Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily Wostenberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Wostenberg.

Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I’ve had the spirit of an entrepreneur ever since I was a kid. Around 10 years old, I was crocheting washcloths and selling them at my grandma’s yard sales. Before that, I’d be out on the side of the road with a little pop-up stand, selling friendship bracelets that my sister and I made together. Fast forward to when I was 16 and started working at a local coffee shop. It didn’t take long before I was asking them if I could sell my handmade items in their store. In 2019—when I was finally old enough— I started my own business and Etsy shop at 18 years old. It wasn’t much, more of a hobby and side gig than anything. But I remember always getting so excited whenever I’d have an order pop up on my phone. Then, as we all know, COVID hit in 2020. More people than ever were ordering online, and I got temporarily laid off from my job—so my business was really all I had. I slowly started branching out and trying new things. Over the next couple years, I picked up embroidery again (my mom had taught me some as a kid) and started implementing that into my business. In 2023 I decided I was tired of working for other people in customer service, so I quit my job at a patisserie and dove head-first into my business full time. 2023 ended up being a really hard year economically for everyone with the crazy amounts of inflation. People could barely afford to survive, much less be buying cute, unnecessary items. But I put myself out there as much as I possibly could. I did every community pop-up market I could find—sometimes 2 or 3 a week. I passed out countless business cards, hosted workshops, did custom work, and even landed my items in multiple physical storefronts. Through all that work, I managed to support myself fully for my whole first year, which was full time. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of my partner, friends, and family, but I hope to be able to continue running my business full-time as long as the support of my customers allows me to. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all easy. The state of the economy over the last couple of years put a huge damper on the success of my business. Many small business friends of mine have told me how previous years had been so much more profitable for them and that 2023 was one of their hardest years financially. Of course, this was the year I happened to go full-time with my business, and I had to push through that. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an embroidery artist and designer. I specialize in botanical elements and beautiful color palettes but am open to a wide array of styles. My items are very popular with the reader community as a lot of items I create also stem from my love of reading! I am also very passionate about sparking creativity in others, so in 2023 I created a line of DIY embroidery kits which I am always adding to. I love getting to see my customers and friends complete their projects and try something new. 

I believe I am set apart from others in the genuine care I have for my customers. I love doing markets because I get to meet my buyers in person and form a connection and relationship with them. I like them to know there is a woman behind my business that they can relate to and who also has her own struggles and bad days. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Markets have been a great way for me to connect with other creatives! Also, if your community has any sort of small business meet-ups or creative nights, I would encourage everyone to join in on them. They are so fulfilling, and you never know what opportunities may arise! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iemcreative.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.em.creative.co/