About the Interview and the Guest Speaker
In this special episode of the FASH455 exclusive interview series, Emilie Delaye, FASH graduate instructor and founder of Nova Medical Wearables, shared her first-hand experiences sourcing for her startup. Nova was created for individuals living with PICC lines, chronic conditions, and invisible illnesses, with the hope of transforming everyday medical necessities into elevated wearables that restore confidence and individuality.
In a podcast-style conversation, Emilie discussed real-world cases involving supplier selection, vendor partnerships for innovative solutions that accommodate small minimum order quantities, and “Made in the USA” sourcing options. She also reflected on what sourcing entails in practice, especially from a small-business perspective.
This episode is especially relevant for students interested in starting their own businesses, suppliers working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and professionals working in sourcing and supply chain management.
Beyond her work with Nova Medical Wearables, Emilie’s academic and professional interests focus on global supply chains, sourcing strategy, sustainability, and social responsibility in the fashion and apparel industry. Through her research, teaching, and industry engagement, she explores how businesses can build more transparent, ethical, and resilient supply chains while creating positive environmental and social impact. Emilie served as the lead moderator of the FASH455 exclusive interview series and co-authored the 2026 Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study released by the U.S. Fashion Industry Association. Most recently, Emilie was selected to receive the 2026 Sara Douglas Fellowship for Professional Promise from the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) and will receive the award in November at the ITAA annual conference.
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 