Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Rent frock Repeat co-founder and President Kristy Wieber, whose business allows women to rent designer dresses and accessories all across Canada while simultaneously incorporating a charity program that raises money for fundraisers and galas….
[ad_bb1]
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
We rent designer dresses, in sizes 0 to 24, and accessories to women all across Canada for up to 90% off the retail cost.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
It was kind of accidental inspiration. My business partner, Lisa, and I had worked together at a company that was heavily male dominated and very old school in its thinking (not a lot of room for innovation or collaboration). We kept saying that we should just do our own thing and create the kind of work environment that we wanted, but we weren’t really sure what that “thing” was. Then we were invited to a wedding and complaining that we didn’t want to spend money on another dress that was just going to hang in our closet, only to be worn once. Lisa had read about a company in the States that rented dresses, but when we went through the process we realized they did not ship to Canada. That’s when the lightbulb came on.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
We secured a $1.15 million investment round. Female-owned startups tend to receive less funding of all types, so this was especially gratifying.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Canadian domination. North American domination. World domination.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t wait for everything to be “perfect” before you start. Be flexible. Be a great listener. Ask for help.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
We actually have a program called “Rent the Dress, Donate the Rest” where we partner with different fundraisers and galas in an effort to help them raise money. We create customized promo codes they can share with their guests, and when a dress is rented using their code,we donate 10 per cent back to their charity or cause.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Something worth paying attention to.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I’m a big fan of the live jazz at The Old Mill on Friday nights. You feel like you aren’t in the city anymore with the old stone walls, cozy fireplaces and cushy chairs. You have to get there early to get a good seat, but the music and wine are worth the wait.
Also, Hopgood’s Foodliner is amazing. The donairs!
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Rent frock Repeat for sure. Trello, Dropbox, Google Analytics, Canada Post… After that, it’s a multitude of articles from different places about new technology, new apps, new operating efficiencies, etc. When I do have time to be online for fun, I’m a sucker for Buzzfeed.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I don’t think there is one person everyone should be following. It all depends on what you want out of social media. For some it’s all about networking, marketing, branding, etc., for others it’s about staying connected to friends, and then, of course, for some it’s about funny cat videos.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
Wine. Oh, you want an actual cocktail? Yeah, still wine.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Literally nothing.
What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
Unless you’re from Washington or Oregon you won’t know what this is, but it would definitely be a Burgerville cheeseburger with extra spread and their chocolate shake. Heaven.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Ask me again after a few glasses of wine.
[ad_bb2]
