Meet Emma Maggs, the remarkable founder and creative director of Wildfemmes. Emma is a multifaceted woman whose talents you'll learn more about shortly. On first encounter with Emma's work we were captivated by her art that celebrates the female form and evokes feelings of empowerment, wonder, and beauty. Now, we're excited to bring you this interview and offer insight into all the wonderful things that make her so exceptional.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how did you come to do what you do?
I am a mamma, wife and creative, living on the Coal Coast of NSW in a sweet slice of paradise called Austinmer.
I have been a producer and director in the TV and content creation space for nearly two decades, and have always had a fondness for surf and underwater photography. Especially after working with such talented photographers and cinematographers over the years, working on projects for the World Surf League and tourism brands that took me to some pretty wanderlusty locations around the world.
My photography series, Wildfemmes, was naturally birthed into the madness of 2020 when the world spun off its axis for a lengthy amount of time. After my own personal experience with my body, and the need for a new creative outlet this inspiring new medium was a challenge that ultimately grew into a life of its own.
When starting your business did you ever imagine what it could become?
To be honest, if you asked me 10 years ago what I’d be doing now, shooting underwater photography with incredible women (predominantly naked) was definitely not one of them, as I was on your very typical producer track. However I couldn’t be more thrilled!
We officially launched Wildfemmes approximately 10 weeks after the birth of our daughter Goldie, which made this project all the more special for us as a family, as I really want to show her that empowering women and loving our bodies should be as normal as grabbing a cup of coffee.
Can you tell us a bit about your podcast Wildfemmes with Emma Maggs?
Would love to. After Covid, pregnancy, postpartum, stopping work to have my daughter, and everything in between, I felt like I had lost a little bit of what made me, me. Like my ability to experience joy, to laugh, and to have adrenalin racing through my veins was depleted and I felt very determined to get some of that thirst for life back. Plus add to that balancing all the different versions of myself, including this new glorious (albeit tired) chapter of becoming a mother.
Queue Wildfemmes with Emma Maggs. My one woman mission to explore how women stay wild today, unpacking all the challenges, missteps, highlights, emotional mastery, insecurities and coping mechanisms with a sprinkling of buwoo (business woowoo) from a particularly inspiring group of women that includes; Caroline Groth, Sophie Marshall, Leah Simmons, Dr Olivia Lesslar, Zoe Condliffe and many more.
At the time of this interview, we have just published our tenth episode for the season and I am so proud of my little team as we have created something really great. It’s so refreshing to have these women, whom we all admire, be so open and honest about their lives and what works for them. It’s honestly such a pleasure and I am learning so much. Excited to keep going…
Where do you find your inspiration?
I think the question should be where I don’t find inspiration, as I feel it everywhere all around me. The Australian east coast and its glorious plethora of beautiful beaches, travelling to new destinations, chatting with people of all walks of life, and flipping through the odd edition of Vogue Living to drool over spectacular houses and design and dreaming about where I’d love to see a Wildfemmes piece hung.
Can you please tell us about your most treasured piece in your home?
I would have to say my baby girl. She is my biggest challenge, and my greatest achievement.
What does ‘home’ mean to you?
Home is anywhere my forever lover Scott, baby girl and delinquent groodle Mr Waggs are. Oh and one day I’m hoping that it is on a tropical island as Winter just doesn’t suit me at all.
Can you please talk us through your favourite piece/s from your collection?
Oh gosh this is hard, as it’s like singling out your children. However let’s do this:
Come Glide With Me
When I look at this piece I feel calm, free and inspired. I couldn’t honestly think of a better feeling to have in your home or workplace.
Friends of Ariel
Now this piece crept up on me. I didn’t notice it in my first round of selects, and I just happen to be doing another round to make sure I didn’t miss anything and I was in awe. I notice something different each time I glance at it, and love how it’s kinda busy but relaxing at the same time.
Selkies Playground
The bulk of my feature collection is largely made up from the one shoot, with a creative vision of a sea of bodies. Muses mermaiding around, being carefree, and laughing. This image really encapsulates that for me. A beautiful moment in time. I was also around 38 weeks pregnant which made the shoot pretty tricky but I had brilliant support.
What advice would you give to any other creatives hoping to start a business?
I have two answers for this. One is dreamy, and the other is way more sensible. So let’s start with the sensible and get that nonsense out of the way….
You first need to ask yourself if you want to be in a CEO type role. As you grow, and have bigger visions for your business the fun stuff is few and far between and it’s the daily admin of running a business that takes over. Is that for you? Is that a strength in your toolbox? I’d def sit with that for a hot minute. I still am…
I believe in passion over money, as if you are passionate about what you are doing you will succeed (with a sprinkling of business smarts mixed with true grit of course). Be sure to have a really clear vision, and message, and remind yourself daily why you do what you do. That will help you stay on course. And remember, all the good stuff takes time and hard work.