Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Gorman.
Hi Emily , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
People often ask how I got started, and honestly, it all began with a job I fell in love with.
I started working in the bridal industry when I was 16 years old, and it didn’t take long for me to realize this was where I was meant to be. I loved being part of life’s biggest milestones—watching a bride find the dress, helping someone feel confident, and getting to celebrate alongside families during such special moments.
At just 19 years old, I took a leap of faith and bought Emily Rae’s with my mom. Looking back, I was young and had so much to learn. I made mistakes, celebrated victories, and figured things out one day at a time. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous, but every challenge has taught me something and helped shape the person and business owner I am today.
Over the years, Emily Rae’s has grown into so much more than I ever imagined. We’ve had the honor of helping thousands of brides, grooms, prom students, and families celebrate some of the biggest moments of their lives. Being trusted with those memories is something I’ll never take for granted.
In 2026, I had the opportunity to take another exciting leap by purchasing Trendy Chicks. My vision was to create something even bigger by expanding it into Trendy Chicks & Trend Prom—a destination where customers can shop everything from trendy everyday fashion and accessories to the perfect prom dress. Separating prom into its own space has allowed us to create an even better experience for our prom customers while Emily Rae’s continues focusing on bridal, tuxedos, and wedding attire.
Outside of my businesses, I’m a wife, a mom to two amazing kids, and someone who truly loves entrepreneurship. I enjoy creating content, encouraging other small business owners, and finding new ways to grow while never losing sight of why I started.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that success isn’t built overnight. It’s built through faith, hard work, perseverance, and showing up even on the days when things feel impossible.
I’m incredibly thankful for every customer who has walked through our doors over the years. Supporting a small business means so much more than making a purchase—it’s helping someone continue living out their dream.
More than anything, I hope every person who visits one of our stores leaves feeling beautiful, confident, and celebrated. At the end of the day, that’s why I do what I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were times I wasn’t sure if we would make it. Owning a small business means carrying the weight of every decision, every bill, every slow season, and every unexpected challenge. I’ve worked countless late nights, cried over difficult decisions, questioned myself more times than I can count, and had to learn how to keep going even when things felt overwhelming. But those moments shaped me. They taught me resilience, strengthened my faith, and reminded me that the hardest seasons often prepare you for the greatest growth. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t give up, because every struggle became part of the story that brought me here today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Emily Rae’s / Trendy Chicks |Trend Prom. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Emily Rae’s Bridal and Trendy Chicks & Trend Prom, we believe shopping for life’s biggest moments should be an experience you’ll never forget. Whether you’re saying yes to your wedding dress, finding the perfect tuxedo, shopping for prom, or picking out a new everyday outfit, our goal is to make every customer feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated. Emily Rae’s specializes in bridal, tuxedos, bridesmaids, mothers’ dresses, and wedding accessories, while Trendy Chicks & Trend Prom combines trendy everyday fashion, accessories, and one of East Texas’ largest selections of prom dresses. What truly sets us apart is the experience we create. We treat every customer like family, take the time to get to know them, and genuinely celebrate alongside them during some of life’s biggest milestones. As a locally owned, woman-owned business, I’m incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built and the trust our community has placed in us over the years. More than anything, I want people to know that when they walk through our doors, they’re not just shopping—they’re making memories, and it’s an honor for our team to be a small part of those moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.emilyraes.com. Www.trendychickslongview.com
