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In Conversation with Lara // Frances Grey
"Frances Grey blurs the lines. She challenges and redefines the feminine style of dressing. We aren't defined by one way or one gender. We have so many layers and desires and needs. Frances Grey provides women with multi-layers to explore their style, moods and vibes. She loves old world, classic structured pieces, art deco, utterly feminine and modern masculine styles. It’s beauty and elegance combined with the refined, edgy and playful sides we all possess!"
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In Conversation with Iain // Shopify
"Keep telling people! The best thing you can do is talk about your business, ask what people think, how it could be better. Ask your current customers, ask your family, ask your dream customer to check the site out! There is a great Shopify guide on getting sales; it’s made for starting out but I recommend it to anyone for just a reminder that you do have some control over bringing folks to your site."
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In Conversation with Rebecca // Hughes Clothing
"I am constantly evaluating and looking at numbers. I have a math degree in finance (some don’t know that about me!) so I’m always looking at that. I need to feel like I have my finger on the pulse. If it’s not selling, I try to not take it personally and I move on. Simple as that."
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In Conversation with Willow // Folk
"My advice to someone opening up a shop would be to keep it simple. Have one concept and do it well. To myself? It's ok to say 'no' and you don't have to be liked by everyone. Find your community, it's everything."
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In Conversation with Lili // The Dancing Lily
"The Dancing Lily might have been named after me in the beginning, but I wouldn't have been able to dance in the first place without my mom’s businesses. She is the best teacher I've ever had and she's the reason I am who I am. I think the store’s name is a love story between a mother and her daughter."
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In Conversation with Dave // Oxford
"We use the best fabrics we can find and the simplest design possible. The clothes we make need to last style-wise as the fabric gets better with wear. I think the aesthetic comes from the simple design. Manufacturing in Canada in order to keep the cost on point means it’s necessary to strip the fuss."
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In Conversation with Claudia // Bernstein & Gold
"I have quickly learned to stay fluid during this time and deal with what is right in front of me. Although the shop is physically closed right now, our online sales are increasing daily. We also offer free delivery and that has been received very well. Our organic skincare line is one of the few things people don't hesitate to replenish. It has become essential for people to keep their wellness routine going."
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Shops Are Re-opening!
We are excited to see some life return to our city in the way of our local merchants! We are compiling a list of small businesses that have opened their doors, ready to greet you again in our new climate of social distance and safety protocols. This list will be evolving as we gather new information, so you would like to be added, please be in touch either through Instagram, Facebook or or our email: talkingshop.ca [at] gmail.com. We are excited to see some life return to our city in the way of our local merchants! We are compiling a list of small businesses that have opened their doors, ready…
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COMING (very) SOON!
We are so excited to bring you conversations with our favourite local small business owners and leaders, news from the industry, and create a community of #supportlocal advocates — be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a post!
Supporting small businesses in Victoria and beyond. #shoplocal
