“My definition of success is creating financial freedom while doing something that I am passionate about.”
1000 Apparel & Accessories
Samantha Hodgkins: Activewear for Teens
“Every girl that feels uplifted, empowered, elevated, supported and encouraged through connection with SparkFire is a success.”
Johanna Eckart: Vibrant Activewear for Women
“Marablue Activewear’s goals are to grow into a global sportswear brand for women that promotes a more real and diverse image of women in sports.”
Nazish Hussain: Buy & Sell Designer Goods Anonymously
“This where Secret Stash came in providing a platform to buy and sell original designer items at bargain prices and the best part is it’s anonymous which helps cultural sensitivities.”
Fathima Afrin & Fathima Sameera: Two Young Fashion Entrepreneurs Build Their Business
“We are two young girls without business training, but right after finishing 12th grade we wanted to do something, that’s when Afeera happened.”
Aarti Shankar: Traditional Sarees For Festive Occasions
“A casual conversation with my dad not only sparked up the thought of designing apparel but also re-designing my career.”
Isabel Fernandez: A Better Way to Carry Your Bag
“Success is inspiring people and being able to touch someone’s life in a positive way. Success is being able to help those in need. Success is being able to constantly learn and grow as a person.”
Kriti Ashish: Traditional Jodhpur Designs
“The apparel design represents the unique cultural heritage of our city Jodhpur.”
Amneh Shaikh Farooqui: E-Commerce for Pakistani Artisans
“Our e-store is built around the concept that consumers want to know the makers and narratives behind products and so we treat retail as art.”
Swathika Prem: Shopping Accessories on Instagram
“Do what your heart says. Believe in it and work hard.”
Elly Kaye: Apparel and Accessories for Your Pet
“I turned a hobby of designing and sewing designer dresses and coats for my tiny dog, into a business.”
Phuong Mai: Stylish Functional Backpacks for Women
“I believe women should not have to sacrifice comfort for style.”
Shalini Girish: Daily Product Uploads for an Online Jewelry
“Although my days were full taking care of my son and home it just was not filling my soul.”
Amanda Hancox: Promoting Independent Designers & Young Brands
“It was initially a one month pop up but it completely exceeded my expectations and two years on, we’re still there and going strong.”
Melissa Austria is Building the Retail Store of the Future
The feisty owner of Toronto menswear retailer Gotstyle is mixing and matching old-school service and digital technologies in a bid to survive — and thrive — in an increasingly tough industry.