Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marjan Kargar, founder and CEO of Narvan Apparel, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Narvan Apparel is an up-and-coming sustainable fashion brand based in Vancouver, Canada. A passion project years in the making, I’m proud to say that we launched our first Signature Collection in spring 2021.
Narvan is founded on the belief that art and nature are intertwined. For us, that means that the well-being of people and the planet are just as important as the designs themselves. We refuse to take shortcuts – sustainable fabrics, quality construction, and ethical production practices are our guiding priorities.

I like to describe Narvan’s designs as “wearable art.” Our garments push the boundaries of typical sustainable style, weaving together refined silhouettes with surprising, creative details. But they are also designed with versatility in mind, allowing them to be mixed and matched with ease and withstand the passing of trends.

Our customers mean the world to us. They are often fashion-forward and inspiring women of a surprisingly wide age range, which affirms for us that our timeless designs can be enjoyed at any stage of life.

Tell us about yourself

Art has always been a great source of love and solace in my life, which led me to study graphic design from high school through to my Masters. I was inspired to create Narvan as a way to combine my love for design and my vision for sustainable clothing production.

Starting a fashion brand has always been one of my wildest dreams. I worked in a stale corporate environment for years but eventually found myself at a turning point. I asked myself what I really wanted to contribute to the world, who I wanted to become, and what I wanted my work to mean. After receiving a positive response to my art and doing a lot of self-reflection, I found the confidence to set out on my own path. And despite the challenges I've faced, I wouldn't change anything.

I'm captivated by the idea that we can turn our streets into museums, where every piece of clothing was designed with intention and meaning behind it. But I'm saddened by the mass production of fast fashion items that are destined for landfills. By creating a line of beautiful garments that are also ethically and sustainably made, I hope to introduce people to a more mindful way of living and dressing. Clothes that tell stories are made to last and create beauty in a single moment of space and time... that's what I'm really interested in making.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Launching my first collection and seeing my hand-sketched designs come to life is something that I’m most proud of. I think my artistic background has allowed me to create a recognizable line with a unique aesthetic. I’m grateful for that inspiration, which has come from years of creative work.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Responsibility and accountability. As much as you plan, there are always surprises along the way that you can’t prepare for – both good and bad. You’re forced to make a lot of decisions every day. When you’re making decisions for something you love and are deeply passionate about, even a small decision can feel monumental. And you often end up wondering whether you made the right one.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be patient and don’t give up. It’s a long journey for most of us, so showing up every day is key.
  2. Be open to learning new skills and information. I learn something new every day. Even my family is learning alongside me, and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.
  3. Stop worrying about what other people think. You’re unique, and that’s the key to your success. Stick to your vision and your “why,” and remind yourself of that “why” every single day.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It’s difficult to comprehend, but North Americans send over 10 million tons of clothing to landfills every year. I believe that a truly sustainable future also means reducing the amount of clothing we consume. That’s why you won’t see new pieces on the Narvan website every week. We produce in limited quantities, and each collection goes through months of research, planning, designing, fitting, and testing to make sure it meets our highest standards. That way, our customers can buy less, but better.

But stay tuned – I’m excited to announce that we have a new collection planned for 2022. We can’t wait for you to meet our beautiful pieces that are made to last.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://narvan.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarvanApparel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narvan.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NarvanCa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narvan-apparel/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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