Meet Emily
This series highlights the talented and committed people who power Indie Source. Get to know Emily Meaker, your GO-TO point person to help you organize, plan, and (finally!) get going on building your dream fashion collection.
What is your role at Indie Source?
I am a Client Coordinator at Indie Source. I work with designers who are interested in our sample development or apparel production services and help them prepare for collaboration with us. Before we dive into things like materials sourcing, pattern making and sample making, our clients need to have the creative components figured out. They need to know what styles they wish to bring to life and have clear directions for us so we know what to develop! I help brands organize their thoughts into the language that we can understand as manufacturers. This ensures the development process runs smoothly. When you call our office line looking for help, I’m usually the one who takes your call! 🙂
What has your career path looked like?
I studied Music Performance and Composition in Australia and then started my first company when I was 19 called The Live Large Project, we ran events that were all about empowering people to live passionately and successfully doing what they love, I spent a lot of time doing business development for our company and we had programs running in over 40% of schools in Melbourne. I spent about four years traveling and exploring as a musician and entrepreneur and didn’t move into fashion until I happened upon Indie Source, I loved the focus and drive of the company and it was a team I really wanted to be a part of.
What advice would you give an aspiring fashion designer?
Educate yourself. Many new designers don’t understand the amount of work that goes into collection, even if a design seems simple. There are dozens of people that source, engineer, construct, and manage each project to ensure the designers gets what they’ve envisioned. Use the resources around you and pay attention to the experts you have working for you (that’s why you pay them). Our company has thrived because we have a team of people that work hard and know the industry inside out, so utilize and listen to those people. Lastly, do not begin this process without a clear idea of what you are able to invest in your development and production. It’s much smarter to have target prices and a budget for your business than to fly by the seat of your pants and finance as you go. Planning is key!
Why Indie Source?
I come from a business and music background, so when the opportunity to work at Indie Source came up I was excited because it’s a totally different industry than what I’ve worked in before. I’ve known Zack and Jesse for a long time and I was excited to work with a company that is so dedicated to creating jobs, growing businesses, and making this industry accessible to everyone no matter where in the world you live.
Any amazing Indie Source moments?
We’ve grown so much in the last 18 months and when we moved into our current office, we had the opportunity to throw a launch party and invite a lot of people within the industry, as well as all our clients. It was wonderful to see so many people in one space sharing and networking with each other where they otherwise might never have met, it was awesome to be part of creating that.
What sets Indie Source apart from other places where you’ve worked?
We are constantly striving to be as accessible to people as possible. We’ve made it easier than ever to give all the resources of the LA fashion district to everyone, no matter where in the world you are.
What’s the best aspect of working at Indie Source?
There is so much room for a person to grow at Indie Source and we have an amazing team! I’ve been here for over a year now and watched it grow from a few full-time office employees in a warehouse, to over 30 people in a big, beautiful showroom. Indie Source works as one unit, if something happens with a client’s project, everyone knows about it and is there for support.