Emma Miller of Visitation Academy
Whatever the future holds for Emma Miller, there’s no doubt she’ll be doing it with style. When the pandemic hit, the Visitation Academy senior turned a successful Instagram resale page into her own online boutique, Style It Out. Three years later, she’s passionate about providing trendy fashion at accessible prices and inspiring other young women to pursue their own business ideas.
Have you always been interested in fashion?
Since I was super young. I was always in my mom’s closet trying on her heels and dresses. When I was in middle school, I started a closet account on Instagram to resell my clothes, which got me even more interested in fashion. It really took off and became like a fulltime job for two years.
Where did the idea for Style It Out come from?
It came from my Instagram account. When COVID happened, it wasn’t doing as well. I was talking with my dad, and he suggested starting an online boutique that sold new clothing. At first, I thought he was joking, but I realized it was something I would love to do. He had experience in starting his own business, so he walked me through all of the technical things like business licenses and tax IDs. Starting off was a little tricky because I was 14 and couldn’t even drive. My first photoshoot was actually at school because that’s the easiest way I could meet with all of my friends. Business was slow when I started. I really had no idea how hard I would have to market. Then once I started getting orders, shipping was dependent on my parents’ schedules.
How do you balance running an online boutique with the rest of your life?
It definitely can be tricky at times. As a senior, this year is a little easier because I have more free time. When I’m not working on school things, I’m in the library or another quiet space working on Style It Out. I also play lacrosse and have another job—it’s a lot of long days and late nights, but I manage. I don’t pay myself a salary for Style It Out because I want to make the prices as low as possible. I don’t really think about not getting paid. I just love doing it. After three years, I’ve figured out a good balance.
Are you looking forward to anything your senior year?
I’m ready to graduate. This fall, I will be going to Ole Miss, and I’m really excited about that. Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue Style It Out.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Lots of my free time goes to lacrosse, but that has slowed down recently. On the weekends, I like to make time to have fun with friends. For Christmas, my parents got me a sewing machine. Sewing has been a really good hobby for me. I have experience making my own clothes, but I would always hand stitch them, and eventually, they would fall apart. I’m excited to get to use the machine.