Vintage Inspired Designs - New World Designs

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a clothing store but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Kabatoff, owner of New World Designs, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

New World Designs is Vancouver's choice for retro-inspired fashions and kitschy accessories! We cater to a wide range of sizes (XS-5X in some styles) and are one of Canada's last remaining pinup stores. My customers are the backbone of my business. All of them are so uniquely different yet have so much in common - passion for non-mainstream fashion! New World is a store where you're sure to find something you cannot live without every time you're in! With new items arriving weekly, the stock is always fresh and ever-changing! I always bring in small styles, so everyone isn't dressed the same, which makes shopping here even more exciting!

Tell us about yourself

I'm Jen Kabatoff or Jen Kaboom, as some may remember me as. I was a pinup model for a number of years, which is actually how I became affiliated with New World Designs. New World has been around for 30+ years, and I was the "Sunday girl" for about five years before I took over as owner! I'm pretty sure I never collected a single paycheck - it all went back into clothes! When the old owner wanted to retire, she asked me if I'd be keen on taking over, and here we are today! I have meticulously curated every single item in my shop. I am absolutely over the moon knowing customers feel confident and beautiful in these pieces. I'm a big fan of the "look good, feel better" idea and love knowing that I can brighten someone's day or lift someone's mood with a feel-good dress, rad local band tee, or even a sparkly purse!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would honestly say that my biggest accomplishment would be surviving a pandemic. There's no chapter in the business owners handbook that tells you how to navigate through that! Again, my customers are the absolute backbone of my business, and without them, I wouldn't have made it through the lockdown. I didn't even have a website when COVID hit, and I was essentially just listing all of my inventory on Instagram, and my customers would literally just e-transfer me, and I'd either bring it to them or mail it out. That sustained me through the lockdown, as I also got my ass in gear to get an online store! Prior to COVID, I couldn't justify paying the thousands of dollars monthly in downtown Vancouver rent, just to have people not come in and shop from home. The online shop is doing great (pinupcanada.com) and will be even better once my new website launches this Spring!

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

I would have to say that the most challenging thing is accepting that you cannot please everybody. There will always be someone who has nothing nice to say. At the end of the day, I know I am a good person, and people feel good shopping here.

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

Be passionate about what you're selling. Not everyone will love your products, and you have to be confident enough in your business to handle that.
Have a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs/losses, especially with a brick-and-mortar shop.
Go with your gut.

Liking, commenting, and sharing posts on social media is today's version of word of mouth. Every little bit helps a business grow and doesn't cost a thing!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pinupcanada.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinupcanada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinupcanada/

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.