Podcast Summary: The Emily Don Long Interview with Throwing Fits
Introduction
In the January 15, 2025 episode of "Throwing Fits," hosts Lawrence and Ryan Reynolds welcome their first guest of the new year, Emily Don Long, the founder and designer of the eponymous brand Emily Don Long (EDL). The episode delves deep into Emily's journey in the fashion industry, her unique approach to design, and the challenges she faces while scaling her brand.
Getting to Know Emily Don Long
The conversation kicks off with Emily navigating playful banter about her distinctive name and past experiences. Early on, Emily shares insights into her upbringing and touches upon experiences of being bullied, which have shaped her resilience and creative drive.
- Emily Don Long [02:00]: "I grew up with a lot of those. Some of those, not a lot of those. Sorry, didn't mean to put that down."
A Deep Dive into the EDL Brand
Emily provides a comprehensive overview of her brand, emphasizing its identity as a lifestyle brand focused on creating pieces she herself would want to wear. She rejects the notion of pigeonholing her brand into a single category, highlighting the versatility of her products.
- Emily Don Long [09:22]: "It's like a lifestyle brand, and I'm just making that I would want to wear."
Product Line and Design Philosophy
The discussion transitions to Emily's product offerings, including hats, shirts, jewelry, and accessories. She explains her meticulous design process, often starting from individual products and allowing each piece to stand on its own while maintaining a cohesive brand aesthetic.
- Emily Don Long [05:37]: "It's like, by no means do all of the things need to be worn together. They all stand on their own."
Emily highlights her flagship product, the Wanda Hat, which has gained significant popularity, including recognition from celebrities like Kendrick Lamar.
- Emily Don Long [11:15]: "Some people call it the Kendrick Lamar hat now, which, like, Oh, I mean."
Collaborations and Brand Growth
Emily discusses her collaborations, notably with Tyler Owen for creating a couture thong inspired by Everlast boxing shorts. She shares how these collaborations have positively impacted her brand's visibility and credibility without any legal repercussions.
- Emily Don Long [52:57]: "And I actually met up with them in Miami and... Yeah."
Challenges in Scaling the Brand
A significant portion of the interview addresses the hurdles Emily faces in expanding her brand. She speaks candidly about production issues, quality control, and the emotional toll of managing a growing business single-handedly.
- Emily Don Long [24:28]: "Production is insane. No one understands how much things cost to make one physical."
Despite these challenges, Emily remains passionate and committed, continuously seeking ways to improve and expand her offerings without compromising quality.
Personal Insights and Experiences
Emily opens up about her personal life, including her health journey dealing with Bell's palsy and being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She emphasizes the importance of balancing work with self-care and maintaining mental health.
- Emily Don Long [50:48]: "I got Bell's palsy, and it's like, who do I have to call on the other side. I look great."
Future Plans and Vision
Looking forward, Emily shares her excitement about launching a full men’s and women’s collection in Paris. She expresses her desire to maintain a slow and steady growth approach, ensuring each new product aligns with her brand's vision and quality standards.
- Emily Don Long [20:12]: "I'm excited about what I'm making. I think New York needs like something exciting."
Constructive Criticism and Mutual Growth
Towards the end of the episode, Emily is invited to offer constructive criticism to the hosts. She humorously critiques their use of language and marketing strategies while also providing genuine feedback on how they can improve their engagement and content delivery.
- Emily Don Long [89:40]: "How can you have it? My constructor criticism. Use that sound bite in your marketing, you get sued."
Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with Emily reflecting on her journey, the importance of authenticity in fashion, and her commitment to creating wearable, timeless pieces. The hosts express their gratitude and support, wishing her success in her Paris showroom debut.
- Lawrence [90:06]: "Ran well in the only podcast that matters. Made for and by real men."
Notable Quotes
- Emily Don Long [09:22]: "It's like a lifestyle brand, and I'm just making that I would want to wear."
- Emily Don Long [11:15]: "Some people call it the Kendrick Lamar hat now, which, like, Oh, I mean."
- Emily Don Long [24:28]: "Production is insane. No one understands how much things cost to make one physical."
- Emily Don Long [50:48]: "I got Bell's palsy, and it's like, who do I have to call on the other side. I look great."
- Emily Don Long [89:40]: "Use that sound bite in your marketing, you get sued."
Conclusion
This episode of "Throwing Fits" offers an in-depth look into Emily Don Long's creative process, entrepreneurial spirit, and the intricate balance between personal well-being and business growth. Listeners gain valuable insights into the fashion industry's challenges and Emily's unwavering dedication to her brand's authenticity and quality.
For more content from "Throwing Fits," visit www.throwingfits.com.