Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Cox
Emma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2020 I graduated from Washington State University majoring in interior design with a minor in construction management. Having only ever lived in Washington State, I took a leap of faith and moved across the country to Texas where I knew only a handful of people. It ended up being truly the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve made so many friends, built a career in construction project management, have gotten involved in the local community through volunteerism and met the love of my life, my husband. I was always very reserved in college. Not one to be social or outside my normal routine. My husband, Landry has taught me to enjoy life, live it to the fullest and never say no to a good time with good people. My quality of life moving to a big city and starting a new has been transformative. I’m extremely close with my Dad so leaving him was heartbreaking. But for the first time in my life I put myself first and now am living such a full, joyous life.
In 2023 when I got engaged and started planning our wedding, I felt so overwhelmed. So many decisions, so many opinions from others that I didn’t see coming and so many expenses! My parents didn’t have a traditional wedding and I’m the oldest grandchild so I didn’t have many women close to me to ask for advice. So I did what any young person does now a days, I went on social media! I scoured the internet for every tip and trick and piece of advice I could find. In the end, we had a stunning wedding and magical day. This was the main reason I wanted to start sharing more on social media. I felt obligated to share the advice I had learned with other ladies!
The week we got back from our honeymoon, we bought our first house! To say we’ve been busy would be an understatement! Now as we’ve started this new adventure of home ownership, I feel the same desire to share what we’re learning with other 20 something’s in our shoes! There’s so much to learn in your 20’s and if a little tidbit of advice from me can help, then so be it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My freshman year of high school my Dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. His was caused from being a firefighter paramedic for decades. This rattled my family deeply and created many scars along the way. I had to grow up very fast and take on a large responsibility at home. Less than a year later, my Grandma was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. They were both going through treatment at the same time now and I became a caregiver at 15.
There were many dark times throughout the last 12 years. We lost my Grandma in 2020 and while it devastated me to watch her go, I savor the many memories we had. She taught me a lot and was always there to listen. I’m beyond grateful to have my Dad in my life and thriving. He has been an incredible ray of light for me and is truly my biggest cheerleader. The tough times definitely brought us closer and I love him dearly.
I’d be lying if I said that I believed there was a reason for all of that suffering. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. But I do try to always find the silver lining, the good from the bad, and the good is the tight bond that I formed with my Dad and brother through this journey. The good is the time I spend volunteering at a hospice house to help me be more comfortable around very sick people and all the skills I learned there and in caring for my Dad and Grandma.
I truly think that the last 3 years, my husband and I have been healing that teenage version of me. We do all of the fun things that we’re too difficult to do back then. We go to concerts and plays and delicious restaurants. We go to sporting events and rodeo and out on the town. We laugh and eat and drink (not as much anymore lol!). We stay up too late with friends and cook meals and dance. I truly believe the key to moving forward after a difficult season is filling your life with so much fun and joy and savoring the simple things. At the end of the day, it’s the memories with those around us that are what truly matters and lasts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an interior designer. As a child, I would spend quite literally hours upon hours decorating my doll house. My Dad and I would make little pieces of furniture and accessories and crafts. It was so soothing and enjoyable. When it came time to apply for college, there was no question that interior design was the path I’d take. So off to Washington State University I went to major in just that. I decided to add on a minor in construction management simply because when I was touring the campus, one of the tour guides said it would be a good idea.
Well I ended up loving the construction side of it equally if not more. I loved the black and white of construction, the problem solving and the organization it took balancing many little pieces then watching them come together perfectly as planned. My senior year, I decided that I just wasn’t sure that I wanted to be an interior designer after all. I called the head of the construction management program, a professor who I respected and valued deeply and asked him what I should do. He told me without hesitation, “You can do this. You can be in construction even with just a minor. You have what it takes.” I cannot even explain how badly I had needed to hear that. So I did just that, I went for it.
Sometimes the term “woman in construction” makes me cringe. It feels like it sets up a barrier. A blanket term showing that I am different from others in my work force. But at the same time, things are very different for me than my male counterparts. I often am treated differently (sometimes good and sometimes bad). I am extremely lucky to work somewhere that fully supports me. I sit regularly at tables of all men who are almost old enough to be my dad and here, my voice is always heard and respected.
I lean in to the fact that I am a woman. I embrace it. I wear a bit pink hard hat and matching pink safety glasses. I wear dresses to work (on non site visit days lol). I know when to be tender and feminine, and when to be more masculine and stand my ground. And having some witty humor goes a long way in a male dominated field. I still have so much to learn but I am so glad that I chose a different path than I had planned. And my house is impeccably designed and decorated too!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You have to put joy first. I spent many years of my life gritting my teeth and just bearing it because I had to. I wish I would have given myself more grace in those times. That is what I try to do now. As cheesy as it sounds, give yourself grace. You are doing so much more and so much better than you will ever give yourself credit for. Value your joy. Live a lighter life. Allow time for rest and leisure (I am still working on this!). There are brighter days ahead and you deserve to enjoy those days. Spend your time surrounded by people who fill your cup. Humans were made to be in good company. It is healing. Connection is priceless and restorative.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies by client but I am accepting interior design clients! Everything from helping you select accessories to learning your personal style to space planning!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everything_emma_h?igsh=MXZ4aGJjemx5NmI2dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmahcox?_t=8qGWT2NMLCY&_r=1
Image Credits
The wedding photos were taken by White Orchid Photography!
