Making Beautiful Things by Hands

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Logan Wilson, founder of RAPT+HELD, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

RAPT+HELD is a made-to-order childrenswear brand that centers on utilitarian styles made specifically to suit the kiddos in your life. With the intention to create joyous, playful print and colour combinations, I feel that the clothes kids wear should be as exuberant as they are. With many styles and customizations available, each piece is unique and made to your specifications. Each future heirloom comes with a hand-me-down tag inside as well, to remind us to cherish these garments and to pass them on for someone else to enjoy.

Tell us about yourself

After 15 years working as a chef in events and restaurants, I found myself at home with a newborn and a lot of time on my hands. Having never been any good at sitting still, the time at home forced me to find alternative outlets for my creative energy. I also knew straight away that the offerings from big box stores weren’t the type of clothing I was looking for. At 18 months, my daughter turned to me and, referring to a dress in her cupboard, told me, ‘other people wear them.’ And I knew then that I didn’t want to have to go to the ‘boys’ section just because she didn’t want dresses and frills. If I can make clothing that makes my and other’s kids feel good and like themselves, then I have done my job.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The community I have built. By making each one-of-a-kind piece to order, not only am I able to minimize waste, but I get to know every customer through the items they choose. And so on multiple occasions, customers have reached out to say they’ve spotted a lost hat, or a left item at such and such park, or at some intersection, and not only do I instantly know to whom the item belongs, we have so far also been able to reunite every single owner with their lost garment.

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

Getting the work/life balance right. Especially working from home and during the pandemic, the boundaries get blurred. It can be hard to separate the two worlds and to switch off of work mode and focus on my kids and family life.

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

A bit like when people say, you should write about something you know, make sure you are passionate about what you’re doing because running a small business is tough. You will be tempted to walk away many times along the way.
Stick with it. In general, things don’t happen quickly, like we are led to believe. You need to harness all your convictions and keep at it, even when it’s not an overnight success.
You are the most valuable, interesting, and marketable part of your business. Don’t try to be someone or something else you’ve already seen in the marketplace. Be original and be you because that’s what people want to invest in.

Never be afraid to ask for help. And find yourself cheerleaders who support you, not necessarily financially, but creatively and emotionally - they will help you succeed.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://raptandheld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapt_and_held/

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.

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