Fashion for Humans and Cats

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jany Tremblay, Founder of Boutique Jaws, located in Bas-Caraquet, NB, Canada.

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

Boutique Jaws makes clothing and accessories for humans and felines. I design all the illustrations (cat-themed) that make the patterns of our fabrics. The fabrics and designs are often very colorful and bold. But there are always more discrete options, with no apparent cat, for those who are less fond of our furry friends.

I choose simple clothing patterns to speak to all types and genders of people. I try to include as many plus sizes as possible and try to be as inclusive as possible. I am learning and evolving through this mission every day.

I believe this way; I speak a little bit to everyone: teens, young parents, old punks (like me), non-binary people, women, men, etc. My store is constantly evolving, and maybe I'll refine my persona over time, but for now, I mostly do what I like, according to the values and the sensibility I have towards the world around me.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a graphic designer for over 20 years. I still love my job, but digital has quickly taken the lead in the field. I've always preferred to make album covers, merchandise… objects you can touch with your hands. Sewing came into my life ten years ago as a way to satisfy my need to create something you can wear or use.

In 2016, my Bengal cat, Jaws, was scheduled to have surgery for a melanoma he had in his left eye. I was on maternity leave, we had just moved to New Brunswick (from Montreal, QC), and I needed a way to finance this operation. So I picked up the brushes and the mouse and created illustrations of my cat that I then reproduced on some products. It was the perfect opportunity to make one of my dreams come true and to open my own online store: Jaws Le Chat.

Since then, the store has continued to grow. I created my first fabric collection in the fall of 2019, and it marked the beginning of a new era. Endless ideas and new designs! Unfortunately, Jaws passed away in 2020, at a time when the store was reaching new peaks of interest. I've changed the name and the branding, but the essence of my designs remains and will remain the same: love of cats (and fabric!).

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I do what I like and what I want. Contrary to many entrepreneurs, I have chosen to keep my business at a level that allows me to keep creating. A year and a half ago, I made a business plan to have my own physical store. I started searching for financing, space, etc., but in January 2022, I stopped everything.

I am a mother of two young boys (4 and 6 years old), and I love to sew and create. But taking my business to where I idealized it to be would have meant working 60-70h/week, managing people and suppliers, and doing the accounting. In short, things I don't like to do. All this while being less present for my family — and especially while creating less.
Today, I devote a little more than half of my working hours to the store. It is self-sufficient, I take time off when I want, I enjoy my summer when the weather is nice and... I create!

It's hard to halt a dream, but I believe it's a great achievement to respect and take time for yourself and your loved ones because no amount of sales could make me happier than when I take the time to do what I love.

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

To do it all!!! I am the sole employee in my business; therefore, I wear many, many hats: illustrator, graphic designer, seamstress, buyer, accountant, photographer, model, marketing strategist, content manager, copywriter, webmaster, packager, delivery person, etc. It's tiring but mostly frustrating. I don't have enough time to do everything I have in mind.

Also, the %&@$! Instagram reels… My worst nightmare! They are time-consuming, and they must be done. (I hate algorithms!) So I do very little. And we can forget about Tik Tok for now. Haha! Sometimes, I need to let things go and postpone some projects. It's not easy for a passionate and hyperactive person like me!

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

I am not sure I have any advice to give… Personally, I just go with the flow and navigate as best I can. But listening to yourself and to your limits is and will remain very important. You have to love what you do to start a business. It can be difficult to set limits and especially to respect them. You have to keep in mind that having a profitable business is good, but having good mental health is better. When work has a negative impact on your personal life, on the people around you, or on your own physical or mental state, it is no longer a passion; it's a problem.

"LET GO" is the best advice I've been given in my life, and it's also what I would advise anyone to do. It's not always obvious, but often necessary! And sometimes, it brings us beautiful surprises.

I'm not saving lives. I have not invented a miracle product. I'm just having fun creating things that I love, and I'm really lucky to have people joining me on this beautiful ride. All the purchases, comments, smiles, shares, likes on social media, blog posts – this interview – etc., are a real dose of love, and I appreciate them so much. I thank everyone who supports this sweet project in any way.

MERCI/THANK YOU x1000

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jaws.boutique/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boutiquejaws
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boutiquejaws/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janytremblay/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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