Buy Less, Buy Local, and Buy Secondhand - Copious
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carissa McCaig, Owner, and Designer of Copious, located in Kemptville, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Copious is a clothing brand that has locally made and upcycled garments + zero waste accouterment. When you shop with Copious, you support a brand that believes in creating its own ecosystem. Fabric scraps are saved and recycled into new collections. Copious clients shop the brand because they are looking for clothing that is designed to last, to support less waste in the industry, and they are looking for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tell us about yourself
I am Carissa, designer, and owner of Copious. After graduating from design school, I jumped into the fashion industry and pretty quickly realized I wanted to work for myself. I couldn't see going through life without bringing my ideas to life. I started Copious in 2012, and as any small business owner knows, it is a lot of hard work, but each day I get to put the work in for myself and live out my dream of working for myself; it is bliss.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be implementing thrift and secondhand clothing into my brand. Copious started out looking very different than it is today, but as my own personal style grew, I wanted Copious to grow as well. I want my brand to reflect my own eco-conscious values, and working with existing clothing to upcycle it to be new again has been a huge accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner right now is it also means being a content creator. Most of the time, I enjoy creating content for my brand, but it is this added item on my to-do list on top of creating all the garments I sell.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Research the area you are going into; will you have a lot of competition? Have a business plan and start building your audience with in-person shows.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My motto for Copious is 'buy less, buy local, and buy secondhand.' I share this over and over again with clients. Our purchases need to become more intentional, and as consumers, we have the power to buy from small businesses and secondhand resellers!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.copiousfashions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopiousFashions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copiousfashions/
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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