Today we’d like to introduce you to Gem Collie.
Hi Gem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and my entire relationship with food started in my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Friday she cooked the classics — Jamaican escovitch fish, steamed cabbage, pepper pot soup — and no matter what she made, there was always one thing on the table: her homemade pickled pepper sauce.
That sauce was everything to me. As a child, I loved pepper so much that if a meal didn’t have heat, it didn’t feel complete. My grandmother made her pepper sauce in big 32‑ounce jars, and I would sneak behind her back and use it in huge amounts. She would hide the jars in pots, bags, even under the kitchen sink — but my senses always found them. I couldn’t stay away from it. The sauce and I had our own emotional attachment. It called my name, and I answered every time.
Years later, after migrating to the United States, I moved to Washington, DC and started working at SO Vegan Restaurant on Georgia Avenue. That’s where the idea first sparked: What if I took the pepper sauce I grew up on and created my own version of it? One that honored my grandmother’s recipe but also reflected my creativity, my love for wellness, and my Caribbean roots.
I began experimenting — adding fruit flavors, adjusting the heat, and using healthier ingredients like raw apple cider vinegar instead of the distilled vinegar my grandmother used. When I later moved to Baltimore, I continued working in restaurants like Yabba Pot and Everlasting Life, and those environments helped me develop my creativity, discipline, and understanding of plant‑based food culture.
All of those experiences came together and became Earth’s Amber — a brand inspired by my heritage, my grandmother’s kitchen, and my own journey as a Caribbean woman who believes food should be flavorful, clean, and deeply connected to culture.
Earth’s Amber isn’t just a business. It’s a continuation of a family tradition, a celebration of Jamaican flavor, and a reflection of the passion that’s been with me since childhood. My goal is to bring these sauces to more homes, more stores, and more people who appreciate authentic, vibrant, Caribbean‑inspired food.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been dealing with people who didn’t always have my best interests at heart. As a young founder, I learned early that not everyone who calls themselves a mentor is truly there to support you. I’ve had situations where people tried to take credit for my ideas, discourage my progress, or create barriers that made it harder for me to move forward.
Those experiences were painful, especially when they came from people I trusted.
But they also taught me some of my most important lessons: how to protect my vision, how to stand firm in my purpose, and how to keep building even when others try to block the path. Instead of letting those obstacles stop me, they pushed me to become more independent, more resourceful, and more confident in my own abilities.
Every setback sharpened my focus. Every challenge strengthened my resilience.
And every attempt to hold me back only confirmed that I was moving in the right direction. Earth’s Amber exists today because I refused to let anyone dim what I was building.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder of Earth’s Amber, a Caribbean‑inspired food brand rooted in clean ingredients, cultural authenticity, and bold flavor. I specialize in creating handcrafted pepper sauces and seasonings that honor my Jamaican heritage while offering a healthier, modern twist. I’m known for my creativity with flavor — especially my fruit‑infused pepper sauces — and for building a brand that feels personal, intentional, and connected to my story. What I’m most proud of is that I built Earth’s Amber from the ground up, from recipe development to branding to production, all while staying true to my roots. What sets me apart is the authenticity behind my products: every sauce is inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen in Kingston, my years working in plant‑based restaurants, and my commitment to clean, vibrant, culturally rich food. Earth’s Amber isn’t just a product line — it’s a reflection of my journey, my heritage, and my belief that flavor and wellness can exist in the same bottle.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been blessed to have mentors and supporters who played a powerful role in my growth, both personally and as a founder. Angela Fraye, Mr. James, Angelo, and Mrs. Veronica Grimes have each guided me in ways that truly shaped my journey. They weren’t just mentors — they were steady voices of wisdom during moments when I felt unsure, overwhelmed, or discouraged. They offered direction when I needed clarity, encouragement when I doubted myself, and honest guidance that kept me aligned with my purpose. What means the most to me is that they supported me with kindness, patience, and genuine belief in my vision. They didn’t just cheer me on from the sidelines — they walked with me, challenged me to grow, and helped me stay focused when the path felt heavy. Their influence has been a major part of my development and the continued success of Earth’s Amber.
Pricing:
- Raw vegan fruit flavored mango pepper sauce $8.25
- Tamil flavor, pepper sauce, 825
- Guapa flavor pepper sauce $8.25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://earthsamber.com/
