Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Wong.
Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a textile and graphic designer and the owner of Habita wallpaper. I began my career working in advertising in Philadelphia. I was designing and coding websites but became frustrated that my creations weren’t tactile – my work would disappear as soon as a site was updated or redesigned.
Meanwhile, a friend and I had started a ladies’ hip hop t-shirt company as a side hustle, which fostered my interest in fabric and patterns. I decided to leave advertising and go back to school for a graduate degree in Textile Design. Soon after, I moved to California with my husband and designed textiles for corporate brands in San Francisco. After a few years, we moved Austin and have been here for 12 years.
I started Habita when we were renovating our home. We have a mid-century house with a modern addition. I couldn’t source what I was looking for in the marketplace – I was finding wallpaper that was too traditional or too bohemian for our style.
As a designer myself, I knew what I wanted – a modern pattern that showed the artistry of hand painting. And I knew I could sort out the printing with some research. After installing the wallpaper in two rooms of our home, I decided to create a collection and sell online.
I am now working on my third collection. I sell directly to designers online and have several sales reps across the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When we first arrived in Austin, I struggled to figure out what do with my career. There weren’t large companies with textile positions, and I didn’t want to return to advertising. It was encouraging to see so many entrepreneurs in town. We have two daughters, so it made sense to work for myself and have flexibility. I connected with a lot of interior designers through Creative Ladies Night, a networking group started by Lauren Ramirez and was able to present my wallpaper to designers in person until Covid hit.
The lockdown months (though they were wonderful personally, as an introvert) were very tough for sales since I wan’t able to show my work. So I created a virtual presentation, which actually worked out well for my business – a good deal of my clients are in California, and I was able to reach out to them and present the collection via Zoom, something I never would have thought of before.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I begin each collection with a lot of research about color and by doing some deep dives into pattern inspiration- Midcentury landscape designs, Japanese kimono fabric, and of course from nature photos I’ve taken.
Each design begins with a hand-drawn sketch that I paint with gouache or turn into a linocut print. I then work digitally to create the repeat and colorways. Hand-painted, modern geometric patterns are my signature, though I also enjoy working on abstracted floral designs.
I’m most proud of the new designs I’ve been working on – coming soon!
What’s next?
I’m trying out more textured grounds for my new designs (embossed and grasscloth). I’m looking forward to adding a fabric collection and soft goods to my line soon.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@studiohabita.com
- Website: studiohabita.com
- Instagram: @habitawallpaper
