We recently had the chance to connect with Emily Jane Lee and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily Jane, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that has been bringing me joy lately is my hair, actually! I’ve had straight hair all my life but recently discovered I have waves/loose curls after turning 30. It’s so strange to see a different hair type when I look in the mirror – but so cool! I’m really enjoying discovering and experimenting with it. I even started a new Instagram account to track my progress! ( @becomingwavy if you’re interested )
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a website strategist and designer for wedding pros who want a site that reflects the level of their work – clearly, confidently, and without the chaos. I actually started my business journey as a photographer, so visual arts have always been at the heart of what I do. After a few years behind the camera, I transitioned into web design in 2019 and fell in love with it.
Now, through my studio By Emily Jane, I help wedding pros build websites that are clean, intuitive, and still full of personality. I work with clients one-on-one, but I also love creating educational resources for business owners who are tackling their websites on their own. I’m probably best known for my practical, down-to-earth approach (and my habit of sending lots of Loom videos – with a Diet Coke close by and my dog, Dori, usually snoozing in the background). And when I’m not working, you’ll usually find me listening to a paranormal podcast or watching a creative competition show.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly, I’d say my relationship with my ex-husband shaped how I see myself more than anything else. Going through a divorce after a decade-long relationship really forces you to reevaluate everything you thought you knew about yourself. The relationship itself felt like a mirror, reflecting all my flaws and insecurities; but the process of working through it, and ultimately choosing a different path, taught me that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I ever gave myself credit for.
I spent a long time being terrified of being alone, and when I finally faced that fear head-on, I realized… it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought. If anything, it was freeing. That experience changed how I show up in life and in business. I trust myself more now, and I’m way less afraid of change – because I’ve already survived one of the biggest ones.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a long time, I avoided talking about my chronic pain – things like back issues and migraines – because I was afraid it would sound like an excuse or make clients doubt the level of service I could provide. I didn’t want to be labeled “the chronic illness girl,” and I definitely didn’t want people worrying that I couldn’t deliver. So I tried to operate like a “normal” business owner… pretending I worked 9 to 5, that I could take back-to-back meetings, and that I happily sat at a desk all day.
The reality was very different. I was often working from bed, taking client calls in the small windows when I felt well, and doing my best creative work late at night when my body finally gave me a break.
At some point, I realized hiding it was doing me – and my clients – a disservice. It wasn’t making me more professional; it was making me feel disconnected and burnt out. Now I’m upfront about how I work, and the systems I’ve built to support my clients (and myself) in a way that’s sustainable. And honestly, it’s been the best thing for my business. I’ve attracted clients who get it, who value clear communication, and who don’t expect hustle culture energy 24/7.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies in the wedding industry is that more traffic will fix your business. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reviewed a vendor’s website – usually after they’ve been stressing about not getting enough inquiries – and it’s immediately clear the issue isn’t traffic… it’s the site itself.
SEO has (fortunately and unfortunately) become such a hot topic in the wedding world. Most business owners now understand the power of showing up in local search results, and they’re putting a lot of energy into that – which is great! But the problem comes when they focus on SEO first, without making sure their website is actually worth staying on once people land there.
You can “optimize” a site all day long… but if it’s confusing, outdated, or just doesn’t build trust, that traffic’s going to bounce right back out. A solid website strategy is about the whole experience, not just getting more clicks.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m at the cabin my dad built with his own hands on a small lake in East Texas. There’s no WiFi, barely any phone signal; it’s just me, my dog, walks in the woods, classic movies on DVD, and card games at night. Occasionally we’ll even spot a deer wandering by. It’s not just a break from work; it’s a break from the constant noise of everyday life. Being there reminds me it’s okay to slow down and just exist for a while.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://byemilyjane.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/byemilyjane
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/emilyjanelee
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/byemilyjanefb
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@byemilyjane
Image Credits
Annie Shannon Co
Catie Ronquillo Photography
