The Beginning
First Blog Post.
*Cue the confetti 🎉
I’m so excited to start sharing your stories and showcasing your work! But before it all begins, I should probably introduce myself.
So, hello! My name is Em, and I’m the voice behind Gem West.
To jump right in, here are a few fun things to know about me:
I’m a lover of all things creative, and also all things pretty & pink (the photo speaks for itself!).
I’ve recently discovered a newfound love for modeling, so if you want to collaborate—let’s make magic together!
I’ve been married to my handsome husband for a little over a year now— Hi, Zach! He also happens to be my favorite person and my other half.
And finally, I love Jesus! I’m a big believer in the goodness of grace, and I hope to create a space where we can celebrate and uplift each other, allowing everyone the room and support to grow, change, and try new things!
Now, speaking of trying new things—how did I decide to start Gem West?
Well, Gem West is inspired by many things, starting with its name. Not only did Idaho—aka the "Gem State"—inspire the name of this platform, but so did each of you.
Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented creatives in the valley, and what a joy it has been to meet each of you "gems." You’re a huge reason behind both the creation and the name of Gem West. Whether I’m on set or scrolling through my feed, I love seeing the creativity that’s brewing here.
The "West" in Gem West is, of course, inspired by Idaho’s identity as a western state. But the most special part is that it also represents where I was born and raised—on the west side of Kauai, HI. Knowing that the name ties together my favorite places and people made it an easy pick.
Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by so much creativity. Like Boise, Kauai is full of talent! In my family alone, I was raised by artists, authors, musicians, and more—people who just love to make art. I believe that’s where my passion for creativity stems, and I feel so grateful for my upbringing.
If I’m being honest, moving to Idaho for college wasn’t exactly on my life bingo card. But what a happy surprise it has turned out to be!
Shortly after graduating with a degree in Communications from Idaho State University, I made the move to Boise, where I met my amazing husband, and thus began my "Boise era."
I’m not exactly sure what the future holds for Gem West, but the plan is to have some fun—and I’d love to bring you all along for the ride! Whether you’re a local creative or someone who just wants to feel inspired and uplifted, I’m so happy that you’re here.
Story-time officially begins next Thursday with blog post number two: Gem West's first VENDOR FEATURE.