Ivanna

Welcoming Julia as our BB of the month! Starting a brand from the ground up takes serious grind and tenacity…

Julia – you are the creative director and designer behind Jackson Rowe; beloved Canadian clothing brand from Vancouver, BC!  Lets start with the basics. How did you get started as a designer and how did it lead you to here?  

I always loved playing dress up. Growing up my mom would say that I would change my outfit 10x a day. I loved clothing . After high school I started working in retail and I was quickly moved from a salesperson to an instore merchandiser. My mom started encouraging me to go back to school at this point and I enrolled in the Fashion Arts program at Humber Collage. From there I interned at Inside Entertainment and FQ magazine from Kontent publishing . I then got a job as a wholesale clothing rep at Slavin Agency,from there I started my own Fashion agency called Liberty Studio. I loved the job, I loved working with clothing and helping store owners and buyers put together collections for their stores. I wanted to do more than sales so I started buying scarves and boho-ing them up with feathers and tassels , I would have my photographer friend take pretty pictures and I started selling them to my wholesale stores. From that, Jackson Rowe was born.

How did you come up with the name “Jackson Rowe” for your brand?

Jackson Rowe is a marriage of my Grandparents names Jack and Rose. It was 2012 and I was working at a yoga studio at the front desk so that I could get free yoga. I was trying to make my Fashion Agency work and I really wanted to start my own accessory line. I was sitting at the desk and trying to think of names and I just kept thinking about how scarves made me feel. Warm, cozy, wrapped up, hugged, and that made me think about being a kid. It was that feeling I got when I would get out of a swimming pool and my mom is standing there with a towel ready to warm me up and snuggle me. Or when I would be home sick and my grandparents are taking care of me for the day, I would be eating soup and crackers with ginger ale on their couch with my head on their lap. All those memories and feelings of being loved and taken care of were swirling through my mind and I just started saying my grandparent’s names in my head over and over Jack and Rose , Jack and Rose and that was when I heard it, Jackson Rowe.

Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit? 

I think it was almost forced upon me. I have a learning disability and it wasn’t diagnosed until I was in college. I was dyslexic and have ADD. I really struggled learning the traditional way, and I would always have to create my own path when it came completing projects and tasks.  I was an ok employee, but I wasn’t great because the only way I ever REALLY understood things was if I did them how it worked for me . When I started Liberty Studio and Jackson Rowe I really started to understand myself and get in a groove.

What best motivates you? How have your entrepreneurial motivations changed since you first started? 

The support system of women that work with me is like nothing else. I really feel as though we are all in this together and we fight for each other and motivate each other daily, but I have to say, my kids are the number one thing that motivate me. I think it’s so incredibly important for them to see me live my dream and fight for my goals. They see the ups and they see the downs and they see me putting my head down and pushing forward no matter what. They see me believing in myself and not giving up.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

To lean on each other, there is enough room in the world for all of us to all have our own little ( or big)slice . If we work together and support each other, we will only learn and grow more.

You have a great team behind you! What has been your way of finding talent and building effective working teams? 

It’s a lifestyle at Jackson Rowe, I want everyone I work with to feel like they are a part of a family. I trust them and I hope they trust me. Everyone is very independent, and they take ownership of their role. The last thing I want to do if micromanage anyone . I am so fortunate to work with such leaders and I am proud to call them all my friends.

Do you believe there is a winning formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur? 

Ha ha perseverance and not being afraid of asking for help!

You’re also a mom! Is there a key to balancing both worlds? 

That’s a tough one, I often feel like im not giving JR 100% of me or I’m not giving the kids 100% of me. All you can Do is your best. I love my kids as hard as I possibly can, and I love Jackson Rowe as hard as I possibly can.

Do you have a greatest inspiration – from past or present? 

Anyone who is kind inspires me , because in the end the only thing that matters is how you treat people.

Lastly, what is your favourite quote? 

“Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together.” Marilyn Monroe

• @xojacksonrowe

Meet Maria – a true inspiration in the retail world, having had her business for 38 years…

Maria – you are the owner of Fancy That and Roundstone fashion boutique in Kingston, Ontario. When you told me you opened your store in 1985 (38 years ago), my mouth dropped! What an incredible feat! Can you share with us the journey of how you started in the retail world? 

My mother opened her first Fancy That store November 1974.  Having just moved to Canada from Sweden, she felt the shoes were not very fashionable. On her way to Montreal to look at shoes for her store, she saw a poster that said, “Fancy That” and she decided to call her store just that. I worked in my mother’s store throughout high school but had no intention of working for her long term.  In 1983 I graduated from university with a teaching degree and started teaching in Ottawa with my husband, who also was a teacher. We had a perfect plan of both pursuing our teaching careers. However, teaching was not what I had expected. It did not fill my desire to be my own boss.

During this time of me searching for something different, a very devastating accident happened to one of my mother’s managers in Kingston. I came back to Kingston to help my mom in the store until someone would replace her. I ended up loving running the store and decided to stay but I absolutely needed my own store. In May 1985, I opened Fancy That in downtown Kingston!  

  In 1987 my first daughter was born and at that same time we decided to open our fourth store. By 1991, we had 7 stores but business was very tough at this time. 

In 1993 my third and final daughter was born and with 7 stores to take care of, it was just too much for me. We decided to close 4 of them in 1998 and since then we have focused on our three stores, and they have been very successful.

My mother will be 90 this year and has retired from business.  My brother and I are now business partners and he takes care of one of the stores in Brockville.

There is no doubt that you have experienced so many different realms of this changing industry. What would you say has been the biggest challenge in your career?

I love my job and what we have created but it has taken a lot of hard work to get where we are today! I think the biggest challenge is the many economic highs and lows that we face as a community.   Sales are influenced by the economy.  We have gone through three serious recessions and one of them we almost lost our business completely! Finding good and reliable staff that represents your business is also always a challenge. We are SO lucky to have an amazing team but I have had to deal with theft, labour board and really hurtful lies.   When you are in the business with people, it’s hard to not take things personally and you just have to stay true to who you are! 

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?

That’s an easy one! My mom. She has been such a resilient woman and has been a force within this business! I feel lucky to follow in her footsteps. 

How do you feel the fashion industry has evolved the most throughout your 38 years in business?

To tell you the truth, it has not changed that much! Maybe styles come and go but over the years there hasn’t been a huge change. Shoes might look a bit different but we always see styles coming full circle and coming back in style. 

Of course technology + social media has been a significant change in the industry and I think it’s been so important for exposure of new styles and for us to easily see inspiration from around the world!  

Is there a secret to success? What is yours?

Stick with the lines that are consistently good and reliable. Stay on budget. Partner with companies/agencies who have your back and focus on building relationships. Be open to change and moving forwards. Stay loyal to your customers and they will be loyal in return.

Be good to your staff.  They are at your forefront and you need them!

Love your job and have fun.  We are in the business because we love fashion, style and enjoying life – so don’t forgot it! 

What motivates you to keep going in the retail industry?

I have been very fortunate to work with family and that is what keeps me going.  My mother retired but we were partners for 30 years.  Now I have two daughters who have followed our footsteps and hopefully will be the next generation! Family has always been at the center of our company and that’s what keeps me motivated!

What advice would you give the next generation of female entrepreneurs?

Listen to the people who you admire and are your role models. Ask questions and follow their lead. Learn to make mistakes and deal with the consequences. Own up to your failures and know you will do it better the next time around. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks. I have had huge success with things I hardly gave a glance to but decided to take a chance on. 

In this industry you have many partners.  Work well with them and don’t burn any bridges. You never know when they will turn up again!

What has been the most exciting experience to memorize in your entrepreneurial career? 

This is a hard one since there has been so many moments of pure pride and joy. I love working with my family and they have always been very important to me! We all have something to bring to the table. I love all the different views and opinions. My husband is a huge support and has been my rock. This year we celebrate 39 years married and he has been there from the beginning. I also love people! I honestly love the energy people bring into the store and can’t believe this is my job!

Is there anything you would have done differently?

I probably should have takes some business courses and especially dealing with staff.  I made some huge mistakes in the beginning with staff.  I was pretty careless with money and ran into some financial problems for misspending. 

Lastly, if you were a type of shoe, what would you be and why?

Oh….100 percent leather and practical with some flare.  Fashion but very comfortable.  Colour of something fun but also not taking over the clothes.  I am not super fashionable but also not boring.   I love good quality.  I want to look natural as If “this old thing”. 

• @fancythatgroup

Meet “The Retail Duo” – the visionaries behind the innovative concierge service designed for the retail world…

Diane and Karen – better known as “The Retail Duo”; can you share with our readers what you do and how you got started in this industry?  

The Retail Duo is a concierge style business that offers a variety of services. We have four pillars which include visual merchandising and display, interior styling, marketing and art direction and finally training and conference speaking. Although we specialize in retail, we are not limited to exploring other genres and other projects.

In our early years…

Diane received her diploma in Visual Merchandising Arts at Sheridan College and went on to work with some big brands in the retail industry. Her focus was more marketing, graphics, and fashion styling.

Karen obtained a diploma in Fashion Arts, a business course at Fanshawe College that captured merchandising, buying, fashion and marketing.  She then worked in both apparel and home fashions and concentrated on store planning, merchandising and displays for both small and large brands. 

We became professors at Sheridan College in the Visual Merchandising Arts program the same year. We didn’t exactly hit it off at first. It took a co-worker to show us that we were two peas in a pod – married with two kids the same age, small town girls with sky high ambitions. Now we’re inseparable!

What are each of your roles within this partnership?

We are the dynamic crew of two. We may have different areas of expertise, but we are like peanut butter and jelly, the perfect combo! With our “divide and conquer” approach, we get things done in no time flat. Offering two perspectives (and sometimes more) sets us apart – It’s like getting two superpowers in one package. Diane rocks the role of Director of Branding and Communications. Karen is the queen and Director of Project Management and Merchandising.

What would you say was the key driving force for you to become entrepreneurs? 

We both have regular, traditional 9-5 jobs that have taken a lot of hard work and determination to get to a place where we feel confident in our abilities, and they are extremely rewarding careers, but deep down, we craved more! We wanted to unleash our creative sides, get hands-on, and be a part of the industry we adore. For us being relevant and being part of the industry is essential and we hope this inspires and engages our students. It’s like entrepreneurship runs through our veins – the constant urge to do more, make a splash, and create magic.

Partnerships can be tough! What makes your partnership work well? 

It’s all about those simple best practices. We divide and conquer (hello efficiency!), communicate like champs, and even call each other out with a little hint of sass. We make sure to keep each other hydrated and nourished – a little wine or Prosecco never hurt anyone, right?

Most importantly we value and respect each other’s idea, share financial decisions, and set goals together. WE definitely know how to have a blast while traveling – work hard, play harder!

Do you believe there is a winning formula to being successful and if so, what do you think it is? 

PASSION + ENTHUSIASM + COMMUNITY = PURE BLISS There is so much to consider when you run a business and it can be overwhelming. In the end if you can be aware of trends and economic factors, but keep in mind your own business objectives and goals along with your brand identity that will keep you focused. Passion, enthusiasm and being a good human will also seal the deal every time. We are also big believers in helping others succeed. The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. 

What have you learned from each other in this journey together? 

K: Diane has taught me many things. She has built my confidence and she encouraged me to bring back my love of illustration, which we incorporate in our pitches and branding. She has also been a big champion in encouraging me to speak up more and as I get older, I wish that was something that I had learned and practiced much earlier in my career. There is no denying she has helped me level up my personal style and I now know what a good font choice is! She is super talented and together we really complement each other well. 

D: Karen’s wisdom has rubbed off on me – patience is a virtue, people! Taking time to breathe, plan, and think things through has been a game changer.  Karen never seems to break a sweat in a stressful situation and always greets a challenge with a smile (even if it’s a fake one).  Her name gets a very bad rep – Karen is so NOT a Karen.

Karen makes friends and industry connections so effortlessly.  People always think I’m super outgoing in social situations – BUT before I met Karen, I was strangely scared to meet new people.  She connects with people by deeply listening and reaching out to them on a regular basis. Now I have more confidence in approaching people – what’s the worst that can happen right Karen?

Have there been any tough moments you have experienced so far?  

Let’s get real, tough moments happen. When massive projects, work responsibilities, and family life go into a frenzy, it’s tempting to throw in the towel. But hey, we know better than that.  Learning to say NO and finding some resemblance of balance is crucial. And lets’ do not forget the importance of wine therapy when things get intense.

You both clearly have an eye for detail and are incredibly talented at what you do. How do you stay motivated in keeping things exciting and different? 

We’re always aware of our surroundings, keeping tabs on trends and soaking up inspiration. Travel and industry events fuel our creative fire – and of course being inspired by incredible people. Being the duo means that we motivate and elevate each other to new heights.

Any advice for aspiring young women starting out in the retail world? 

If you are stepping into the retail world: buckle up for an exhilarating ride. Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded folks who truly get the biz. Don’t settle for less, know your worth, time is money, and take risks, embrace fear, and try new things. Celebrate your victories big and small, and never forget that you’re capable of greatness.

Lastly, if you were to write a book about yourselves – how would you name it?

“DUO POWER – Unleashing Success in Retail.” Who could resist that dynamic duo magic? 

• @theretailduo

Meet Kyla – a truly “kind” person, and the face behind “A Kind Heart”…

Kyla, you are the owner of North America’s first brick and mortar charitable concept store “A Kind Heart”; where every brand you represent in your store is one that gives back to charities and causes globally. WOW! What an incredible idea. Can you share with us how the concept was created and why you decided to do this?

I’ve been in retail for 30+ years. Believe me, I’ve seen it all: the good, the bad and the uber-ugly. Thing is, I’ve always had the ability to quickly size up a situation, learn from it, then turn around and make the necessary adjustments.
More than that: I always knew I could do things better. I saw this huge gaping hole in the industry, and I knew how to fill it. I could see it, feel it even…A brand and space where people feel welcome and respected, and where the spirit of giving back heavily infuses everything we do.

Tell us more about yourself. What kind of a person are you?

I’m a person who likes to get sh**t done. Always been that way. I don’t enjoy lying around and doing nothing, especially when I know I could be doing something amazing. I’m open-minded, incredibly vision-oriented and willing to try anything. And I’m not afraid of so-called failure, it simply doesn’t exist in my
world. Everything is part of one giant, amazing puzzle or experiment to create the best “whatever” [I’m working on].

Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit?

From the womb, baby!! No, seriously… I honestly can’t pinpoint one particular source. I’ve just always had this thing inside me, a gnawing relentless drive to try things, you know? Like my fabulous lemonade stand when I was 7. I just don’t know any differently. Plus, after being in the game for so long, I just can’t
fathom doing it any other way.

What has been the most significant barrier or challenge in your entrepreneurial career?

Hands down, my biggest challenge is wrestling with the traditional notion that “business isn’t personal”. I was always told, trained even, that it’s wrong to show emotion if I want to be taken seriously and perform in a “professional” manner.

This made absolutely no sense to me! How can I NOT be emotional?? This is my baby we’re talking about. All my blood, sweat and tears have gone toward nurturing it. Besides, when did being non-human (showing no emotion) become an asset? I will rally against that nonsense till my dying day:) And more to the
point: I’m proof that being a kind human in business is not only extremely satisfying, but it can be highly profitable.

Do you believe there is a winning formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur? What is yours?

Surround yourself with great people! Create the best team ever with people that are aligned with your company’s mission, values and overall spirit. I always try to empower my staff so they can make decisions and actually see their value and impact. This way they become more invested in their role and the company.

I’ve learned over the years that I can’t do it all by myself. I mean, believe me I’ve tried! This was a solo show for a long time in the beginning, but I quickly realized it’s not sustainable.

Basically, this is a “find your tribe and love them hard” scenario because when you take care of your team, they’ll travel to the moon and back for you. You can’t train people for that kind of commitment. So when you get it, never take it for granted.

Is there someone that has been your biggest inspiration in your career?

There’s really not one single person that encompasses everything that I admire. I’m drawn to strength, resilience, and of course, kindness. It’s the people who’ve been knocked down so many times–like, you’re sure they’re done–but they keep getting up, all dusty, bruised and bloody. Those are the people that move
my soul. You don’t mess with those people. They’re my people.

What advice would you give the next generation of female leaders?

Follow your heart and stay true to you! You need an almost obsessive drive to anchor yourself so you’re not flailing in the wind when things get rough. Root yourself in your vision and values and you’ll be able to trust yourself to make sound decisions.

And remember to breathe! You’re gonna have hard days. Expect them. Plan for them! So when they happen you have a strategy in place to help keep you moving forward. You’ve got to keep pushing. Never give up.

Do you feel that you’ve had to make sacrifices to be successful?

Absolutely. Time spent with family. Time for myself. That’s all been lost. But what I’ve gained, I hope, makes up for that. Which is: I’ve cultivated a life for myself where I can call the shots and have greater control over my time and what I do with it.

I mean, in the beginning you have to expect it to be hard, right? It’s a lot of work. You gotta get down on your knees and start digging. If you can fall in love with the process of getting down and dirty–and all the other things you have to do to build the strong foundation that’s gonna support you for years to come–
you’ll be unstoppable.

How should women support other women specifically in the retail world?

Be less judgmental. Try to have more of an open heart and mind to ideas and people that have the power to change not only your business, but the industry as a whole. Imagine what we could do if we truly all worked together, with everybody’s best interests in mind?? My God, we could revolutionize the industry, maybe even the world:)

Lastly, what is your favourite cause that you are passionate about?

Anything with kindness and humanity at its core. All living things basically. Ultimately, this question always takes me back to why I started A Kind Heart: to create a retail space unlike anything people had seen or experienced before. Everything here is intentional. It’s a place where kindness for people and the
planet is the focus and the reason why people are attracted to our store, why they buy and why they keep coming back.

• @akindheartstore

Meet Laura, the Mompreneur and visionary behind “Sunday Mane”…

Laura, you are a mom of two, and the face behind the Canadian hat brand “Sunday Mane”. Can you share with us how you got started with the brand and how the idea of Sunday Mane came to be?

The idea for Sunday Mane came to me during the winter lockdown in early 2021.  It was January and I was outside playing with my kids everyday for at least an hour.  It was more time than I’d spend outdoors in the winter since my own childhood!  My hair is fine and was bleached blonde, and my stylist had recently suggested I switch to a satin pillowcase. But my hair was dry and brittle being stuck under a regular hat all day.  With her advice in mind, I started looking for satin lined winter hats, and nothing I found spoke to my sense of style and desire for something special.  So, I decided to go for it, and source them myself!

Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit?

Definitely my Mother.  She worked very hard when I was growing up.  She had her own business and would take the bus everyday to get there, then come home and cook for a family of 4.  She never complained or lost her cool with us kids and I just admire her and how easy she made it all look.

How did you come up with the name for your business?

For me, Sundays are a one of life’s little luxuries.  It’s a relaxing day to get prepared for the week ahead and that includes some self care (and hair care too).  I wanted to convey that in the name of the brand, it’s a little luxe but it’s selfcare and you deserve it!

Being a mom and an entrepreneur probably comes with many challenges! How do you juggle being a mom-preneur?

I’m lucky that Sunday Mane is a seasonal business. I focus on it a lot in the fall and winter, but I get to dial it back in the summer.  I work on it during evenings once everyone is in bed, and Sundays for the most part. This year my 12-year-old has been helping me too- She has counted inventory, tagged merchandise, and helped me make reels!  Having a supportive husband has been key to my success as well, he’s very hands on with our kids and he cooks!  

What do you think are the best ways to handle stress and frustrations in business?

Haha yes, big dreams come with big emotions!  I am grateful to be surrounded by female friends that are entrepreneurs as well. I vent to them all the time to get frustrations off my chest, work through issues I’m having and seek advice.  I also value sleep, water, and movement to help me manage stress.

Do you think there is a winning formula to becoming an entrepreneur?

I think it’s a bit of that “preparation meets opportunity” situation. I have years of experience in the fashion and accessory wholesale world, so I knew what I was doing (to an extent) getting this off the ground when I had that lightbulb idea. But if you’re confident that you can work hard when you’re exhausted and humble enough to ask for help in your weak areas, I think that formula will take you far as an entrepreneur. 

If you could talk to one person from history – who would it be and why?

Princess Diana!  The fashion,  the philanthropy, motherhood and all the drama that has me hooked on The Crown would need to be covered.

How do you define success? 

Work/ life balance is big. What’s it all for if you can’t spend your days with loved ones? But also getting to the position to support other women in business. It’s been the highlight of all this so far, being lifted up and believed in by my peers. That sense of community is so empowering. 

What is the next step for Sunday Mane?

I think after two years of working out the kinks, I’m ready to expand my wholesale business. Independent retailers have the power to grow brand awareness in a valuable way, and I feel like I’m ready to properly take on that growth now.  

Lastly, what is your favourite quote?

Cliched, I know, but “this too, shall pass” It keeps my grateful and humble when life is going well, and blessings are abundant. But it’s also a positive reminder that tough times don’t last either. 

• @sunday_mane