Where Are They Now? Catching Up with Former Community Manager Emma

4 hours ago
3 min read

As we celebrate 10 years of Container Yard, we're reconnecting with the incredible people who have helped shape our community over the years.

Next up in our "Where Are They Now?" series is former Community Manager Emma!

Emma served as Community Manager from September 2020 through May 2021, a memorable chapter in Container Yard's history that included one of our biggest milestones—the move into our second home on Broad Street.

A Move to Remember

When asked about her favorite memory from Container Yard, Emma didn't hesitate.

"One of my favorite memories was moving from Container Yard's old space on Marine Street into their second property on Broad Street. It was such a fun couple of days celebrating this new milestone with everyone!"

It was an exciting time filled with boxes, teamwork, and plenty of anticipation for what the future would hold. Looking back, it's a memory that perfectly captures the spirit of Container Yard—people coming together to build something bigger than themselves.

Turning a Passion into a Career

Since her days at the Yard, Emma has built a business doing what she loves.

After graduating from Spring Hill College with a degree in Communications, she worked in nonprofit and engineering, writing press releases, website copy, and creating social media content. At the same time, she was growing her photography business on evenings and weekends.

In August 2023, she took the leap and became a full-time photographer.

Today, Emma specializes in weddings and family photography while also offering commercial photography services.

It's safe to say she hasn't looked back.

Lessons That Continue to Shape Her

Emma credits her time at Container Yard with helping her become the business owner she is today.

"My time at Container Yard helped shape me into someone who leads with empathy and connection."

She continues:

"I've learned the importance of balancing meaningful client relationships with the strategy required to run a successful business, while also being there for my clients on some of the most special days of their lives."

That balance of business and relationships is something Container Yard has always believed in, and it's exciting to see Emma carrying those values into her own company.

Why Container Yard Still Feels Like Home

When asked what makes Container Yard special, Emma's answer was heartfelt.

"Container Yard is special because of its sense of community. Even now, six years later, I still feel right at home whenever I visit."

She shared how that feeling starts with the culture intentionally created from the very beginning.

"Stacy Wellborn created something really beautiful and intentional, a space that felt welcoming and full of connection for both remote corporate workers and small business owners."

"Her vision brought people together in such a meaningful way, and that impact is still so felt today."

It's a reminder that while buildings may change, community is what truly lasts.

Life Beyond the Yard

Life has been full of exciting milestones for Emma.

In March 2024, she married her best friend and college sweetheart, Will.

And here's a fun piece of Container Yard history:

"Fun fact, Will and I actually won the Halloween dress up contest at Container Yard in 2020!"

Today, the newlyweds live in Spanish Fort with their two golden retrievers, Louie and Winston, while Emma continues capturing some of life's biggest moments for families and couples across the Gulf Coast.

Once a Yardie, Always a Yardie

One of the best parts of celebrating 10 years is seeing how far our former Yardies have come while knowing they'll always have a place here.

Emma's story is a wonderful reminder that the relationships built at Container Yard don't end when someone moves on—they continue to grow for years to come.

Thank you, Emma, for being part of Container Yard's story. We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next, and we'll always be cheering you on.