We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emily Aleman. Check out our conversation below.
Emily, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My 2 year old son, Luca! It brings me so much joy to see him experience new things and spend time with him.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In 2021, I was feeling very depressed and anxious. I was nervous about losing my job and I was going through a lot with my family. To help cope with my feelings I bought a little embroidery kit and I ended up being pretty good at it. I started to do more kits and it really helped improve my mood and kept me busy. Soon I began posting the embroidery on my social media and I had a lot of people offering to buy them. I decided I would start creating my own designs and doing custom orders. I created my brand, You Gotta Be Stitchin Me, with the help of my husband. I took part in several markets around San Antonio and was able to gain some pretty consistent business. Now, in 2025, I’m not as busy as I once was. I’m a full time LPC and I do therapy with youth on probation in Bexar County. I also have my hands full with my 2 year old son. However, I haven’t stopped embroidering! It continues to help me cope with my mental health and it’s a great form of self care.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
While I was in graduate school at UTSA (go runners) for mental health counseling, I took an internship with the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into at first. But after I met those kids and heard their stories and built relationships with them, I knew I had found my purpose and the population that I wanted to work with. Understanding what the youths and their families have been through gave me a lot of perspective and opened my eyes to how the behaviors of others can be shaped through their experiences.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I have always been a people pleaser. I want others to like me. I want others to be proud of me. I fear attempting something and not being the absolute best at it. There are many things that I have either given up on or not even tried at all because I was afraid I would not be good at it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I am 100% myself all of the time. Whether I am being a mom, being a therapist, selling my embroidery, or meeting new people, I am always unapologetically myself. I bring my personality and sarcasm and caring nature into everything that I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope others will tell of how genuine I am. I hope they will talk about how much I cared about my family and the kids that I work with every day. I also hope they will acknowledge my creativity and ingenuity, as well as my humor and tenacity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @you.gotta.be.stitchin.me
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