Born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland Elaine and her husband Raymond left their home in the village of Cairneyhill in the kingdom of Fife on June 15th 2000 for sunny California . It was the millennium year and they had both decided that it was now or never if they were going to follow through on a move they had both discussed on and off for a number of years .Their oldest son, Kieren was 10 and reaching a critical time in his education. His first year of high school was before him and with it all the educational planning for University. The move would have no diverse effects on their younger son Innes , then 2 years old.Their plan was to enjoy the wealth and prosperity that a start up company could bring them and they were willing to make the high risk move.

Now 3 sons later; her youngest, Neil was born in March 2001 Elaine has spent the past 7 ½ years living in Pleasanton in the East Bay. Things did not quite turn out as planned. With a degree in Chemistry and over 20 years experience in engineering, manufacturing ,operations and project management Elaine suddenly found herself in the role of stay at home mom looking after her 3 sons while her husband traveled almost very week to Seattle. During her first year in the US she had her 3rd son and both she and Raymond renovated their first home; a fixer upper .Much time was spent ensuring Kieren settled into the Californian life style and made new friends. Elaine has no regrets. Her family has grown in more ways than one .She has 3 delightful sons now 17,10 and 6 years old all thriving on the Californian life style. Both she and her husband have great friends and enjoy participating in all their sons sporting activities which include but are not limited to coaching , team mom, banner maker , treasurer etc. Elaine can honestly say that she is “The Soccer Mom”. Elaine gets involved in her sons Elementary school by helping out in the classroom and volunteering where help is needed.

With the boys settled ,growing and more independent and her husbands travelling reduced Elaine feels that the time is right to grow her business; EME Creations. It started out as a hobby 4 years ago when a friend brought some beads to her home and simply said “make something”. At the time Elaine remembered feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities and did not know where to start. She has a creative mind inherited from her Grandmother, Flora Johnstone. A true Highlander, Flora brought up 8 children in a 3 roomed black house , which her grandfather , Lachlan built himself on the small island of Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Think of Brave Heart and you’ll get the picture.

Life was tough. The house had no water or toilets inside. There is little money in crofting and the harsh weather and barren lands on the Islands make it difficult to grow crops. Flora had to be creative to survive. A can do person Flora knitted socks for the soldiers during the war, made blankets from rags for her children’s beds , ensured her kids were fed from what the croft and the land had to offer. Even when her kids were grown and had move away Flora still kept busy. She raised money for charity by selling shell ornaments she had made and late at night she would crochet shawls . She did this despite being crippled with arthritis in both her hands and feet. Elaine spent many long summers with her sister living with her grandmother . During these times she learned how to knit, sew , crochet, make shell ornaments and develop her creative spirit.