Emily Mae Young: The Inspiring Journey of ‘Step by Step’ Star to Entrepreneur

Emily Mae Young became a home name in the late 1990s with her endearing work as Lilly Foster-Lambert on the hit show Step by Step. Emitting charm, big eyes, and natural talent, Emily made a name for herself as an outstanding child actor of her era. Her performance was not only loved by viewers but also respected within the industry, receiving nominations and awards at a child.

But Emily’s story didn’t stop there. As she matured, she gracefully exited the limelight to forge a new identity—this time as a creative professional and businesswoman. From acting to modeling, and now thriving in entrepreneurship, Emily Mae Young’s journey is a shining example of how early success can evolve into long-term fulfillment. In this article, we’ll explore her life, career milestones, present ventures, and what lies ahead for this multi-talented star.

Quick Bio

Who is Emily Mae Young?

Emily Mae Young is an American actress, model, and entrepreneur born on February 14, 1990, in Orange County, California. She is best known for being the youngest Foster-Lambert sibling on the hit TV show Step by Step, airing from 1991 to 1998. Her character, Lilly, was introduced later in the series and was a favorite with audiences for her innocent charm and wit.

Besides Step by Step, Emily had several other shows and movies under her belt, such as the soap opera All My Children and the Christmas TV movie Santa and Pete. Her early television work was met with acclaim and solidified her place as a well-liked child star of the ’90s. Though she departed from acting, her presence in the audience continues and most of her fans still fondly remember her as the cute little girl who brought smiles and warmth to their homes.

Early Life

Emily had a supportive and artistic upbringing in Southern California. Her parents, Tracy and Doug Young, recognized her talent early on and placed her in local acting school and plays. Being supported to pursue her passion, Emily was soon auditioning, and at six years old, she booked her very first commercial. Exposure to performing early in life served to instill confidence and skills in public speaking.

She attended an elementary and middle school with a focus on performing arts, then a performing arts high school. During her teenage years, Emily remained devoted to her studies while continuing to act part-time. Later, Emily earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Southern California. Not only was her skill honed through this formal training, but she also learned for the creative work that she would pursue later in life.

Career Beginnings

Emily started acting by doing national commercials for large corporations like Welch’s and Sears, where she gained popularity as a expressive and friendly child model. Her on-screen charm amazed casting directors, which opened doors for her as Lilly Foster-Lambert on Step by Step. Her initial appearance on the show was a turning point in her life when she gained national recognition at the age of six.

Although Step by Step was her best-received gig, Emily did not coast on her laurels. She made guest appearances on hit shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and even made a guest appearance on the soap opera All My Children. Her performance was always praised, and she won an Acting Award in 1999, as well as being nominated many times, including at the YoungStar Awards. Emily’s early career achievement laid a good foundation for her later arts and business activities.

What Is Emily Mae Young Doing Now?

After retiring from acting, Emily reinvented herself as a businesswoman. She took up modeling and later became an Instagram influencer where she focused on health, fashion, and lifestyle. Emily co-owns Bob Does Sports, a successful venture she started alongside her husband Kristian Garcia. They sell media content based on golf and lifestyle with a wide-ranging online following.

The business has expanded incredibly well-liked, raking in millions in profits and worth over $50 million. Emily’s behind-the-camera work in production, creative concept, and merchandising design have contributed significantly to the business’s success. Her transition from child star to executive is a rare and motivational one, proving that child stars are capable of grown up to be successful adults given determination and direction.

Emily Mae Young’s Physical Appearance

Emily Mae Young is well known for her beady grin, animated face, and welcoming appearance. She measures 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) in height and weighs approximately 114 pounds (52 kg) and lives an active, healthy lifestyle that reflects her commitment to self-wellness. She regularly writes about hiking, yoga, and sustainable living, which have become cornerstones of her personal brand.

Her fashion is a combination of simplicity with precise taste, offering everyday-chic and retro-chic clothing. Whether on camera or working behind the scenes of her businesses, Emily radiates class and assurance. Her fans admire her timeless beauty and the way she has grown from a cute kid star to a poised, elegant woman.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Emily Mae Young has an estimated net worth of around $2 million. While a bit of this is residual money that she makes from working as a kid actor, the majority of her wealth today is made from working as a businesswoman and social media personality. Her company, Bob Does Sports, brings in over $2 million annually, most of which is brought in by merchandise sales and sponsorships as part of her wealth.

Emily’s diversification of her revenue streams has also made her wealthy and influential. From royalties for acting to brand partnerships and product lines, she has diversified her portfolio. Her planning and entrepreneurship have allowed her to build her wealth in substantial and long-lasting ways.

Social Media

Emily Mae Young maintains a strong and engaged online presence across platforms like Instagram, from where she uploads details about her life, creative works, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Her account @emilymaemedia  give fans the lowdown on what she does on a daily basis and likes to do.

With a growing fan base of thousands, Emily addresses such topics as positive messaging, mental wellness, and women’s entrepreneurship. She also collaborates with brands and influencers within health and fashion spaces, so she is not only retro, but also culturally relevant. Her social media success follows her transition from television personality to creative director.

Future Prospects and Vision

In the future, Emily Mae Young does not seem to be losing momentum. She goes on building her brand, expanding into new business ventures and online media endeavors. Rumor suggests that she will come back to TV but in a different capacity—perhaps even as a producer or host—melding her old career with her new skills.

She’s also passionate about empowering young women and creatives. Emily has already expressed interest in developing an online platform or workshop series which would help people transition from one industry to another and build meaningful careers. With her wide array of skills and entrepreneurial background, she is well-equipped to make a lasting impact in both the business and entertainment industries.