We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emelia Castro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emelia below.

Emelia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently as far as the time line of my creative career goes. When I first began, I was 19 years old, modeling in Denver, with no ideas of a clothing company. I had just dropped out of college and had no direction in my life. I didn’t know what I was going to do. As I continued along my path, I discovered my passion for the clothing industry and started my own company, Freak-i$h. I had little to no idea what I was doing in regards to the business or the designing of the clothes. After COVID, my company did not have the means to continue, but my dreams were meant to persevere. I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and learned all of the things I needed to know. I got to network with amazing individuals and learn from amazing professors. Fast forward to now, I am living in Arizona, packed with knowledge and drive, ready to relaunch my clothing company. And I can feel that this is just the beginning for me. If I would’ve started sooner or later than I did, I might not be where I am now. Where I am now is not the best, and I am not quite in the spot I had hoped to be, but I know I am in the hard parts and they will become part of my success story one day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a 24 year old fashion designer and entrepreneur who is doing their best to figure out how to do all of this. I got into the industry initially when I began modeling in Denver, CO. Being a model introduced me to so many creative directors, stylists, designers, photographers and more. I started to realize that my heart did not belong infront of the camera, but behind it. I began designing clothes in 2019 and never looked back. My new brand, Frksh, creates one of a kind garments out of recycled materials for all types of women. I will also be opening my books for custom designs as well as giving customers the option to customize past garments. The clothing is out there and meant to be seen, but delicate and beautiful at the same time. I have seen the effects of the fashion industry on our world, and my company is being built to help combat the waste that is created. I am proud of the story I am creating, the relationships I am building with my community, and the garments that have been built. I can see the growth first hand between my last rendition of Frksh, and what I am creating now. And I can say with confidence that this rebrand will be nothing short of magical.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Currently, I am pivoting. And something I would like to say is that it is hard. When you think you have a path and a goal and then all of the sudden you have to change the plan, it can be difficult and disheartening. When I graduated from fashion school, I was confident I was going to get a job in LA and be working in the industry. After months and months of trying, I had no job and my plan was nothing but a jumbled mess. I had to pivot, I had to rethink what I was going to do. So, I moved to somewhere I could save my money and got myself a job outside of the industry. And by outside the industry… I mean I am a dental office receptionist. I know, not glamorous. But what I can say about this pivot is if I wouldn’t of been rejected by the industry, I don’t know if I would have decided to rebrand my company and go out on my own again. My point is no matter how hard or scary a change is, sometimes the changes are meant to show you where you are actually supposed to be. So let the river take you and don’t hold onto your plan too tight, because change is inevitable.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think it is as simple as being more involved in your community. In my years of being a designer, I have lived in three different cities. Each has had a beautiful ecosystem of creatives, small businesses, and artists. They are out there and they are making beautiful things, you just have to look. Shopping via small businesses is so much more important than people think. Most small businesses fund individuals lives, not some business guys yacht summer. You can shop from all of these businesses by simply heading into your cities, stopping by farmers markets and flea markets, and even checking sites like Etsy. When you need a new outfit or want decorations for your home or want a new piece of art, those are all perfect opportunities to support local businesses. And you will be shocked to find that not only is it a better product, but customer service is outstanding and you become apart of something bigger. My last note is if you have a friend or family member who is starting a creative endeavor, please don’t ask them for a discount. You are going to be their biggest supporter in the beginning, they need your real support, not the discounted version.

Contact Info:

• Website: Coming Soon!
• Instagram: @theembeanz
• Youtube: @theembeanz
• Other: TikTok: @theembeann