Fashion is sometimes regarded as frivolous, but Emmalyn Love knows that it is so much more. The way we present ourselves gives us confidence and joy. It’s something everyone should be able to experience and through her blog and boutique, Emmalyn makes sure that style is accessible to all. On top of being a blogger, she is also a mom and a nurse (and somehow she manages to juggle it all and look great doing it!). Get ready to take some business and style tips from this fashionable Babe.
How did you get started?
I started blogging four years ago because I love dressing up and sharing how to look good on a budget. In 2000, I migrated to the United States with my father. Being a single parent in a foreign country, he couldn’t afford to buy me nice things so I got a lot of my clothes as hand-me-downs or from the thrift store. It made me learn how to make things look good. Since I got lots of complement in school, I decided to start my blog to share with others how to look good on a budget. Style is not about what you buy but how you wear it, that’s what my blog is all about.
While I worked in retail for years, it was always a dream of mine to own a boutique. I love interacting with women and personal styling. Finally in 2017, I got the courage to start my online boutique.
What inspires your work? I observed the lack of diversity within the fashion world, so I decided to establish an online store that caters to women of all races, backgrounds, and body types. As a blogger, I feel a personal responsibility to establish a site that celebrates the diversity and visibility of women. I believe that fashion doesn’t have to be racially restricted or reclusive, it can be fun and anyone, no matter their race or body type, can look and feel fabulous. This is what I strive for with Emmalyn Love Boutique.
How do you think blogging can enrich a business? Blogging is a great way to connect with your customers, build relationships and offer insight to your audience. I use my blog to share with my customer great ways to style pieces that they can buy from me or elsewhere.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who want to blog but struggle with writing?
My advice for anyone who wants to start a blog or a business is just do it, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. You will learn as you go. Sometimes we overthink things and underestimate ourselves. There’s so much information out there, so there should be no excuse as to why you can’t start.
How do you set boundaries on what to share, especially as a mom?
Setting boundaries, for me, was always easy because I’ve never been someone who over shared their personal life on social media. I recently started sharing more bits and pieces of my personal life because I think it’s important for people to get to know you as a person.
How do you use social media to promote your personal brand and boutique? I try to show a lot of the behind the scenes work, it’s a great way to give customers the chance to get to know me as a person and to know that I am human. It’s a great way to build relationships and connect with people. When people can connect with you, when people know you, they are more likely to trust what you’re selling and buy from you.
What are some of your favorite Instagram accounts that you follow?
Some of my favorite Instagram accounts are:
@wendyslookbook I love her effortless style.
@lisanicolerosado I love everything that she’s doing with We Are Women Owned (@wearewomenowned) and how she promotes and supports sisterhood.
What are some style trends for 2019 that you’re excited about? I love statement pieces, they’re a great way to express yourself without saying much, so I’m really excited about Tie-dye. Tie-dye brings back a lot of childhood memories. Growing up in Liberia, I made my own tie-dye shirts and Lapa (African print fabric).
I am also excited about the Tuxedo trend. I’ve always been a huge fan of blazers and women suits in general. Now that it’s trendy, I have an excuse to wear all my favorite pants suits and blazers.