Mother and Daughter Duo Celebrate Fashionable Classics
Q & A interview with Deborah Richardson & Jessica Elliott

The Velvet Room Boutique was created by mother and daughter duo
 Deborah Richardson and Jessica Elliott. Together with the assistance of the Media and Design team, Sales associates  and behind the scenes Fashion professionals and interns they bring together; superior customer service, unique products and great styling tips.

Where are they today?
Fashion Professionals, Associates and Interns
(Internship positions are available throughout the year,
contact the VR for additional information)

Lucy Wilson-Story (Junior Stylist and Accessories Designer)
Lucy studied Fashion Design with a major in Accessories in the UK. After graduation in 2009 she returned to her hometown of Vancouver. She has a mosiac of skills including social media marketing, handbag design, personal stylist and is of great help as an executive assistant. (Lucy works part time at the VR heading into an assistant manager's position)

Ashley Perfonic: Fashion journalist- aperfonic@gmail.com
Ashley has taken on the position as our official editor assisting with the technical side of our voices of style newsletter and blog. Ashley is a graduate of journalism from SFU and wants to focus on the fashion industry. She is most interested in the publishing field and is currently taking seminars and courses in web design, publishing and creative writing. (Not everything gets through to Ashley in time for posting, I'm a very anxious and task oriented person, so if see errors, reversals and poor writing, its me, Deborah and no reflection of the skills Ashley has. Ashley, what would I do without you!)

Vanessa Lewis: PR, Events and Social Media Consultant
Vanessa has been part of the VR's media team for 2 years. I can highly recommend her services to anyone. Vanessa has emerged herself in the Vancouver fashion scene. If you want to know what's what, ask Vanessa.

Avril Gibson: Avril approached the VR to ask if she could join the team for the summer of 2010. We created a marketing and research position for her so she could gain experience in the Canadian Fashion Industry and complete her 450 hours of internship as required by her school program. Avril enters 3rd year Retail Management at Ryerson University. (Good luck this year Avril.)

Emily Tobias: With experience at Holt Renfrew and other leading retailer stores, Emily approached us to learn more about the 'Local' fashion scene. After her three month internship with the VR she decided that she wanted to applied to , FDIM Los Angles. She was excepted almost immediately as she had exactly the qualifications the school required and is currently in her second year. (Are you coming back as our buyer?)

Jojo -Emily Heaps: completed a three month internship with the VR and became part of the VR team. She enters her third year at Kwantlen in Fashion Design. Winner of the "Design A Dress" Contest 2010, Co-designer for Deborah's Clients Hudson and Saige Organics. (JoJo continues to work with the Velvet Room's Design Team on various projects and is considered part of our team.)

Patricia Negal: Patty started as a sales associate with the VR when we first opened our doors. She was in third year Fashion Design at Kwantlen College and worked with the team to her graduating year. Patty now owns her own fashion design business  "Pure Magnolia" creating organic wedding attire. (Patty created 18 dresses in total for her own wedding last year - and we were there to witness her fashion talents! Best of Luck Patty.)

Marley Davies: Research Intern for the VR. Marley came to us with a desire to expand her knowledge of the Canadian fashion industry. Her internship was tailored to her specific talents as a researcher. Marley was instrumental in creating part of our designer and media lists. Now, graduated from the Art Institute of Vancouver. (Marley starts her career in fashion design and from what we hear she is also into acting)

Yilaimages.com: Photographer
DavebryronsImages.com: Photographer