When fashion-loving friends Emily Matson and Julianne Goldmark were in 8th grade, the two were searching for stylish hair accessories and ponytail holders like the ones they saw celebrities wearing. However, when they saw they saw the high price of these hair pieces, the young girls went to the local fabric store and decided to make their own unique hair ties. The girls’ hand-made products ranging from on-trend headbands to bows to ponytail holders quickly became a massive hit with their peers. What once was a fun hobby then grew to become a small business operated from a guest bedroom in Julianne’s parents’ house.
As a combination of the names Emily and Julianne, the girls named their growing company Emi-Jay in 2009. Emi-Jay exploded in popularity when they discovered a connection to Chris McMillan, a celebrity stylist. For a movie premiere, his client Jennifer Aniston wore one of Emi-Jay’s simple black hair ties. Shortly after, other major celebrities and fashion companies such as Marie Claire were reaching out to Emi-Jay. In 2015, to match the CEOs’ expanding interests, Matson and Goldmark started a fashion-forward clothing company called Tees by Emi-Jay.
Today, Emi-Jay is a multimillion-dollar company that sells a variety of clothes and accessories, collaborates with widely-successful companies including Nordstrom and Whole Foods, and is represented by famous celebrities such as Gigi Hadid. Emi-Jay also donates 20% of its profits to charity, which is currently Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Emily Matson and Julianne Goldmark, who are now at separate colleges, continue to grow their business, employ dozens of full-time workers, and balance a full class schedule.
It is amazing how inflated prices are for products. I have started to do more diy stuff because of the price gauges and for the entertainment factor. It is amazing how eighth graders could apply this on a grander scale for retail. Emily and Julianne are even able to add a social aspect to their company. They have great business sense it seems.