Elle Wang - Founder, Emilia George
Elle Wang
Elle Wang is the founder of high-end maternity workwear brand, Emilia George. Through Emilia George, Elle has created a brand that helps pregnant and new mothers feel professional, comfortable and empowered in a corporate workplace.
As a Strategist for Partnerships, Business Development, and Stakeholder Management at the United Nations in New York City, for Elle, preserving her professional image has always been extremely important. Once she was pregnant with her son, George, she sought out professional maternity-wear that was long-lasting, sustainable, and comfortable. With no luck in finding such professional wear that checked all of these boxes – she realized that this is a huge gap in the market. Coming to the conclusion that many women out there were likely also facing this same dilemma, an idea sparked. Elle decided then that she would take it upon herself to create a line that empowers professional expecting and new moms to honor their identity while embracing the transformation of motherhood.
Emilia George is redefining the traditional concept of maternity wear by providing mothers-to-be with professional silhouettes in sustainable eco-fabrics from niche producers around the globe. All Emilia George pieces are also thoughtfully designed with discreet nursing capabilities for pump access, and the enduringly classic designs are perfect for any occasion during pregnancy and throughout motherhood. Emilia George is the first maternity wear brand to include these built in nursing features – making the pieces seamlessly transitional from pregnancy to postpartum.
I’m so excited for you to connect with Elle, check out work and Emilia George, and follow along as she continues to empower women to pursue their professional mission while pregnant, with confidence and a clear conscience.
I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.
My name is Elle Wang and I am the founder of high-end sustainable maternity workwear brand, Emilia George and Strategist for Partnerships, Business Development, and Stakeholder Management at the United Nations in New York City. As the Founder and CEO of Emilia George, I have a hand in many aspects of the company, from marketing, to sales, to production.
At the moment, I'm actively planning for my second webinar to provide additional expert resources for expecting parents to stay well physically and mentally during this unprecedented time. We are also utilizing our resources to produce facemasks that will be made of post-consumer plastic Coca-Cola bottles!
Our new summer collection is also expected to launch in May! The summer collection will use light, very breathable fabrics that maintain the same sophistication and elegance that Emilia George pieces are known for.
How did you get started?
I founded Emilia George when I was 7-months pregnant based on months of pure frustration with the lack of high-quality maternity wear was comfortable on my skin, professional-looking and functional. I had invested in a few pieces of more expensive maternity wear at the time, and I outgrew them when I got to the 3rd trimester. I remember I was furious about having wasted money, not to mention the uncomfortable and unbreathable fabrics the clothes were made from. So, I did some surveys in a few mom groups on Facebook and interviewed other moms I know. The most interesting conclusion was that many maternity brands underestimate the power of classy and timeless designs that many pregnant working moms are looking for. So, my mom and I joined forces and a few months later, Emilia George was launched.
What inspired the work that you're doing?
Working at the United Nations inspired me in a lot of ways, especially when I met the refugee women, some pregnant and mothers already, in Bidibidi refugee camps in Northern Uganda. I have always had this innate passion, and with my entrepreneurial spirit I knew I wanted to do something good for motherhood.
Once I recognized a huge gap in the apparel market for expecting mothers, I was inspired to create a line of professional mom-wear with thoughtful details and innovative, sustainable fabrics that would empower women to look as good as they feel. Pregnancy is a beautiful moment where motherhood is imminent, and femininity is blossoming. But expectant (and postpartum) women in executive work environments often feel like a ‘shrinking violet’ – sacrificing quality, comfort, and style – cloaked in the uncomfortable, synthetic fabrics of today’s maternity and nursing clothing. At Emilia George, our structured, tailored silhouettes are designed to conform to and flatter a changing figure, pre-bump to postpartum, as well as cater to new baby needs via pumping or nursing functionalities, pockets and more.
My experiences as a mother to my son, George have also lent inspiration to my work and my founding of the Fabrics Matter Movement. After finding that George’s skin became twice irritated from contact with my clothes that contained harsh dyes, I was inspired to raise awareness for the importance of fabrics, not only for baby clothes but for the mother’s clothes too. Fabrics matter for pregnancy and postpartum because what the mom wears, the little one ultimately ends up wearing as well.
What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?
My biggest passion is to do something that has meaning for others, either spiritual or practical. This might mean that I spend a whole weekend writing notecards to local doctors and donating facemasks that I received from overseas family or organizing an event to provide advice and share resources on topics that are relevant for others. I may not want to admit it, but I'm very much like my parents in this regard. We all really care so much about what we do for society.
What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?
I laugh with my 1-year old boy all day long. Sometimes I don't know why he laughs, but I join him. His pure happiness brings me so much joy and pulls me out of any negative space in my mind at the time. I love my company, Emilia George. It was my child before my actual child was born. When you create something with your passion, heart, soul, and sweat to some extent, it makes you feel so alive and purposeful.
How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?
I introspect a lot and reminded myself of how far I've come. Plus, my husband is my free therapist (after years of spending money on professional therapists, I realized he was all I needed). We carve out time in the evening to connect, even just for 5-10 minutes. This does wonders to help both of us to never drift and continue going with the flow. We remind each other of our purposes and missions in life and where we are mentally, emotionally and health-wise. We talk about what can we do better and what should we be grateful for. I hope everyone finds that person - a spouse, a partner, a friend, a family member, or anyone to have this connecting time every day.
What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?
I have pretty much fulfilled my goals--marrying my love, having the sweetest son in the whole wide world, having worked at my dream job since I was little, traveling around the world, and continuing to build a life and a business in the best city of the world, New York City. I would tell myself to trust the process, which is called life. I wish my younger self enjoyed it and savored it more rather than being so eager to get there.
Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?
I have two. Don’t Give Up- because I work ”
What is your biggest dream?
Creating a positive impact through what I do. My parents have taught me to live a mission-driven life since I was a little kid. I dream about fulling my mission to create something that services my own life.
To learn more about Elle visit her website https://emiliageorgeofficial.com and on Instagram @emiliageorgeofficial Facebook @emiliageorgeofficial and via email team@emiliageorgeofficial.com
Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here