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Emily Bustamante

Emily Bustamante, widely known as Emily B, has established herself as a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industries. Known for her work as a shoe designer and television personality, she has also developed a strong reputation as a celebrity stylist. Emily gained national attention through her appearance on the VH1 reality series Love & Hip Hop, and she is recognized for her entrepreneurial role through her collaboration with the international footwear brand ZigiNY. Emily is also known for her longstanding and high-profile relationship with rapper Fabolous, with whom she shares two sons. She is the mother of three children, including her daughter Taina, from a previous relationship.

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Early Life and Background

Emily Bustamante was born on February 10, 1981, in New York City. She later moved to Virginia, where she spent much of her upbringing. She is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent and identifies as Afro-Latina. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, Emily has long expressed a passion for fashion that emerged in her early childhood.

Although often confused due to her close association with rapper Fabolous—whose real name is John David Jackson—Emily has no personal aliases involving those names and should not be referred to as John Jackson or Jonathan Jackson. Those names solely identify Fabolous.

Personal Life and Relationships

Emily Bustamante has navigated a complex personal life that has often been in the public spotlight. She is the mother of three children: her eldest daughter Taina Williams from a previous relationship, and two sons, Johan and Jonas, whom she shares with rapper Fabolous. Despite a high-profile and sometimes tumultuous relationship, Emily and Fabolous have never been married.

Emily was previously in a public relationship with professional football player Michael Vick prior to his legal troubles. She has remained relatively private about the details of her past relationships, focusing instead on co-parenting and her career pursuits.

Fashion Design and Styling Career

Emily began her career in fashion after earning a degree in the field. She initially worked as a personal stylist, where her talent attracted a range of high-profile clients in the entertainment industry, including R&B artists Ne-Yo and Trey Songz. Her expertise in combining trend-savvy style with personal aesthetics helped her stand out in the competitive stylist community.

Her reputation as a stylist eventually opened doors for her in shoe design. In 2013, she launched her own shoe collection, the Emily B. line, through a collaboration with ZigiNY, a boutique international shoe company known for fashionable and comfortable footwear. Emily’s designs are characterized by contemporary trends coupled with practical wearability, embodying her vision of fashion that empowers women while maintaining comfort. She has also expressed plans to expand her fashion brand into clothing under the label "Emily B."

Reality Television and Public Presence

Emily gained widespread recognition through VH1’s hit reality show Love & Hip Hop. Featured in the show's early seasons, she shared glimpses of her personal and professional life, which helped build her public profile. While she chose not to return for Season 3, the exposure contributed to her expanding influence within the entertainment and fashion industries.

With an estimated net worth exceeding $1 million, much of Emily’s income is attributed to her work as a stylist, designer, and television personality. Her connections in the hip-hop world, fostered through her professional and personal relationships, have further propelled her career. Influential peers such as Mashonda, the former wife of music producer Swizz Beatz, are among those in her network.

Social Media and Body Positivity

Emily uses social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans and showcase her latest designs and personal style. She promotes body positivity and self-confidence, sharing her journey of accepting her body and encouraging others to embrace their natural shape. Her posts often reflect her commitment to self-love, fitness, and empowerment.

Despite personal challenges and the pressures of public scrutiny, Emily Bustamante has emerged as a successful entrepreneur and inspiring figure. Her resilience and dedication to personal growth and professional excellence make her a role model for many aspiring designers and women navigating complex personal lives.


Quick Facts
Net Worth 2021: 2 million
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Last Modified: Jul 21 2025
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