About Us
Edgington Studio is a full-service cut-and-sew apparel manufacturer, named after its location on Edgington Lane in Wheeling, West Virginia. We help emerging fashion designers across the United States with collection development and small production runs. We also make custom one-of-a-kind garments, do alterations, and teach classes for those local to Wheeling. We opened in July of 2020 after recognizing the need for American-made products at a time when international supply lines were not always reliable. Edgington Studio strives to close the gap for American manufacturing of cut-and-sew apparel with small batch production through the use of local talent sourcing and partnerships, while inspiring the next generation of garment professionals.
Certifications and Memberships
Edgington Studio is proud to be be a Certified Small Business and a Certified Woman-Owned business! If these are distinctions that align with your brand, we would love to connect.
Since 2023, Edgington Studio has been an active member of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. Our involvement connects us with the strength of manufacturers of all sizes within West Virginia and has introduced us to our legislators who shape our growth here in the Mountain State. It has also lead to our partnership with The Explore Program, which helps middle and high school students across the state experience “what makes manufacturing so cool” and the opportunities available in West Virginia for careers after graduation.
Our Team
Emily Rouse
Co-Founder + Owner
Photo Credit: Wheeling Heritage
The first time Emily ever used a sewing machine was on a Girl Scout field trip as a middle schooler growing up in Wheeling, WV. She was gifted a sewing machine that year for Christmas and the rest is history. That field trip was influential in sparking Emily’s passion for sewing and fashion because without it, she never would have known it was a skill she would enjoy and could turn into a career. Emily was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia right around the corner from where the studio resides. She graduated from The Linsly School in 2012 and went on to obtain her BFA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. While studying and living in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia, she sewed her craft on both screen and stage in the costume departments of PBS’s MERCY STREET and Firehouse Theatre. Right before moving to New York City, Emily began her role as Wardrobe Supervisor for the new show LIGHTS, CAMERA, LOCATION!, enjoying the opportunities to film across the country and throughout Europe. Once in NYC, Emily broadened her horizons and immersed herself in every aspect of the fashion industry, gaining experience in wholesale, retail, design, distribution, manufacturing, and contracting and created her womenswear brand, House of Rouse, LLC. She is now excited to bring her experiences back home to Wheeling to build this industry locally and create opportunities for future professionals in fashion and manufacturing. Emily serves on the Board of Directors for the WV Manufacturers Association - Educational Fund, which connects middle and high school students with manufacturing partners to gain hands-on exposure to the vast career paths available within the industry.
Ashley Walters
Apparel Production Specialist Apprentice
Ashley is a 2024 graduate of John Marshall High School's Drafting CTE Program and a member of National Technical Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. She is interested in learning about clothing manufacturing and alterations and will be spending the next year completing our DOL certified apprenticeship program.
Shelly Rouse
Studio Director
Shelly brings more than 30 years of management and quality improvement experience to her role as Studio Director. She received her MBA from West Virginia University and is a Certified Professional in HealthCare Quality. In addition to her role with Edgington Studio, Shelly also works for a Fortune 500 company as a part-time quality consultant.
Shelly plans to use her quality expertise to position Edgington Studio as THE premier apparel production studio in the Ohio Valley.
Photo Credit: Doug Ash Photography
Keegan Zacharie
Co-Founder
Keegan grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, and learned the ins and outs of small business at an early age. He is a graduate of the VCU School of Engineering and has years of experience in business, technology consulting, and content creation, all of which were put to good use during the Studio’s first year in business. With ample background in technical analysis, service management, quality assurance, process engineering, and customer service, he approaches challenges with an eye for detail and an ability to adapt in ever-changing environments. Keegan came to West Virginia in 2017 and fell in love with its appreciation for small businesses and the pioneering spirit of its residents, and while his work takes him many places, he has come to see Wheeling as a second home.
