Rising Stars: Meet Emily Egan

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Emily Egan.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always wanted to be an artist, and fashion has always been one of my favorite mediums. I loved to sit in my room and draw clothing designs, dreaming up outfits in my mind and wondering what it would be like to design a whole store of my own one day. 

Although, even from a young age, I knew how wasteful the fashion industry was. It bothered me that the thing I was most passionate about was also one of the most damaging industries to our environment. I didn’t know how, but I was going to make fashion and sustainability work together. 

I finished my first upcycling project in high school. I designed a collection of women’s clothing made from materials found at the thrift store: denim, window curtains, and other vintage textiles. I used this project to apply to fashion schools around the country and ultimately decided on Kent State University’s Fashion School. I studied fashion and sustainability, graduating with a BA in Fashion Design in 2016. 

After graduating, I started working as a textile designer and quickly fell in love with the art of patterns and surface design. In 2019, I started my own freelance business, designing prints for textiles, as well as art for other products and branding. Although I had more control over what kind of clients I wanted to work with, I still found it difficult to connect with other companies that shared my passion for sustainability. So, after a few years of successfully designing products for other brands, I felt it was time to start my own. 

I started wildflower wurld in 2022 with one goal: decorate the wurld with wildflowers. What does this mean? First, the misspelling of the word “wurld” is purposeful. It represents the fact that we do things differently around here. We’re brave enough to break the rules and transcend social norms to build a new “wurld” that promotes authentic individuality, meaningful connection, and perfect imperfection. Like I say when anyone asks, I’m sick of cycling through this world, so I’m building a new wurld. Wildflowers are the perfect medium for this wurld. They grow in their own time, with unwavering strength and unique beauty. They embody a bright, sensitive and loving energy, no matter what surface they’re growing through. 

As a marketer and designer, I know I could create an entire collection right here on my laptop, send it off to a factory overseas to produce, create a Facebook Ads campaign, post trendy videos on TikTok, and sell to lots of people on the internet and make some money. But I also know that the environmental and mental damage from all those things far outweighs any gratification I or the customer would ever receive. So, how can I create a high-quality fashion collection without new materials, machinery, or harmful chemicals? For me, the answer was wildflower wurld. 

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?
Of course not! The biggest struggle I’ve faced through starting my own business is the effects on my mental health. 

Imposter syndrome and fear of failure are likely present in any business owner, but it’s even more difficult to navigate with Anxiety and Depression, which I’ve been struggling with for almost 20 years. Every day is hard, and every market is like a battle, but honestly, it is so worth it. Through every low point, I feel myself growing stronger, and I’m grateful for this experience for pushing my boundaries. 

One of the biggest struggles has been standing out amongst other small businesses selling mass-produced, poor-quality, trend-grabbing items. As welcoming as the small biz community is in Phoenix, it’s hard to sell a $60 hand-embroidered vintage t-shirt when the vendor next to you is selling a tee for $25 (made in China, printed in large qualities on low-quality fabric). 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
wildflower wurld is a collection of upcycled clothing & accessories decorated by hand with embroidery. I source only top-quality modern and vintage items that are unique and made to last (lots of items Made in the US, 80s, 90s, Y2K). Everything is sized genderless and includes sizes from XS-3XL. I use a simple back-stitch free-hand embroidery technique in motifs and patterns that have become my signature. 

Instead of using an embroidery guide or pattern, I intuitively create embroidery art by free-hand stitching over stains and holes or just decorating the garment with wildflowers. T-shirts, pullovers, and sweats with our embroidered logo, the “wildflower smiley” has become one of the most popular styles. I’m also known for my sportswear items, including allover wildflower embroidery. 

Who else deserves credit for your story?
I’ve been blessed with some awesome supporters in my life. My previous boss and mentor, Tiffany Manzione, taught me so much about the industry and myself as a designer. 

She always said, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for,” those simple words have propelled me to be brave and confident. Another mentor of mine is Orlando Rios, who was a client who hired me as Creative Director for his company Raised by Coyotes. 

As a successful and fearless entrepreneur, Orlando motivates me to take advantage of opportunities and to keep moving radically and authentically. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wildflowerwurld.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflowerwurld/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildflowerwurld