar pizza moment came rushing back and I knew I needed to be her partner. Today, we’re doing what we love for brands we love, side by side.