Meet Emma May, a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur known for her resilience and ambitious endeavors. Emma shares her journey from law to real estate, and then to founding her own clothing line Sophie Grace, aimed at providing comfortable yet stylish workwear for women. She recounts her transformative experiences, including leading a community effort to mitigate flood damage in Calgary, raising significant capital for her business, and navigating the challenges of ADHD. Emma emphasizes the importance of supportive communities, overcoming fear, and seizing opportunities as she moves into the next phase of her life. The episode concludes with Emma's plans for future adventures and reflections on living life to its fullest.
Bio
Emma May is a visionary entrepreneur, activist, and business leader whose career spans law, politics, real estate, and fashion. A former corporate lawyer, she has navigated the worlds of entertainment law and public service, including her role as Executive Director for the Office of the Premier in Southern Alberta under Premier Jim Prentice.
Her journey is one built of courage, adaptability, commitment and ambition—falling in love with business, pivoting to balance motherhood with professional fulfillment, and continually seeking new intellectual challenges. As a real estate leader, she has played a key role in shaping Alberta’s property landscape, bringing strategic insight and bold decision-making to every venture she pursues.
In 2018, Emma stood in her closet, frustrated by the lack of streamlined, elegant, mix-and-match clothes for professional women. Rather than accept the gap in the market, she created Sophie Grace, a digitally-driven fashion brand designed for busy women who want to look and feel polished, professional and comfortable with minimal effort.
Emma’s work is driven by a deep understanding and compassion for the challenges modern women face—navigating careers, families, and personal aspirations. Through Sophie Grace, she continues to redefine workwear, championing simplicity, sophistication, and empowerment in every piece. And, not stopping at creating design that supports women in how they easily dress for their careers, Emma also continues to build her own second scene and path forward - in style.
Linkedin Emma May
Website Sophie Grace
Instagram Emma May
Sponsor Information
We love Voes & Co because they are the perfect mix of style, comfort, and sustainability. Designed to effortlessly complement any outfit—from casual to chic—they’re as versatile as they are timeless. Made with next-generation vegan materials, their footwear is soft, breathable, and built to last—without any cruelty. We want you to step out in style and comfort so that’s why we’ve partnered with Voes & Co to bring our listeners 50% off any pair of shoes! Please use this link to purchase https://voesandcompany.com/discount/BettyLovesVoes
Childhood is priceless—until someone puts a price on it. When sex trafficking and exploitation threaten childhood, we need to rally everyone and everything to protect it. That’s why our friends at Ally Global Foundation are building community-led solutions in Canada—to tackle root causes and educate communities. For free prevention resources for your children or school, or to support Ally in protecting childhood, visit ally.org Because every child deserves safety and freedom.
Connect with us
Website link here
Instagram link here
LinkedIn link here
Facebook link here
Leave a voicemail for us
https://www.halfbetty.com/voicemail/
Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: Ally Global Foundation and Voes and Company