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We
are both very proactive businesswomen with similar passions and creative
talents. We have extensive background in fashion: styling, management,
event planning and merchandising, complemented by formal training in the
arts, make up artistry, and marketing. These combined passions
eventually lead us to open a boutique that provides a great service to
both the designers and the community. Our focus is equally divided
between featuring quality classics, core pieces with a twist and
signature pieces that define who you are.
Does the name the Velvet Room Boutique have a special meaning?
We started to look at words that best described our philosophy. It was
all about creating an image that would define the store’s presence. We
wanted it to sound equally unique, inviting and mysterious.
“Velvet”
is classic, soft and glamorous. It has been traditionally worn in a
range of styles from formal to loungewear, covering all areas of a
women’s wardrobe.
The
“Room” is a safe and quiet place where clients can come in and share
their personal style, where we can spend a moment together and assist
them in selecting items to compliment or create their wardrobes.
A
“Boutique” is an eclectic collection of unique products. Often small and
quaint, boutiques offer a personal touch and excellent customer service.
Why
did you choose to only carry Canadian Designed but also Canadian made
products?
We feel that ‘designed in Canada’ is not the same as ‘made in Canada’.
Canadian fashion has often been overlooked or misunderstood when it
comes to uniqueness, style and affordability. There was a need for a
boutique like ours that would celebrate the talents of designers from
across this beautiful country whom have chosen to produce their lines in
Canada .
There is a generation between you two. How do you pick out clothing so
that all mothers and daughters can wear the lines you carry?
We look for high fashion styles that suit a variety of body types. We
stand by our style and feel strongly that our fashions and accessories
are appropriate for all ages. If the garment drapes properly and is
flattering to the body shape it can be suitable for all ages. Luckily
both of us have similar taste, which is reflected in the overall image
of the store. We have to fall in love with the items we bring in. They
must have that WOW appeal. We often fight over the same garment for our
personal use!
We carry
styles for today’s fashionable moms to the young up-and-coming
professionals on a budget. Fashion and style is all about how you feel
about yourself, the choices you make with regard to lifestyle and how
you wish to project your own personal image. Investing in classic
signature piece that you love and that will remain in your wardrobe for
many seasons is the best investment. Many people state that dressing
fashionably is only for the young, but true Fashion is ageless.
Your store is an eclectic mix of fashionable classics.
How do you find all these gems?
When designers meet with us to show their collections we always try on
the outfits so we get a feel for the construction, quality and overall
fit. We often suggest small adjustments to make the garment versatile
for our clients. Designers know not to bring us runway size 2 samples to
try on. We look for designs that suit curves, have an adjustable hem
length, are bra-friendly and have easy care instructions. We work with
our designers to create new looks to make sure we are filling the needs
of our clients. We listen carefully to our clients and give the
designers feedback to assist them in there next collection.
Since we
opened our doors in October of 2007, we have been bombarded by amazing
designers from across Canada waiting in line for a space in our little
boutique. It’s a nice feeling that we are becoming well known for
supporting Canadian talent.
You have a great philosophy on staying current with your personal style.
Tell us more.
Everyone needs to update their personal style every few years. Our ever
changing lifestyles and physiques will demand some type of change when
it comes to looking your best. Some will need a complete make over due
to a career or complete lifestyle change, while others should consider
keeping their personal classic look, updating core pieces and adding
both modern and classic accessories.
The real
key lies in creating a look that combines timeless style with current
looks. Build a collection of basics that endure by selecting youthful
cuts and neutral palettes. Then, mix them with a variety of upscale
accessories; both trendy and classic. Learn to abandon the need for
purchasing extreme fashion and this season’s fad style that will not
even take you through the next year. Purchase the best quality
accessories you can afford as they are crucial to your overall look and
create your personal style whether you are a minimalist or fashionista.
Accessories can transform a few core pieces into many different looks,
expanding the capabilities of your wardrobe.
We love
signature pieces. They are classics with a twist. These pieces define
who you are. They are the ones your eye is drawn to the minute you see
them. They will be pieces that fit into your everyday life. Consider
them the core to your wardrobe using basics and the foundation and
accessories as the final touch.
Can you tell us more about your house line Coral Moon Designs?
Coral Moon is an upscale jewellery line that is elegantly fashionable,
delicate, and yet worthy of making a definite fashion statement. All
pieces are made from 14K Gold fill, Vermeil or Sterling Silver. They are
classics with a twist and can be a part of a wardrobe for many years to
come.
We had
no idea that our line would be consistently one of the top selling lines
in the boutique. Almost all the pieces in the store are exclusive to the
Velvet Room. We continue to develop new designs that compliment both
casual and dressy looks.
What are some of the key factors in your success?
Busy people get more done. We love what we do and are good at time
management. We also compliment each other very well. We can keep the
momentum level high by feeding off each other’s energy and continually
inspiring each other on a daily basis. We know the roles we play in the
business and try to leave room for the other to work independently.
We have
such rewarding relationships with both our designers and our clientele.
Our clients will often return to the boutique a few days after their
purchase and tell us how excited they were that the piece fit perfectly
into their wardrobe or how many compliments they received. These
stories are essential to our successes, as we provide our designers with
wonderful stories and feedback. It provides us with a benchmark to which
we carry our business to. We work proudly with the local community and
other retailers from across the country to promote the Canadian fashion
industry. We are very much team players and have fun conversing with
fellow business owners.
We never
forget that we were once young and business green. We were luckily
enough to both have someone in our lives who served as our mentor; they
guided us and pulled us through the ropes. We look to do the same with
our in-house internship programs, on-site seminars and classes and
business development consulting. We see our business and the
relationships we create as building blocks for bigger projects in the
future.
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