Meet Elle Wang: NYC Mama and Emilia George Founder

“Moms are so loyal to building and supporting their communities and networks.”

WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

I still have a day job and Emilia George is my side hustle. I have been a Partnerships Advisor for one of the UN offices in New York for almost six years and obtained my doctorate degree in Public Policy while working full time. I didn't always know I wanted to work as an international civil servant, but I did know since I was little that I wanted to do something that has impact. This drive has led me through an academic research journey as well as professional endeavors.

When I was seven month pregnant and working full time I was so frustrated with the maternity clothes I wore to work every day. They were all pretty, but they were uncomfortable. The first thing I wanted to do every day after I came home was to take everything off so my body could finally breathe. I vowed to build a sustainable maternity brand that proves that fabrics matter — which is a term I'm almost registered as a trademark — and to make pregnant women feel comfortable. This is the impact my work brings. I could've easily started another fast fashion brand to sell much cheaper clothing quick, but I didn't see any special impact that would bring to what is already available in the market.

WHAT ARE THE NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN?

George is 17 months old and I am expecting baby #2!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR?

I've witnessed some of my project proposals coming to fruition and being implemented in some of the least developed countries and benefiting the local communities. I helped build the first innovation center in the Eastern Caribbean region and many similar projects under new partnerships with donor countries and other organizations.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A MOTHER?

To know that my baby loves me wholeheartedly. He wants his mom and he holds no judgement in his heart. He wants me for me .

AND WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING?

Time and energy. I feel so bad when I have to ask my nanny to take him away from my office when I'm on calls. I feel the same guilt when I'm suffering these horrible pregnancy symptoms and have to lay in bed for hours and when I could no longer lift him up to avoid any potential bleeding (I had a bad case of hematoma when I was pregnant with George).

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO YOUR INDUSTRY?

When it comes to advice for newcomers to the clothing industry, my best advice is to be as lean as possible and as adaptive as possible. Everyone's goal is different. For me, my goal is not to hold onto my perfect idea of what should happen, but pay attention to what is actually happening in the market. What is the feedback I'm hearing? What am I missing? Emilia George is only less than nine months, but I've pivoted in my business so many times already to make sure the business makes sense. COVID-19 has killed so many legendary brands, and it's been a miracle for us to stay "alive" and growing. I attribute it to adjusting the price point for our collections, pivot to making sustainable masks and start taking on private labels manufacturing.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR A NEW MOTHER?

Know that you are not going through this alone. Motherhood has been one of the most precious bonding experiences I've had in my whole life. Moms are so loyal to building and supporting their communities and networks. The only thing a new mother need is to ask. :

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP?

Yes! Speaking of pivoting, I'm working with some decorators to turn our Emilia George office in Tribeca into a public space that can be used by other moms. More details to come.

Follow Elle at @emiliageorgeofficial.