I am very excited to share this interview with Kelly, the owner of an amazing slow fashion company called WanderbirdCo.
We first met when we were booth neighbors at a market, and I was so inspired to see her work and learn about her values when it comes to making ethical creations.
She repurposes vintage and thrifted fabrics to make her one of a kind pieces. She is especially known for her beautiful quilted jackets and crocheted shawls.
She also uses her platform to educate on the benefits of choosing ethical fashion, and plants a tree for every purchase.
This mama is an absolute force, and is fully hands on in her business. Read on to learn more about her inspirations, what a typical day is like, and her love for the environment.
What inspired you to start WanderbirdCo?
I stumbled upon it on accident, although, I did always upcycle and reimagine my wardrobe, I never meant for it to snowball into a small business. I started making kimonos from pashmina scarves a few years ago, the more I wore them, the more people wanted them. I began making them for friends, and their friends would ask where they got them from.
Prior to this, I had been trying to find my niche. I was in school to become a graphic designer while having several other side businesses that weren’t really taking off. A light ink went off in my head and I decided to see how they’d do casually selling them on social media. The demand was there and it started taking off!
What is your favourite part about owning your own business?
I mean, there’s SO many ups and downs. One day I’m super inspired and the next I’m looking for jobs on monster.ca. My favourite part though, is definitely having creative freedom to direct my business to be exactly what I want it to be. To contribute to charities I believe in, to direct traffic into styles I enjoy making, and just being out there and seeing who’s on board and who’s not. I also LOVE making connection with like minded people.
What is the most difficult part?
Apart from working at home with my little guy and trying to balance time to work and time to parent, I’d say one of the hardest parts is staying motivated and inspired as a one woman show. I constantly wish I had another person to bounce inspo off of or to get excited with.
What is a typical day like for you?
Right now, I’m trying to enjoy being a mom and having my little one home. So a few times a week we will go out and source materials together, of course we make it fun and will stop for a treat along the way. The rest of my day is just trying to find some time to sew while he naps, or after bedtime. Right now I’ll start my day around 5 am to get some work done before he wakes up and then again from 7pm to sometimes 1-2 am depending on what I have going on that week. It’s hard right now but soon enough he will be going to daycare and I’ll have much more time to spend focusing on the future of Wanderbird.
Were you always interested in eco lifestyle and protecting the environment?
I’ve always been a little hippie tree hugger since I was a weeeee girl, haha. I was vegetarian by the time I was 11 and always organizing ways to better the earth. Arranging garbage pick ups, I’d rehabilitate wildlife, etc. As I grew older those things didn’t change and I stand by those beliefs still!
What inspires you the most?
I think the idea of my little guy growing up on this planet worries me AND inspires me to do my best and motivate others to do their best. I want him to live a long healthy happy life on a healthy earth.
What do you wish you had more time for?
EVERYTHING. Haha. No, but I wish I had more time to spend on making better promo videos and brand photography, connecting with others and getting out there in person more.
What’s next for you?
Welllll…… we are in the works of expanding. We have a few viewings of some commercial studios this week in hopes to invite in some employees to help grow the brand into beautiful and wonderful things!
Words to live by?
I recently read this book and there was a story about an entrepreneur who said to follow the ‘divine breadcrumbs’. This means to see the little things that are trying to guide you. The things that are meant for you will light you a path to guide you where you’re supposed to go. After reflecting, I truly believe that. And what’s for you will find you. Trust the journey! It sounds so cliche but… seriously! Trust it!
Photos all via Kelly’s Instagram.
