Meet Emmi Saufley

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emmi Saufley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emmi below.

Hi Emmi, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Becoming effective and successful even when I am the only one who looks like I do in the room can be very challenging at times. Sometimes it is hard to be seen in a group of people, ironic to say, if no one in the room looks like me but it happens more often than not. I’ve become resilient in enhancing my surroundings by taking the initiative to be heard, and respected. It doesn’t come easy, I’ve had to work my way to this point, build the confidence to speak up, and the ability to read the room. Being effective with my communication skills, understanding the situation and asking questions has become a huge benefit in my career. Another piece I’ve learned is asking for feedback from others. Whether it’s after an event, after a meeting, after a session, it’s important to hear from all aspects to be efficient moving forward. My confidence has boosted since the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, and has helped me become successful in owning my spot in the room.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hello, I’m Emmi Saufley, I am a minority woman-owned business owner with two growing and successful businesses. I have been working within the fashion business industry for well over a decade! I’m an alumnus of the BOCES fashion design program where I learned how to sew, make patterns, design, and create an entire collection from scratch. After I graduated high school, I went to Tompkins Cortland Community College for Business Administration. I obtained my associate’s degree and decided to move back home to Elmira before venturing out to start my own business. A few years later with a good friend of mine, we started a non-profit organization. We put together a business plan that later developed Runway for a Cause of the Southern Tier non-profit organization. This became the highlight of my 20’s. I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, test the limits, and expand my network across the fashion and business industries. Just over a year ago, I created another business called Le Kim Associates, LLC. Le Kim is part of my Vietnamese name, “Le Thi Kim Thanh” Le Kim is an intricate hands-on 1-year fashion meets business workshop for anyone ready to take the next step in life, self-development, and business in all aspects. One service I offer is consultations to individuals eager to bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s for an event, starting a business, or anything fashion-related, I got you covered! This business was developed with over a decade’s worth of experience and knowledge working within the fashion business industry starting from a young age. From modeling/runway to fashion design classes, to business courses, to starting a nonprofit organization to the start of Le Kim I’ve developed skills, experience, and knowledge from learning from others and actively hands-on in the industry. This developed the urge to want more out of life, help others, and become a resource for more opportunities for everyone. The ability to share experiences, expand a growing network, and provide open-door opportunities is the best feeling. Inspiration from the nonprofit has provided me with the passion and motivation to keep following my dreams. All of this hard work has brought me to where I am today with an abundance of skills and the ability to keep educating those around me, near and far.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

On this journey so far, the top three most impactful aspects have been community building, authenticity, and networking. Community building has shaped my journey of entrepreneurship by connecting with the local area I reside in to determine what and where the biggest needs are. Elmira, NY has an abundance of talent in all shapes, sizes, and forms, although sometimes that talent is hidden behind poverty, limited resources, and lack of opportunities. Those few things were enough for me to provide a platform for all to stand tall, fuel their confidence, and a safe environment for all to feel seen and heard. Listening to your people, seeing what their needs are, how can you facilitate those requests?
Authenticity comes naturally when you love what you do, and are confident and unapologetically you. I am far from knowing everything, far from having the perfect track record, and far from perfect. Although, my passion for what I love to do speaks volume. It is so important to be authentic and transparent with your community, family, friends and business relationships. It goes back to community building, being authentic to your supporters, community members, local businesses who support your message. Showing up for your supporters, friends, business owners and give
Networking played a huge role in the growth of my business, on top of learning from so many industry professionals all while connecting with others. I am blessed to have accomplished so much in my early stages of business that have led me to stronger relationships, a wider network of people and more opportunities to grow my businesses. Without stepping out of my comfort zone I would not have been able to grow my network across the globe nor have the ability to learn from the incredible talent from all over.
To those who are newer to this journey my advice to you is utilize these skills to grow your business, expand your knowledge by learning from other industry professionals, in and out of your given field or expertise. This will help you gain credibility, build clientele, and create valuable relationships between you and your community that will last! If you’re stuck on what to do next, take the risk of lose the chance. There is never the “right time” so make the most out of what you have, who you spend your time with and how you can make the biggest impact!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support me in my ideas, provide me with resources to expand my skills, and always push me to do what I love. They have been my biggest supporters along with my brother in achieving my goals. Being adopted was the best thing to have ever happened to me. On top of being accepted, loved, and seen for exactly who I am, despite looking a little bit different than them. My parents inspired me with the passion to help people, give back to others, and the courage to make a positive difference in the world. Their stories growing up gave me a new perspective on how there’s always room for one more. A story of fostering, adopting, to accepting all walks of life no matter their background. Everyone has a story to tell. Their impact on my life has transformed me into the woman I am today. Bold, powerful, independent, and strong. I owe it all to them for where I am in life, what I’ve been able to achieve, and the love for always striving for something more. Thank you to my incredible parents who saw me, adopted me, and gave me a second chance in this big ole’ world.

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Image Credits

Jade Marie Photography

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