Life has taken Erin Talgo ’14 on an unexpected but rewarding journey — from navigating the corporate world to launching a business that celebrates craftsmanship and sustainability. Her story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and creating something meaningful, all rooted in the education and network she built at Lehigh.
“I had always heard of Lehigh, and I wanted the very traditional college experience,” Talgo recalls. “Walking around, seeing Linderman Library, people studying and eating on the lawn — it just had that amazing traditional American college vibe, which was exactly what I wanted. The academics were obviously amazing, particularly the business school.” As it turned out, the business acumen she developed at Lehigh would one day support her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Mini-Entrepreneur in the Making
After graduating with a degree in finance, Talgo landed her first job through connections fostered at Lehigh and her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. “I interviewed for a supply chain position at Ross Stores, but the interviewer thought I’d be better in a client-facing role,” she explains.
This serendipitous moment led her to a nine-year buying career, where she traveled the globe, developing products and negotiating deals in countries like China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. “It was like being a mini-entrepreneur,” she says. “I learned how to scale a business and gained so much firsthand experience.”
A Desire for Something More
Despite her success, the grind of constant travel began to wear on her. Talgo and her husband, Kris Talgo ’13, decided to relocate to Colorado, marking a turning point in her career. She briefly ventured into tech sales before returning to buying at Burlington Stores, where she managed the beauty department for the West Coast.
Yet, something was still missing. “I watched so many people go out on their own, and I kept thinking, ‘Why not me? I could do this, too!’”
Artistry Meets Sustainability
That mindset pushed Talgo to start her own business, Erin Talgo Trading, in December 2022. A trip to Morocco solidified her vision when she encountered the stunning, handwoven rugs in the souks (outdoor marketplaces) — an experience that deeply resonated with her.
“Seeing these craftswomen create these beautiful pieces by hand, using yarn dyed with pigments from fruits and vegetables — it was such a far cry from the industrialized, commoditized processes I had witnessed in factories,” she says. “I thought, ‘What’s the white space opportunity here?’”
Talgo put her sourcing skills to the test, returning to Morocco to meet the weavers who would become her partners. “I couldn’t make this business work without getting to know my suppliers and understanding their craft,” she shares. “My husband and I spent three weeks traveling rural roads, breaking bread with the artisans. It was one of those moments where the universe just aligned.”
Gaining Traction in the Design World
Her rugs, handmade from 100% lambswool and naturally dyed, quickly drew inteest within the Los Angeles design scene. Talgo landed her products in high-end stores like Fred Segal Home and worked on prestigious projects, including the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach.
“People really connected with the quality of the rugs and the story behind them,” Talgo says. One of her best-selling designs, “Pink Clouds,” is dyed using avocado skins and pomegranate juice — a detail that resonates with clients seeking both beauty and sustainability.
A Philanthropic Focus
Beyond aesthetics, Talgo’s business also has a philanthropic focus. She donates a portion of each sale to Free a Girl, a charity that rescues women and children from sex trafficking, an issue she witnessed during her corporate travels.
“It was important to me to offer something handmade and of wonderful quality, but that also contributes to something good in the world,” she explains.
Expanding the Brand
Looking ahead, Talgo plans to expand her presence on the East Coast and in mountain regions like Colorado, Montana, and Utah. “The thick, lush wool of our rugs would do well in those areas,” she says. She also hopes to grow her footprint in hotels and boutique stores, all while maintaining the close creative collaborations that have made her business so rewarding.
Reflecting on her journey, Talgo credits Lehigh with teaching her the importance of networking and the foundational skills needed to run her own company. “I actually dusted off my business plan from my Business 101 class when I started my own business,” she laughs. “Lehigh gave me the tools I needed, and it all came full circle.”
From corporate burnout to creative entrepreneurship, Talgo’s story is one of persistence, passion, and purpose — proof that sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you create for yourself.
