YYC Feature: LILY & RAE
Julie Macdonald was ‘created to create’
She’s authentic, imaginative and has a bold spirit that guides her vision. As an embroidery artist, Julie Macdonald believes in minimal waste fashion. Her company Lily and Rae offers a stunning selection of t-shirts, jean jackets, patches and custom-made embroidery items that exude a unique, retro aesthetic. But her creations are more than a bohemian dream, they’re environmentally conscious: no material goes to waste. Her journey to ethical entrepreneurship offers inspiration to those who question whether they can carve their own path to success.
Find her at: https://www.lilyandrae.com/
Why was owning a small business a dream of yours? When did you decide you wanted to become an entrepreneur?
“From the time I was eight years old, I dreamed of having a career in the fashion industry. At the time, I didn't know what it meant to be an entrepreneur and I always assumed I would have to work under someone else. As I grew older, I was able to work various jobs related to fashion and sewing in large corporations. However, a few years ago, I found myself in a very toxic and emotionally abusive work environment. I had so many ideas to bring more business into the company, but I was always ignored and belittled. I was told I brought no value to the company. So I decided enough was enough. I had always felt trapped working under a boss and I felt like the only way I could grow and show my full potential was to be my own boss. Now here we are! I absolutely love the freedom and responsibility I feel owning a small business”
Why are you passionate about sewing and embroidery?
“My favourite part about sewing is seeing an idea I have in my head come to life. From the design in my head, to the 2D pattern draft, to the 3D final garment. It's magical really! My favourite part about embroidery is the texture and uniqueness of it. As a seamstress I am all about how things feel to the touch, so I love that embroidery can give a simple graphic t-shirt a whole other level of art and beauty. I also love that it's a craft I can do on my own (hello social anxiety) but it also allows me to connect to other people. Whether it's through creating a custom design for someone, making a gift for someone to give to a loved one, or even just seeing people on Instagram rocking their new shirts. It's amazing to feel like a part of something”
“I think every scrap of fabric, every old and torn garment, that would otherwise be thrown out still has a purpose and can be reused to create something new”
Why is being ‘as sustainable as possible’ an important part of your business model?
“It really saddens me how much waste is produced from large, fast-fashion corporations. I think every scrap of fabric, every old and torn garment, that would otherwise be thrown out still has a purpose and can be reused to create something new”
In what ways is Lily & Rae environmentally friendly?
“I try to follow a "made to order" policy, so I don't have piles of inventory that get wasted every time I discontinue a less popular design. I also shop at thrift stores so I can upcycle jean jackets, and I use fabric that was either given to me by people who didn't want it anymore or I use the fabric from old garments of mine that don't fit. For any shirts that don't sell at markets or anything that doesn't turn out quite right, I try to sell them at discounted prices on Facebook groups/Marketplace, and anything that doesn't sell there I donate. Unless it's loose thread, I won't be throwing anything out!”
What is your dream for Lily & Rae over the next 5 years?
“The dream for my company is to get my products into more retail stores. Not just in Calgary but all over Canada. I also hope to improve on the time-frame for getting things made without reducing quality. Eventually, I'd like to move into an actual small warehouse/type place to operate out of, as the small sewing room in my basement is getting a little cramped!”
What quote or piece of advice inspires you?
“I know some people don't believe in this, but the saying "Everything happens for a reason" really inspires me. So many little events in my life have had to happen in order to get to where I am today. Without that toxic work environment, I probably wouldn't have had the guts to pursue the life and business I actually wanted. Even back in high school, if I hadn't transferred schools and put into a class meant for the older grades, I wouldn't have met a teacher who ended up introducing me to and encouraging me to apply to a special program at a college that I later attended for fashion. So whenever I'm going through a rough patch, whether it's business or personal, I tell myself it's happening for a reason and something good will come out of it.”
Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs just starting out?
“Don't give up!!! Starting out a business is tough. I won't lie. Just because you are your own boss, doesn't mean you get to work less. You'll end up working way more hours than a ‘regular’ job, and full days off might become a foreign concept. That being said, when you're tired and frustrated and want to give up, remind yourself why you started. Because you're passionate about what you're doing. You had the guts to even make that decision to start, so keep going! Trust me, when you make that first sale, when you get your first customer that isn't a friend or family but a total stranger, you'll realize that all of that hard work was worth it. I will also add, don't view other small businesses as your competition, but instead as your friends! I have met so many lovely small business owners on this journey and we constantly support and share each other's stuff on social media in order to expand one another's audience. The small business owner community is so warm and welcoming, don't be afraid to reach out to others!”
3 Spring Markets to Buy Local in YYC
(1) Etsy Calgary Spring Market
Event:
Saturday May 9th 2020, 10am to 5pm
This will be the third time that ‘Etsy: Made in Canada’ hosts a Calgary spring market. The market will feature over 45 local vendors with a range of products including organic teas, artisan designed cards and handmade pottery! The event will have deserts, food trucks and beverages on site.
The perfect place to spend the day and and find some unique gifts for Mother’s Day! To see a complete list of vendors for this event see: http://etsycalgary.com/events/our-vendors/.
(2) The Mom Market Calgary
Next Events:
SATURDAY MARCH 28TH 2020, 9:30AM - 5:30PM
SUNDAY MARCH 29TH 2020, 11:00AM - 5:00PM
SATURDAY APRIL 25TH 2020, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
The Mom Market offers local entrepreneurs a place to sell their goods and services! Most vendors are Calgary moms looking to grow their unique businesses— there are new products at each event!
It’s a great place to support local artisans and find one of a kind products you won’t find anywhere else! The market also has activities, draws and giveaways.
(3) The Little Modern Market
Next Event:
MAY 2 2020, 9:30AM- 3:30PM
Looking for a new & trendy local pop up market? This market brings local goods to the suburbs, making it more accessible for those who aren’t able to get downtown.
The Little Modern Market was started by 2 female Calgary residents, Lyndsay and Melissa, who have ran the market for the past 3 years. It’s an especially great place to find original home decor items from vendors including Modern Habitat, Pom Pillows and Meadow + Vine Floral. You’ll also find health+ beauty products, clothings and accessories, jewellery, paper products, art and more.
More than a hipster trend. #BUYLOCAL
It may be hip. It may be trendy. But it’s also so much more. Buying local saves small businesses and keeps wealth within your community.
Not only does buying local help business owners, it helps the community at large—local businesses are often dedicated supporters of our sports teams, community events, local parks and charities. Booming business means more resilient, connected communities.
Did you know that for every $1 you spend at a chain store, only around $0.15 stays within the community to help it flourish? When you make a purchase with your neighbourhood merchant, around $0.45 is reinvested locally.
$0.15 VS. $0.45
Call it conscious consumerism. Call it #woke. We’ll call it the best way forward. Check out some other reasons that buying local empowers you and your community:
(1) A Real Person Smiles
When you buy a product from a budding entrepreneur, a real person does a happy dance. One purchase can make someone’s day, giving them the motivation to keep pushing forward. Your small consumer acts lifts the spirits of others. Local buyers are dream supporters!
(2) Reduced Carbon Footprint
Buying local often means the products that you are purchasing travelled less distance. This means less pollution was produced, reducing your carbon footprint. Try your local farmers market! Eating local foods that are in season and organic can further reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
(3) Make Real Life Connections
Buying local helps us get off social media and connect with our neighbours. Interacting and networking with the people around you leads to a less isolated and more fulfilled life.
(4) Helping Create Local Jobs
Thriving local businesses create new jobs in your neighbourhood. This leads to thriving families and economies, but it also means less people commuting. Less traffic? Check. Less pollution? Check.
(5) Keeping the Character in your Community
The unique stores and experiences offered by local entrepreneurs in your community is what gives it character. Each business is a part of your city’s story. Learn about the humans and products behind those businesses. Together let’s support them and keep our communities thriving.
