Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmy Davidian. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Emmy is a maker, designer, veteran, and female entrepreneur.
While studying for her master’s degree she began to sell her work at makers markets primarily in Savannah. After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design with an MFA in Accessory Design she took a job offer as a footwear designer for the Camuto Group in NYC.
She now designs and makes every product for Tribe and Temple LLC while working on her second masters program in Design for Sustainability at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She takes pride in bringing bold colors, intricate details, and patterns into her Tribe and Temple designs that are primarily inspired by her Mexican and Armenian heritage. Women empowerment, sustainability, and racial equality are causes she is passionate about.
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?
Growing up in a South LA community and being the first generation was an obstacle within itself, There were limited resources and college preparation. I remember not taking the SAT because I was just so intimidated by it.
Pursuing a degree in the arts was not an encouraged option. It was unfortunately not considered a “serious job” or a secure way to earn a living.
My father passed away due to Cancer when I was 17 and that was really hard on me and my family. I knew that going to a fashion school would be expensive and out of reach at the time. I joined the military to seek other career paths. I was young and was limited in resources, but I knew I wanted to make a difference and learn about myself. Although I enjoyed my time in the service I realized then that my true passion was in the arts, specifically in fashion. After I was honorably discharged from the service I was fortunate enough to use my Post 9/11 GI BILL at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising as well as at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Those were two major opportunities I probably would not have been able to have if I wouldn’t have joined the service.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in accessories, but take the most pride in doing leatherwork. I design and make shoes, handbags, home accessories, and small leather goods. I believe that my use of color is what truly sets me apart, I have always enjoyed combining multiple colors together.
I love artisanal work, I truly believe it’s because my mother has always been so good at working and making with her hands. It’s a skill set that I admire, but do not have the patience for, unfortunately.
Working in Illustrator and creating line art and patterns is my strong suit. I can go into the program and look at how designs would look and work in multiple colorways as well as with different patterns.
I feel like my admiration for artisanal work as well as my ability to be able to work well digitally has made me a contemporary artist with an artisanal twist. I laser cut the intricate details and then go in with my hands to add final touches such as color, stitch work, embroidery, or patchwork.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Tribe and Temple is currently an accessory brand, but I am hopeful it will become a safe space and community for all women. It is important women are empowered to pursue a career, or start their own business in the arts. All odds were against me, and I hope I can help women who are currently experiencing what I once did.
Contact Info:
- Email: tribeandtemple@gmail.
com - Website: etsy.com/shop/
shoptribeandtemple - Instagram: @tribe_temple
- Facebook: facebook.com/
shoptribeandtemple
Image Credits:
Autumn Kulla
