About

Emily's career in green building design and sustainable materials has always been about creating a healthier planet. By educating communities about the ingredients, labor practices, and environmental impacts behind the materials we use in our built environment, she empowers others to make conscious choices in construction and design.

But she wanted to take her mission beyond buildings—into the hands of everyday consumers. How could she inspire people to choose sustainability in a way that felt joyful, celebratory, and personal?

A lightbulb moment struck when Emily saw a high-profile interior designer post about furoshiki, the Japanese art of reusable gift wrapping. The designer lamented how traditions like furoshiki weren't commonplace in the U.S., expressing a desire for high-quality and stylish alternatives to disposable wrapping paper. That insight became the spark for Communal Gifts.

Emily purchased her first batch of deadstock designer fabric and began upcycling it into beautiful, hand-sewn reusable gift wraps. Friends and family quickly fell in love with the idea, and Emily’s curated collections of vintage and remnant fabrics began to grow.

Communal Gifts is more than a way to minimize waste—it’s a celebration of connection. Each wrap transforms gift-giving into an art form, holding memories and deepening bonds between giver and receiver. With every exchange, the legacy becomes richer—for people and for the planet.