Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Kittle, Owner of Betty x Bow, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Betty x Bow, a slow-fashion womenswear brand based out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We create elevated wardrobe essentials that infuse effortless, versatile style with our signature feminine flair, helping women to build a conscious capsule wardrobe. All of our pieces are designed and ethically produced in Canada. Our styles are created in neutral and muted tones with the intention for our separates to be mixed and matched with ease to make a beautifully polished outfit.
Tell us about yourself
I own and operate Betty x Bow. I have worked in healthcare for the past 11 years as a Registered Nurse, and four years ago, I made the decision to pursue my lifelong passion to build a slow-fashion brand. I have always been passionate about fashion, specifically interested in design detail, textures and silhouettes. As a consumer, I found it difficult to find high-quality simplistic wardrobe basics with design interest. The styles that were missing in my own personal wardrobe are what sparked The BXB collection styles.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making women feel beautiful through clothing. Each time I receive a customer review or message about how much they love their BXB clothing and how it made them feel is truly gratifying. I want my clothing to continue to help women to feel empowered, strong, and their most confident selves.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There is no 'turn off' button. My business is ALWAYS on my mind. I get asked all the time, how do I balance it all? I do my best each day to manage my priorities. Some days are wins, and others, I feel like I come up short. Balancing a growing business, a nursing career, and personal life is challenging. I always feel like I could be doing more to grow and evolve.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research! Build a business plan, research your target audience, and develop a marketing strategy. Sample your product/service in front of an audience before launching it to the public.
- Outsource tasks within the business to the experts. As a business owner, you wear many hats, but you can not be skilled in all areas necessary for your business to be successful. Know when to hire and delegate tasks to keep the business moving forward.
- Running a business can be unpredictable. Be adaptable to change. Take each pivot as a learning opportunity to better what your business has to offer and build a solid foundation for your brand.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bettyxbow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettyandbow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyxbow/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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