Behind the Seams: Capturing Kontoor One Image at a Time

After growing up in Greensboro, Embrie A. Beamon’s interests took her around the globe. With an International Studies and Japanese degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and following a job teaching English in Japan, while considering law school, Embrie unexpectedly found herself drawn to a different profession altogether.

“I applied to Parsons School of Design in New York for grad school,” Embrie said. “I got in and it’s been fashion ever since.” Seven years later, Embrie never expected to be back in her hometown doing what she loves. After Working as a buyer in Dallas, TX for Neiman Marcus, her interest in marketing and branding eventually led her to become an eCommerce Merchandiser for Wrangler.

With that experience she saw an opportunity for a new role at Kontoor focusing on their eCommerce photography. We recently sat down with Embrie to talk about life in the photo studio: “I had a conversation with my manager related to the idea of a photo studio lead and the value add for someone with merchandising and eCommerce experience would have in such a role,” said Embrie. “My manager and others were receptive to the idea and provided me the opportunity to prove myself as the lead to this team. The experience has been tremendously rewarding and I am forever grateful.”

What is your day-to-day life like at Kontoor?

For Wrangler and Lee, we’re responsible for all the product images seen online. I manage the studio operations, casting talent, crew personnel, and overseeing the production of final images for all our digital channels and major retail accounts. On average, we shoot between 1,200 to 2,400 images per day!

Any advice for someone getting into this industry?

I feel like part of my success is that I’ve been fortunate to have managers that recognize my talents and afforded me the opportunity to be in the roles I have been in. My best advice is to absorb everything that you possibly can. Ask a lot of questions, and then ask a few more. I'm always out there learning and trying to get as much information from people who have been in the industry longer than myself.

What’s your favorite career moment so far?

Shooting our brand collaboration collections. Wrangler X Bob Marley and Wrangler X Billabong are ones that the team and I were quite excited for as Bob Marley was our first indoor lifestyle shoot and Billabong was our first swimwear shoot.

What do you love about working at Kontoor?

I love how the company feels like a big family and I truly pride myself in bringing that same feeling into the studio and for my team. Each employee has their own expertise, and knows the deliverables and expectations. This is really important to me, as the team functions like a family and is dependent upon one another for shared success. I will never get tired of hearing clients and contractors tell us how comfortable and at ease they feel when working in our studio. It’s truly important to me to make all feel welcome and comfortable while producing quality work.

What’s in Embrie’s closet?

I love Lee Union-Alls! On a daily basis I’m usually in Wrangler denim or rocking something from our modern collection.

Favorite hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy traveling and exploring different cuisines and recipes. Music has always been one of my foods for the soul and has found its way into the studio, where we are always playing different styles of music.