Emily Phillips
Owner of Emily Phillips Clothing
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted high quality, comfortable, cute clothing that would take me anywhere. Mostly I wanted to stop trying to pass off my yoga pants as work attire!
What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
Do you have all day? Manufacturing, shipping, accounting... I'm doing it all, so I've come up against what seems like everything. Typically, I just try to remember that "this too shall pass"; it's not the actual end of the world and then I just plow through.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams and don't be afraid to ask for help.
What three traits define you?
Honest; Hardworking; Laughter-Loving.
What women inspire you?
Tory Fitzgibbon; LeAnn Phelan; Julie Walker.... none of them are women you would know or are famous, they are women that are friends that inspire me to be more giving; live genuinely, give people the benefit of the doubt and keep going.
How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?
It's such a comfort knowing there is an organization of women who have been where I've been; are going where I want to go; doing what I want to do... and willing to help me along the way.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
I'm seeing a renewed appreciation for quality; a major move away from fast fashion; demand for American-made; sustainable fashion.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
Everything.
What are the biggest obstacles you see for young female entrepreneurs?
Asking for help/support; financing.
What do you love about being a business owner?
Knowing that the sky is the limit.
What’s the hardest part about being a business owner?
Feeling isolated; little help.
How do you define success?
Supporting my children and myself.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
When you are explaining, you are losing.
What is your favorite career moment?
Hearing from other women that I am making a difference in their life.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Binge watch something... anything.
What are you listening to now?
Every podcast on marketing or female founders: Masters of Scale; Being Boss; Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff.
What’s the best way to start your day?
Sleeping in.
How do you unwind after a long workday?
Run; eat; wine.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... freeze up; then plow through.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… you can do so much more than you thought to dream of.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… a cozy sweatshirt.
By this time next year, I will be… still grinding.
To get my creative juices flowing, I… get as deep into nature as possible.
Emily phillips
Emily Phillips is a Nashville-based collection of women's shirts and shirtdresses ethically made in the USA with natural and sustainable fabrics and practices. Attention to detail, fit and luxury fabrics set their brand apart. They believe women should be busy living life... not getting dressed for it.
