Emma Benneyworth is a cherished member of the Brunette the Label team and an all-around babe. After working as a wrangler at Sundance Ranch and riding horses her whole life, Emma moved to Vancouver to seek out a job in the fashion industry. Emma worked in retail for many years and was ready to take the next step into the business side of fashion. As the executive assistant to Brunette the Label founder Miriam Alden for almost a year now, Emma loves the diversity of the work she’s exposed to and appreciates how no day is ever the same. Emma also feels thankful to have found a job working for a company that prides itself on inclusivity and kindness.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
There’s enough room for everyone to succeed. Also, to always uplift and support people in doing what feels right for them, even if it’s not necessarily what you would do personally. Everyone has their own individual meaning of success and happiness.
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
Be kind and be inclusive. I think you could probably find that on a poster in a kindergarten classroom. It’s not that ground-breaking, but I’ve always thought that it’s just so much easier to be nice to people and withhold your judgement. It takes almost no effort on your end to smile at someone you pass by on the street or to tell your grocery store cashier that you like their hair, but it can make such a difference to someone having a bad day or going through a bit of a rough patch in their life.
What’s your spirit animal?
My horse, Scout. We’re both pretty anxious but will do anything for food.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
It’s a tie between two situations. In 2016, I was volunteering on a big cat sanctuary in South Africa for a couple of weeks when they offered me a job. I decided to give up everything I had back home to keep living there for a while. It was a bit terrifying to lose my job security at home, but it was also one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had.
My other proudest moment would be when I found a way to continue living in Vancouver after my situation drastically changed soon after moving here. I had to look for a new place to live and I was still quite new to the city, and I didn’t know many people here. And unfortunately I’m not the daughter of a billionaire. I definitely didn’t do it alone though, I had a team of babes in my life who stepped in to help me.
What’s your most used app?
Gmail, Instagram and Spotify.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling it anymore?
Carmex lip balm. I use it about 50 times a day and if they ever discontinue it my life would entirely fall apart. Or Icekap Migraine Therapy, I’ve gotten migraines chronically for 12 years and it’s the only product I’ve ever used that really helps.
What emoji best describes you?
The girl smacking herself in the face.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen. They’re the absolute two funniest people in the world and I want them to adopt me.
When I dance I look like….
A jellyfish.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Fireball by Pitbull.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
My best friend, Frankie Knight. Frankie is the sister I never had. I’ve never known anyone who supports me or inspires me like she does. Whether it’s to stand up for myself in a bad situation or to eat as much bread and cheese in one sitting as humanly possible. I’m so grateful for her every day and don’t know how I ever made it through life before her.
How would you describe your personal style?
Simple. Neutral colours with a bit of Western inspiration.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Vancouver?
It’s halfway between my two favourite places in the world, Vancouver Island and B.C.’s interior. Also, my proximity at any given time to purebreads’ lemon sugar buns is a big bonus.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
I feel like I’m in The Devil Wears Prada, which was my favourite movie when I was 11, but working for a much, much nicer version of Miranda Priestly, so it’s like I’ve made it full circle all these years later.
In all honesty, it’s incredibly inspiring and educational to work directly under such a creative, kind, and hardworking person and to watch firsthand the inner workings of a successful business that’s based on kindness and supporting those around you.
What inspired you to start pursuing the fashion industry?
I’ve always loved fashion and design, and I’ve been interested in the way businesses work from a young age. I started working in retail when I was 15, so when I moved to Vancouver I decided to see what my knowledge of clothing and retail could do for me. I really love how the industry is always changing and moving forward. It’s never stagnant and you’ll never be bored.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Pitbull and purebread.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Mindfulness. I’m a pretty anxious person and tend to get caught up in my own head when I get overwhelmed, so I’ve been working on slowing down my thoughts and being more present.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Confidence for sure, it’s a learned skill for me.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into the fashion industry?
Educate yourself in as many different aspects of the industry as you can. There are lessons to be learned from everyone and in every job. I never thought that my years working in a small retail boutique as a teenager would teach me as many transferable skills as it did. Also, follow/mildly stalk those you admire on Instagram, you never know where it’ll get ya.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Emma on Instagram @emmabenneyworth
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.