Today we’d like to introduce you to Emilia Perez
Hi Emilia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Fashion has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I would gather any scraps of fabric I could find and tie them together, proudly calling each new creation an “outfit.” Eventually, my curiosity grew to the point where I decided to sneak my mom’s brand-new sewing machine, which she kept hidden under a cabinet in our kitchen. She thought it was a terrible gift from my dad, viewing it as “work” rather than something fun! But for me, it was a treasure, and I taught myself to sew in secret. Those early experiments sparked my passion for creating, and that love has only grown over time.
To pursue fashion seriously, I studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at Central Michigan University. In 2019, I came to Los Angeles for an internship with Full Speed 100, a clothing production company, which gave me invaluable hands-on experience in manufacturing across streetwear, leather goods, activewear, and more. After the internship, I returned to Michigan to finish my final semester of college, officially moving to Los Angeles in 2020.
Arriving in LA during the pandemic was tough, and I initially worked in retail with brands like Else and at Farm Rio’s pop-up shop. But in 2021, I was able to return to design, joining Nux Active, where I handled everything from trend research and sketching to sourcing, pattern development, and textile testing. I also collaborated with brands like Peloton and Akire Sport, gaining insight into brand development and manufacturing.
Around this time, I began exploring content creation. My then-partner was a content creator, and helping him inspired me to build my own brand. After our relationship ended, I channeled what I’d learned into growing my own platform, sharing everything from styling videos to comedy and fashion-focused content. My TikTok following grew, and I started collaborating with brands and working on TikTok Shop content.
Recently, in September 2024, Nux Active went through financial difficulties and had to lay off much of the team, including me. While it was challenging, it also allowed me to focus more on my content creation career. Today, I’m diving deeper into styling while searching for my next design role, working with agencies, and continuing to connect with the fashion world online. This blend of design and content creation keeps me inspired as I look forward to the next steps in my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I’m a fighter who never gives up. Growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, I didn’t come from a well-off family, so I was always fighting for what I wanted and chasing my dreams. We faced numerous hardships, from my parents’ divorce to a traumatic experience when our home was contaminated with mercury. This left us effectively homeless, moving from hotel to hotel and living with relatives while we tried to navigate the legal aftermath of that situation.
I moved around a lot during my childhood—from Saginaw to Lansing and then to New Boston—which meant I was often the new girl at school, constantly having to make new friends and adapt to new environments. This experience made my transition to college in Mount Pleasant much smoother since I was used to starting over. However, when I moved to Los Angeles, I faced challenges in finding a sense of home because I did it all on my own, with no family or friends nearby.
After moving to Los Angeles, I developed a relationship with my ex, and a few years later, he was diagnosed with cancer. Helping care for him through multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy was incredibly tough, especially while trying to grow my own career. Additionally, I dealt with the struggles of his family not accepting me because I wasn’t the same culture as him, which added another layer of difficulty.
Most recently, I was laid off from my job at Nux Active in September, which was another setback. However, these struggles have only made me stronger, and I’ve noticed a shift in my life. Now, more opportunities are coming my way as I pursue my content creation career. I’m getting more involved with creator events and collaborating with other creators. At the same time, I’m also seeing new fashion opportunities presented to me that weren’t available before.
Going through these hardships has taught me resilience and strength. I often say I’m like a cockroach—nothing can tear me down! I’ve learned to shift my mindset; I no longer see myself as a victim. Everything happens for a reason, and I know I have control over how I react to life’s challenges. I choose to remain positive, happy, and resilient. I refuse to give my power away to anyone or any situation
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in capturing content, styling, and costume design, with a particular love for bold and unconventional fashion. I’m known for creating couture rave outfits and unique costumes, often collaborating with the wild brand Dolls Kill. My style features eye-catching statement pieces, and I enjoy incorporating a sense of comedy into my content while modeling and showcasing these looks.
I’m most proud of my perseverance; there have been many moments when I could have given up, but I chose to keep pushing forward, especially during tough times while I was trying to manage personal challenges. Each obstacle has tested my resolve, but I’ve learned to embrace these struggles as part of my journey. Whether it was facing setbacks in my professional life or overcoming personal hardships, I’ve always chosen to rise above and keep moving forward. This determination has not only shaped my character but also fueled my creativity. I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and that resilience is what drives me to keep pursuing my passion for fashion and content creation, no matter the circumstances.
What truly sets me apart is my unique approach to everything I do. I thrive on creativity and spontaneity, often experimenting with different styles and ideas that keep my audience on their toes. I believe that fashion should be fun and unexpected, which is why I embrace the title of a wild card. Whether I’m designing a new outfit, creating content, or engaging with my audience, I’m always looking for innovative ways to express myself.
My unpredictable nature means you can never quite predict what I’ll come up with next, and that element of surprise keeps my work fresh and exciting. I love pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms, infusing my designs with bold colors, eccentric patterns, and playful elements that reflect my personality. This sense of adventure not only sets my work apart but also creates an authentic connection with my audience, who appreciate my commitment to originality and self-expression.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I absolutely believe that risk-taking is an essential part of growth and pursuing your dreams. In 2020, I made one of the biggest risks of my life by moving to Los Angeles during the pandemic, leaving behind everything I knew in Michigan. I did this with no support nearby and without a stable job lined up. I had been offered a chance to work with Full Speed 100 again, but there wasn’t a solid pay structure in place. Despite that uncertainty, I knew that I had to take the leap—my determination to succeed outweighed my fears.
Initially, the job didn’t fully materialize due to the pandemic, so I had to pivot quickly. I took on retail positions while continuing to search for more opportunities in fashion design. This experience, while challenging, opened my eyes to a new passion for content creation. I realized that taking risks often leads to unexpected rewards, and my journey has been a testament to that. Each step I took, even if it seemed like a setback, ultimately guided me toward new avenues that I might not have explored otherwise.
I’ve learned that while risk can be daunting, it’s also a powerful catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Embracing uncertainty has allowed me to carve out my path, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliaestellah/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@emiliaestellah?si=c5gP9pa8JFePiFph
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@emiliaestellahh?_t=8cR0yftVlfi&_r=1
Image Credits
Kevin Boot Photography
