Today we’d like to introduce you to Em Baker.
Em, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Riley + Ro was born from a desire to simplify getting dressed—without sacrificing style. As women, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by closets full of clothes but still feeling like we had “nothing to wear.” I craved pieces that feel elevated yet effortless, beautiful yet practical, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one.
What started as a personal frustration quickly turned into a passion project: creating a women’s clothing line rooted in ease, versatility, and understated sophistication. We focused on timeless silhouettes, soft and wearable fabrics, and thoughtful designs that move with you—whether you’re running errands, heading to brunch, or showing up for your dreams.
We began small—just a few core pieces and a mission to make women feel confident, comfortable, and collected. Thanks to an amazing community of women who believed in our vision, Riley + Ro has grown into a brand that helps women rediscover joy in getting dressed.
Today, we’re proud to offer pieces that reflect the strength, softness, and simplicity we believe every woman deserves. And while we’ve come a long way, our heart is still the same—to help women look good, feel good, and live fully in every outfit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road—but every bump along the way has shaped who we are as a brand.
Building Riley + Ro has been a journey filled with passion, learning, and resilience. Like many small businesses, we started with a clear vision but quickly realized how much there is to learn behind the scenes—sourcing quality fabrics, managing production timelines, finding the right partners, and navigating the ever-changing retail landscape.
One of our biggest challenges was staying true to our design values—simplicity, softness, and versatility—while growing sustainably. There’s constant pressure in the fashion world to keep up with fast trends, but we’ve had to learn how to slow down and stay rooted in our purpose: creating pieces that last, both in quality and style.
There were moments of self-doubt, delays that felt like setbacks, and seasons where we weren’t sure how things would unfold. But what kept us going was the community of women who reminded us why we started—to create clothing that makes women feel confident, seen, and comfortable in their own skin.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been real. And every challenge has helped us become more intentional, more connected, and more inspired to keep building something meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Riley + Ro, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Riley + Ro is a women’s clothing brand built around one core idea: getting dressed should feel good—from the inside out. We design elevated everyday pieces that are soft, wearable, and thoughtfully made to fit real life. Our pieces are rooted in simplicity, clean lines, and a modern, feminine aesthetic that makes getting dressed effortless.
We specialize in versatile wardrobe staples that you’ll reach for again and again—pieces that transition easily from work to weekend, that feel as comfortable as they are beautiful. Every item is carefully designed with flattering silhouettes, quality fabrics, and neutral tones that mix and match with ease. Our goal is to help women feel confident and comfortable without having to overthink it.
What sets us apart is our intentional approach. We’re not chasing fast fashion or trends—we’re creating timeless, minimal pieces that reflect how women actually live and move. We believe clothing should enhance your life, not complicate it.
What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is how many women tell us they feel more like themselves in our clothes. That’s the magic we aim for: confidence, ease, and a quiet kind of luxury that doesn’t try too hard.
If you’re craving a more curated, calming, and authentic approach to style—welcome. Riley + Ro was made with you in mind.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was the day I told my mom I wanted to “run the world in a pair of stilettos” when I grew up. I was maybe six years old—dressed in her heels that were three sizes too big, marching around the living room like it was a runway and a boardroom all in one.
Looking back, it was less about the shoes and more about the feeling: I wanted to feel powerful, stylish, and completely myself. That moment stuck with me—not just because it was cute or funny, but because it captured so much of who I was becoming. Confident. Bold. Unapologetically me.
It’s wild how those little moments shape the big dreams—and that fire? Still very much alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rileyandro.com
- Instagram: @shoprileyandro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileyandro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riley-ro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RileyandRo
