Meet Emily Watson | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After I had my daughter, Clementine, I wanted to find a way to stay home with her. I quit my job as a family law paralegal and decided to start a business out of my house. I started “Clementine’s Closet,” a second-hand women’s clothing shop. I also like to use the terms “sustainable fashion.” I used Facebook and Instagram to sell my clothing. Both accounts grew fast. I basically sold everything out of my own closet at first. Once I received some funds from selling my own clothes, I made my way to local thrift stores to find more clothing to resell. I have always been an avid thrifter. There is no better feeling than finding a top-notch brand or extremely unique item for cheap. Thrifting is my therapy. I am very picky about the clothing that I get. I am constantly staying up with what’s trending and what’s hot. I will get up super early in the morning to be the first one at a local yard sale. I guess you can consider me a personal shopper. After shopping, I would put complete outfits together, take pictures, and put them online. After a few minutes, a whole swarm of people would jump to the post claiming items and a lot of times the complete outfit. I would meet locals who purchased items from me and I also began shipping items to people in other states. When I started my business I told myself I was going to be diverse and inclusive with my sizing. I have stayed true to that goal. I have sizes ranging from xxs to 4x. I work very hard making sure each size is done with justice. I want anyone to be able to come and shop and to be included.

I started my business in May 2021. It grew quickly and in September 2022, I signed my lease agreement for my storefront, finally having my grand opening on February 11, 2023.
I have always wanted to have my own clothing store, but it never felt feasible. Becoming a mother gave me an entire new point of view and pushed me to do something that inspires me. My goal is to provide trendy, affordable, and sustainable fashion to people – clothing that makes you feel good and happy. Clementine’s Closet is more than just a clothing shop, it is a group of women supporting each other through fashion. My store is continuing to grow and I have since hired my first employee. I also have several vendors in my shop, each with their own unique 2nd-hand style. I have an amazing support system and customer base. I have frequent events in my shop. I am proud that I have brought a unique store to my small-town community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After high school I went to college, not really feeling like I had a choice in the matter. I picked what everyone else was doing at that time – elementary education. A year in I realized it was not something that I really wanted to do – still being pushed to get a “degree,” I switched to a 2 year program at the technical school and finished with a degree in Paralegal Studies. I got my first big girl job at a local firm, I work there for almost 2 years doing real estate and insurance law. Let’s just say there was nothing inspiring about this job other than it paid the bills, hardly. My next job was doing Family Law. This was much more interesting and juicy. Some how, despite all of the horror stories of divorce and custody, I still got married and pregnant. I honestly enjoyed this job. I worked with amazing people and felt like I was actually doing something that mattered. On the other end, it was very hard to “represent” people who had lost their 5 previous children and were now having baby # “6,” all the while I was struggling with miscarriages. We eventually got pregnant with my daughter, Clementine. I knew early on there was just no way I would be able to leave her, especially considering Americas poor maternity leave laws. That was just not enough time for me. I was going to find a way to be with her.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I may be a little bias, but my shop is located on the coolest block – Donuts, coffee, art, clothing, and antiques. We are definitely going there. We would also take a trip to El Gran Sabor for some amazing cachapas,margaritas, and live music. This restaurant is the best in Elkins, WV, no doubt. Authentic Venezuelan cuisine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Zackery Watson, who supported by dreams and worked tirelessly so that I could stay home with our daughter and start a business. My customers and supporters. Without them there is no business.
My daughter, Clementine, who has inspired me in more ways than she will ever know.

Instagram: clementinesclosetllc

Facebook: Clementine’s Closet LLC

Image Credits
Shae Focused Photography Philippi, WV