Winner of the NFIB/Wiley Rein Young Entrepreneur Foundation award, Emily Wills’ business creates custom shorts for girls all over the world.
Eighteen-year-old Emily Wills is a student at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Her desire to have a cool pair of shorts without shelling out more than $100 led to a successful and creative business.
Wills started at the age of 15 and, after “ruining 12 pairs of jeans” from Goodwill to create her own perfect design, she posted her first successful creation on social media site Instagram.
“I wasn’t even really trying to start my business, but it kind of just took off from there,” says Wills. “I got my first three orders through Instagram, and I just kept making more for people. Then it kind of just grew, and now it’s an international business. It’s crazy.”
As her sales took off, Wills says she learned some important entrepreneurial lessons along the way.
“My biggest challenge has been learning how to deal with customers, especially people who speak other languages,” she says. “I’ve had to learn through experience with everything related to owning a business.”
However, the most important lesson, she says, is a humbling reminder of how a business can remain loyal to its core values.
“I’ve learned the value of respect and kindness,” says Wills. “I know those two things go a long way when talking with other people and have definitely helped me with Empire Designs and how successful it’s been. They are big contributors to that.”
Wills is fortunate that her business can also double as a school credit, helping her manage being a student and business owner effectively. Next year, she plans to attend Virginia Tech and continue in the entrepreneurship field.
“Basically, the program gives me the opportunity to continue my business [at Virginia Tech] if I want to,” she says. “I’m exploring that option, and I will have mentors there to expand it if I want to.”
With the success of her designs and sales, Wills has had plenty of opportunities in just a few short years, ranging from television appearances, her own reality television show offer and investors looking to get in on the momentum behind her company. Turning down many of these offers, Wills says she wants to branch into retail markets.
“As far as putting my shorts into stores and boutiques, that’s my next step.”
Unexpectedly, her business has opened up a new realm of social responsibility, as well.
“Since my shorts are custom made, it helps girls feel more comfortable in their skin,” says Wills. “That’s the best thing that’s happened to me, and it makes it all worth it.”
On winning the young entrepreneur award, Wills says she is thankful for the recognition and will put it to good use for higher education.
