Chase Your Dreams

In this episode, Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau, founder and designer of Anne Mulaire [https://annemulaire.ca/] shares her journey of building a sustainable fashion brand rooted in her Métis heritage. She discusses the importance of authenticity and her commitment to ethical manufacturing and community support in the age of fast fashion. Anne emphasizes the significance of storytelling in fashion and how her cultural background influences her designs. She also highlights her initiatives to reduce waste and promote sustainability within the fashion industry, while offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. About Andréanne (Anne) Mulaire Anne Mulaire is an award-winning fashion brand founded by Red River Métis designer, Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau. This woman-led brand blends ethical manufacturing, inclusivity and Indigenous teachings, setting new standards for sustainable fashion in Canada. Rooted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the brand started 20 years ago in Andreane’s parents' basement. Her collections celebrate Métis heritage through vibrant designs, eco-friendly practices, and empowering Indigenous communities. Innovative practices have cut the brand's carbon footprint by 30%, reduced 15,000 pounds of textile waste, and lowered emissions equal to 143,200 kilometers of driving. In 2024, Anne Mulaire received the Sustainable Business Award from the Red River Métis Excellence Awards, nomination from the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, and Clean 50 Award in 2025. As Canada's first Indigenous-owned B Corp certified apparel manufacturer Anne Mulaire champions integrity, transparency, and sustainability. Contact info Website: https://annemulaire.ca/ [https://annemulaire.ca/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemulaire/ [https://www.instagram.com/annemulaire/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnneMulaire [https://www.facebook.com/AnneMulaire] Takeaways * Stay rooted in your beliefs to maintain authenticity. * Customers are drawn to brands with compelling stories. * Fashion should reflect personal and cultural identity. * Sustainability is about relationships and responsibility. * Education plays a key role in promoting sustainability. * Design with the end of life in mind for products. * Navigating challenges requires resilience and creativity. * Local community support can contribute greatly to brand success. * Surround yourself with like-minded individuals for guidance. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Staying Rooted in Authenticity 02:06 The Birth of a Brand: Inspiration and Heritage 09:54 Filling the Gap: Ethical Fashion in a Fast Fashion World 11:48 Defining Sustainability: Values and Relationships 17:57 Navigating Challenges: Staying True to Values 20:32 Community Support: The Backbone of Success 23:50 Creating Impact: Education and Sustainability Initiatives 30:06 Designing for the Future: End-of-Life Considerations 34:07 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Growth 35:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Starting with Your Why

In this episode, we are joined by Shannon, owner of Simply Merino—a sustainable clothing brand based in Vancouver and specializing in Australian Merino wool. She shares her journey from teacher to fashion entrepreneur. She discusses how her values around sustainability, transparency, and community support have shaped the brand. The conversation explores the early challenges of running a business, the benefits of using natural fibers, and how customer feedback plays a central role in product development. Shannon also reflects on her recent trip to Australia to visit wool suppliers and offers a look at what’s next for Simply Merino, including upcoming product launches and textile recycling initiatives. About Shannon Shannon is the owner of Simply Merino, a Canadian clothing brand based in Vancouver that creates ultra-soft, sustainable everyday essentials for the whole family. Made exclusively from Australian Merino wool, Simply Merino offers cozy sweats, elevated basics, swimwear, and sleepwear designed with a minimalist aesthetic and a commitment to conscious living. With all production done locally in Canada, Shannon is closely involved in every stage of the process—from design to manufacturing—ensuring both quality and transparency. Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, Shannon has grown Simply Merino into a purpose-led brand that goes beyond fabric choices. Under her leadership, the company has diverted over 15,000 pounds of textile waste from landfills through its recycling initiatives. Her values as a mother, environmentalist, and small business owner continue to shape the brand’s mission. Whether it's educating customers on the benefits of natural fibers or building long-term supplier relationships, Shannon is redefining what it means to build a thoughtful, values-led fashion business from the ground up. Contact info Website: www.simplymerino.ca [http://www.simplymerino.ca] Email: shannon@simplymarino.com [shannon@simplymarino.com] Instagram: @simply_merino [https://www.instagram.com/simply_merino/] Facebook: SimplyMerino [https://www.facebook.com/SimplyMerino] Takeaways * Lead with your values to attract the right customers to your brand. * Be transparent to build trust and connect more deeply with your audience. * Involve your customers, but stay true to your design principles and brand identity. * Be prepared to learn through trial and error if you’re starting without industry experience. * Focus on niche communities that naturally align with your brand’s values. * Local production supports quality, ethics, and long-term operational flexibility. * Stay mission-driven, especially during the early challenges of running a small brand. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Journey to Sustainable Fashion 02:58 Building a Values-Driven Brand 06:09 The Role of Natural Fibers in Fashion 09:06 Transparency and Customer Involvement 12:04 Challenges of Running a Small Business 14:56 Growth and Community Support 17:49 The Importance of Local Production 21:07 Sustainability in the Supply Chain 23:59 Educating Consumers on Sustainable Choices 26:58 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth 30:04 Future Goals and Innovations 33:04 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode, James Friedrich, owner of Ambler Mountain Works [https://amblermw.com/pages/about-us] and founder of Venturing Up [https://venturingup.com/], talks about pricing strategies for entrepreneurs. Drawing from his extensive experience managing a $60 million product portfolio at MEC and his own entrepreneurial journey, James explains how to set prices based on your products’ values and avoid common pricing mistakes in order to maximize profit. James introduces the Pricing for Profit methodology taught in his free email course. He also provides examples of well-known brands that use value-based pricing to illustrate how companies could potentially charge more for their products. Whether you’re a fashion brand owner launching a product or looking to create healthier margins on your products, James’ advice will help you to price confidently, attract ideal customers, and build a thriving, standout brand. About James Friedrich James Friedrich is the owner of Ambler Mountain Works and Venturing Up. He was formerly a senior merchant at MEC where he ran a successful $60 million product portfolio. He started his career as an entrepreneur and his goal with Venturing Up is to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge, mentorship and community he wished he had when he started out many years ago.  Contact info Email: james@amblermountainworks.com [james@amblermountainworks.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfriedrich/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfriedrich/] Website: https://venturingup.com/ [https://venturingup.com/] Free Pricing for Profit Email Course: https://venturingup.com/free-course [https://venturingup.com/free-course] Takeaways * Focus on the unique value your product provides to set prices that align with what your customers are willing to pay. * Narrow your target to a specific audience with clear needs to improve customer engagement and justify higher pricing. * Clearly communicate the benefits and features that make your product worth the price. * Conduct your own research to avoid relying on competitor pricing that may not reflect your product’s true value. * Experiment with pricing changes periodically and use sales and margin data to refine your strategy. * Maintain healthy cash flow by pricing your products to ensure strong margins and efficient inventory turnover. * Revisit your pricing regularly to stay competitive and ensure profitability over time.

In this episode, Mia Umanos, CEO and founder of Clickvoyant, illustrates the transformative potential of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for e-commerce businesses. She explains how using data-driven strategies can significantly boost revenue, and she provides concrete examples of how the approach has helped her clients make more money without increasing their ad spend. If you're navigating the complex world of e-commerce, this conversation will open your eyes to the often untapped potential of GA4. Understand what GA4 is, what it’s used for, and whether your business is ready to hire a GA4 specialist to configure your website, interpret the data, and offer strategic recommendations that drive growth. About Mia Umanos Mia Umanos is the CEO and founder of Clickvoyant [https://www.clickvoyant.com/], an AI-powered analytics firm for e-commerce companies. She is a 15-year veteran of marketing analytics who grew her career from Junior to Director of Analytics inside Omnicom and JWT Agencies. Mia has a talent for breaking down complex data concepts, empowering e-commerce business owners to understand their customer behavior and intent to make data-informed decisions. Her passion for analytics extends to education, where she leads workshops on Google Analytics 4 (GA4), making advanced data insights accessible to both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. Contact info Email: mia@clickvoyant.com [mia@clickvoyant.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miaumanos/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miaumanos/] Website: https://www.clickvoyant.com/ [https://www.clickvoyant.com/] Takeaways * Adopt a data-driven approach to navigate growth and avoid plateauing in sales. * Invest in foundational analytics knowledge to make informed e-commerce decisions. * Use Google Analytics 4 to gain in-depth insights into customer interactions and behaviors. * Use shopper behavior data instead of gut-feeling to enhance user experience and increase conversion rates. * Track product efficiency ratios to focus on top-performing items and streamline inventory. * Prioritize optimizing existing products and website design before adding new products. * Design your website for your ideal customer.

In this episode, RozeMerie Cuevas, fashion designer and founder of Jacqueline Conoir and JAC by Jacqueline Conoir [https://jacbyjc.com/pages/about-us], shares her experience and lessons learned from over three decades in the industry. From her first fashion show debut at a nightclub in Vancouver at age 18, to establishing her Vancouver-based brand in 1986 with just a small tight knit team, to eventually expanding into the Chinese market in 2013—RozeMerie credits teamwork, adaptability, and a tremendous amount of hands-on effort to make it all possible. If you’re a fashion entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you as you hear RozeMerie’s sound advice on how to create long-term success by building a strong brand DNA and making smart operational decisions. About RozeMerie Cuevas RozeMerie Cuevas is an icon in the Canadian fashion industry as the designer and founder behind two Canadian brands, Jacqueline Conoir and JAC by Jacqueline Conoir. Growing up, RozeMerie spent her teenage years sewing clothes for herself and for her friends but didn’t consider pursuing a career in fashion. She never thought of herself as a “designer”, but after her first fashion show at age 18 that impressed the attendees—RozeMerie realized that for her, being a fashion designer was possible and that she should go for it! Studying economics and commerce at the time, she decided to change course and apply for fashion school. Soon after, she packed her bags to attend the prestigious ESMOD School of Fashion in Paris. Upon her return to Vancouver, RozeMerie created the women’s fashion brand, Jacqueline Conoir—the name in honor of her late mother. Over an impressive 36 year career, she has not only created and run successful brands but also received numerous design and influential women in business and business innovator awards in Canada. In 2013, RozeMerie expanded into the Chinese market after a serendipitous meeting with a Chinese brand developer. That new partnership led to rapidly growing JAC to 100 stores in major cities in China within three years. By 2021, JAC further solidified its position by welcoming the founder of the Alfini Group as a key shareholder, enhancing its management, development, and operations. This strategic move aims to establish JAC as a leading international designer brand. Contact info LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rozemerie-cuevas-72b3531b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozemerie-cuevas-72b3531b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B6DTQio8jT2ejP%2Bs3k0twnA%3D%3D] Website: https://jacbyjc.com/ [https://jacbyjc.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacbyjc [https://www.instagram.com/jacbyjc] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JACbyJC/ [https://www.facebook.com/JACbyJC/] Takeaways * Believe in yourself and have a clear vision. * Establish a strong brand DNA to make yourself identifiable. * Create engaging experiences for your customers to create a strong customer base. * Respect and adapt to different cultures and business customs when entering new markets. * Focus on taking one step at a time when building and expanding a brand. * Empower your team and lead by example.