Meet Emily

Some people have a way of making everyone feel like an old friend and if you’ve ever been to a James Gray event, you know that’s Emily.

Originally from a small community outside of Mobile, Alabama, Emily Reed made her way to Hattiesburg to attend The University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. What started as a college town quickly became home.

Emily met her husband, Tyler, while serving on a mission trip in Vancouver in 2014. The two later married and are now raising their two children, Brooks and Sutton, in Hattiesburg.

With a heart for people and a love for creativity, Emily is entering her 10th year teaching first grade at Dixie Attendance Center. Her patience, attention to detail, and ability to make everyone feel special are just a few of the qualities that make her such an important part of James Gray.

Emily and Lindsay first met through their Sunday School class at Temple Baptist Church. Over the years, a friendship formed through church, family, and a shared love of creating beautiful things.

When Lindsay started James Gray Hat Company, Emily immediately saw an opportunity to be part of something fun and creative.

“I told her, this is something I can help with.”

And she was right.

What started as helping here and there quickly turned into Emily becoming a familiar face at almost every James Gray event. From helping customers choose ribbons and details to bringing their ideas to life, Emily loves the process of creating something unique for each person.

Her favorite part? The people.

Over the past year, Emily has loved meeting customers, hearing their stories, and watching each hat come together in a completely different way.

For Emily, James Gray is the perfect creative outlet; a place where friendships, creativity, and beautiful details all come together.