Hand Made, Sustainable, Canadian

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing line but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Harmer, founder of KHAZ Designs, located in Toronto, Canada.

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

Khaz Designs is a disruptive, female-owned one-of-a-kind luxury loungewear and activewear brand based in Toronto, Canada. Founded by Christina, KHAZ offers high-quality apparel made from locally sourced fabrics that fuse comfort with effortless style. We design with your busy lifestyle in mind. Our pieces are versatile and can be styled up or dressed down for any occasion. Every garment is handcrafted and stitched with ethically sourced, sustainable materials. Made to fit anybody, making you feel sexy and comfy all simultaneously.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Moscow-born, Toronto-based fashion designer inspired by European and North American fashion. I am passionate about creating custom pieces women will love and live with forever. I believe comfort doesn't need to be boring, and sustainability is the way forward. Every item I create is made for busy bodies who desire to look good and be comfortable.

Although my heart longed for fashion, I was encouraged to become a French teacher. After 5..6...7...8 years chasing someone else's dream, I decided the heart wants what it wants. Between working multiple jobs, juggling a double major, and doing side gigs in the arts, I finally found the courage to pursue fashion. During the pandemic! What a crazy time to do it…

KHAZ customers are all about pursuing their passions and changing the game. KHAZ began as an idea to create custom clothes. It evolved into a brand that cares about the environment, helps women live their dream life, and brings out everyone's unique beauty through thoughtful designs.
Our mission is to disrupt the fashion world with unique clothing you can wear anywhere and anytime, with customization's main focus. I can literally make anything from custom-made wedding dresses to Chanel-inspired sets to your fur babies' hoodies. The world is our oyster, with a couple of pearls, of course ;)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was starting a business during the most difficult time, COVID. Staying motivated and inspired while the world was going through A lot was difficult, but not only did it make me believe that anything is possible, but it also made me the strong woman I am today. Pursuing my passion while still maintaining a very busy corporate job 9-5 is still very difficult, but if not now, then when? And why not? Life’s short, as cliché as that sounds, why not try everything and anything now?

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

One of the hardest and most difficult things I have struggled with daily is worrying about what others think and comparing myself to other businesses similar to mine. The social world is sometimes not my best friend. How do we fight that? Do what you believe in. Look around and see what YOU have accomplished. Look how far you've come. You are incredible. It's been two years since I've had KHAZ, and I was able to design, sew, create and manage my socials and website. I think that's pretty awesome for a one-man's show.

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

Don’t overthink. Try it all. If you fall, get back up and try again. So what makes you happy and what do you think is best for your happiness. It will always be difficult, but if you change the game to make yourself satisfied and happy. That’s the goal. Don’t think about the followers, likes, and money it’s bringing in, especially in the first few years. You’re doing this for you and you only. Make it magical.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.khazdesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khaz.designs/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.