Our Story: Creating Thoughtful & Sustainable Memorial Urns

A Personal Beginning

My father died a few years ago, and I found myself searching at length for an urn that was beautiful, memorialized his life, and reflected his values. Despite extensive searching, I was struck by the absence of an open and honest company making cremation urns that were both beautifully and sustainably crafted.

Soon after, my good friend's stepfather passed away, and he had a remarkably similar experience.

Together, we founded esse for people seeking exactly what we couldn't find – memorial urns that honor our loved ones with beauty, meaning, and ethical integrity.

Why "esse"?

We chose the name "esse" (pronounced "ess") which means essential nature or essence. It reflects our philosophy that memorials should honor the authentic existence of those we've lost while acknowledging the continuing impact they have on our lives.

Our Values

The death of a friend or loved one is something that everyone faces and no one is ever quite prepared for. At esse, we help by creating unique and thoughtful remembrance urns that come from people who share your values.

Our designs are set apart through our commitment to contemporary yet timeless aesthetics and sustainability. Each esse memorial urn is thoughtfully designed to serve as a meaningful tribute while fitting harmoniously into modern homes and spaces.

We thoughtfully select sustainable and durable materials that honor both your loved one and our planet. We understand that memorializing a loved one is deeply personal, which is why we offer timeless memorial designs that respect various traditions and preferences.

Making a Difference

We don't just talk about making a difference – we're committed to action:

• We proudly donate to environmental organizations through our membership with 1% For the Planet
• But 1% isn't enough – we contribute additional profits to organizations like the Hospice Foundation of America
• We're currently pursuing B Corp certification, ensuring we operate as an environmentally and socially responsible company that exists to do good in the world, not just to turn a profit

Our Vision

Ultimately, we want to be part of elevating our shared experiences with death. While we know our sustainable cremation options are just one small part of that journey, we also believe that as a company and as individuals, we can choose to approach death—one of the most fundamentally human experiences—in an honest, open, and caring way.

We invite you to explore our collection at esse.is and see how we're reimagining memorial urns for today's world.

Have questions or want to learn more about us? Contact us – we're here to help during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Matthew Clark & Dustin Chapin