Do you like to party? Well then you need a PARTYSKIRT. That’s the elevator pitch of Mariel and Lauren Victoria Armstrong, who launched their creative endeavour after some experimentation with their mom’s sewing machine and years of experience working with other brands…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Do you like to party? Well then you need a PARTYSKIRT!
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
PARTYSKIRTS started very organically. Mariel had our mom whip out her sewing machine to make a few items that were missing in our wardrobes. A bubble skirt was a total flop, so we chopped it off and the first PARTYSKIRT was born! We quickly realized we were on to something when we started wearing them out in every color and had so many girls come up to us asking. “where did you get that skirt?”
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
No two days are alike! We of course love all the creative aspects such as picking fabric, pulling inspiration photos, and planning shoots. The most challenging part of our day is dealing with numbers!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Well we talk about our business ALL the time. This is really a family business.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Our motto is “taking over the world, one PARTYSKIRT at a time.” We hope that our company has grown significantly, but we are still able to live in Vancouver. We will continue to collaborate on cool projects and travel the world for our fabrics.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
It has been a crazy year with so many growing pains. Figuring out our production has been challenging but it is rewarding when it all works out.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success looks like jumping out of bed excited about what you do. And that’s how we feel about PARTYSKIRTS!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Teen Vogue Collaboration; we were lucky enough to be in the Dec/Jan issue.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Learn from other people, and other businesses. We both worked for many different brands before we knew we were ready to start our own.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Our favourite is Nook (in Kits).. We love it because it is small and cozy, with the best pizza in town.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Mariel loves to spend time with her Boston Terrier, Herb, and bake at home.
Lauren loves yoga, reading, and TRYING to cook.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Our favourite place to travel is Palm Springs. We have been going there since we were babies. It really inspires all that we do.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Ring My Bell.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
NO IDEA!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We love giving back; it was a proud moment to donate our first PARTYSKIRT for The Looking Glass Foundation auction.
What to you is notable?
Being kind, having fun, and celebrating the everyday.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone (both of us).
