Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leanne Larsen and Nicola Collins, co-founders of Young and Aged, located in Burlington, ON, Canada.

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

We are Young and Aged! A lifestyle apparel brand created to combine a love of fashion and sport with a philanthropic foundation. Our main goal is to donate a portion of each sale to provide resources in our communities for anyone interested in sport on any level. We’ve seen firsthand the effects that sport and even being a part of a team have on shaping and impacting lives. We believe that funding and resources should not stand in the way of someone’s future or what truly makes them happy.

Tell us about yourself

Our business came together after many conversations on how we can give back to our communities and make an impact to hopefully change someone’s life. Nicola has grown up her entire life playing a variety of sports and being involved in teams. Leanne spent just over a decade in cheerleading (competitive and in the CFL) which not only changed but saved her life. Being a part of a team is fulfilling. Financially speaking, being involved in a sport can become costly very quickly. Leanne constantly says she would not be where she is and who she is today without cheerleading. Growing up not knowing if she’d be able to continue being involved in the sport she loves due to finances was overwhelming. We hope to help eliminate that feeling and that fear for anyone and everyone who has their heart set on doing what they enjoy and love.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We started our business in the heart of the pandemic, and we are extremely proud to say we have been going strong for one year. We were also able to make our first donation to a local youth female soccer team. Knowing we were able to provide resources to assist them in doing what they love means the world to us. It files our fire to keep doing what we do, and we thank all of our amazing customers (team members) for supporting us on this journey!

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

We are learning something new every day. Just when we think we have a handle on something, there’s always a new way to do something or a new product we want to introduce or a new way to go about social media. Things are ever-changing, which is great, but learning how to keep up all while having a healthy work-life balance is a challenge. We love what we do and will accept these challenges each and every day.

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

  1. Just start. It's scary and can be overwhelming, but if you don't start and take the first step, you'll remain standing still.
  2. You have to learn to embrace your mistakes. This is where you learn and grow. If you don't make mistakes, it means you are playing it safe. Always focus on what you can learn from every opportunity.
  3. If you are going to start a business with a friend, know you will have to have tough conversations and disagreements. Being understanding and able to see and hear each other is very important in the business's success. Always remember your why. Why did you decide to start a business, and what are you working so hard for?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We appreciate everyone that shows interest in our brand. We not only hope to provide quality pieces but to change lives, and we continue to thank the community for their support in assisting us to do so!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.youngandaged.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngandaged/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngandaged/

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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