Emily’s love for sewing began at the tender age of six, passed on by her grandmothers, who instilled in her the basics of craftsmanship – one being a milliner and the other a dressmaker. Her passion for creation grew and Emily sought to develop her skills further.

A few "doors up from my parents’ place in Glen Iris, was a five-person sewing class and the teachers there were Judy and Jane." By the age of 12, "Judy was hands down my best friend. So every Wednesday or Thursday night from 4 pm until 8 pm, I'd take my washing basket and my sewing machine and she taught me how to read patterns. It was in these classes that I would sew and make my outfits that I would then wear on the weekends.”

Reflecting on school life at MGGS, Emily says, "The Art department saved my life. The lessons from my teachers about sticking to the rules while finding my way within them taught me the importance of focus, even when I felt lost."

“It is remarkable that, as a teenager, the lessons that you learn from good teachers stay with you for life. They are the gems."

Emily joked about her teenage self, sharing how much of a "little pest" she was at school, but was steadfast in her love for her teachers. When talking about her history with the school, Emily fondly says “I could write a book about how much I love this school.” Emily’s rebellious spirit in school didn’t deter her teachers, who saw her potential and guided her toward her passion.
"Finding teachers who see you for exactly who you are is invaluable. They might find you annoying, but they also see something special in you," she recalls.

Despite the challenges she faced learning with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Emily’s teachers supported her, facilitating an environment where her creativity could flourish. This environment helped foster Emily’s decision to pursue fashion design. She earned a scholarship to attend the Whitehouse Institute of Design, where she won the prestigious Designer of the Year award in 2016. In 2019, Emily launched her brand, E Nolan, with a mission to empower women through well-fitted, personality-driven suiting. Her creative process is both unique and intense.

“I live and work in the exact same space, I live in my studio. So, it's very important to me to reset between work and home." Emily uses light to reset, explaining "when I'm cooking dinner, no lights are on, it's candles. Then rather than client work or business work, I go into creative mode - it's the best time for me to work, because I am alone.”

"Running a small business isn’t easy, but you do get better at it. There are days of panic and tears, but you push through. It’s about maintaining stillness in the midst of chaos."

Her daily routine is designed to enhance her focus. "Every morning, I start with 'messy brain time'—scribbling my thoughts for three pages before checking my phone. It clears my mind and sets the stage for a productive day." Emily also emphasises the importance of support systems in managing tasks. "I've learned to make a 'doom list' of tasks I dread. Writing things down and asking for help is crucial. You have to be honest with yourself about what you need to get done."

“We do not need to have all the answers..."

"I have amazing people around me who help me stay on track. My operations manager, Carmen, keeps me accountable. It's okay to admit you don’t have all the answers and ask for support."

When talking about her perspective on focus, Emily says "Focus is something I probably will spend the rest of my life trying to figure out. With a lack of focus comes an abundance of creativity. I frame it as magic—it drives my ambition and artistry," she explains. Her journey with ADHD has been transformative. "Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, shifted my perspective. I realised I’m not lazy or broken. I just need different tools to manage focus. It's a lifelong journey." Emily’s ability to embrace her unique approach to work and life is a testament to her resilience and creativity.

"With ADHD, focus doesn’t come naturally. But I see it as a superpower. My hyperfocus on work and the people in front of me is intense and fulfilling. I’m learning to navigate it every day."

Emily admits switching off is hard in a small business. "Creating a peaceful environment helps me transition and focus better."

Emily finds inspiration from other designers and artists who have also challenged the norms of the day, and gives examples including Mark Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Halston, Elsa Peretti and Andy Warhol.

“All of these designers or artists at some point probably or for the majority of their work...were told 'No'. It's not about the what the garments look like or the artwork, but the resilience is probably the most inspiring thing for me.” Emily exemplifies the essence of turning challenges into opportunities and staying true to oneself, inspiring us all to pursue our passions with unwavering determination.  

"Running a small business isn’t easy, but you do get better at it. There are days of panic and tears, but you push through. It’s about maintaining stillness in the midst of chaos."

Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, self-belief and the impact of supportive mentors. As she continues to make her mark in the fashion world, she is a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for future generations of Grammarians.