YYC Feature: LILY & RAE
Julie Macdonald was ‘created to create’
She’s authentic, imaginative and has a bold spirit that guides her vision. As an embroidery artist, Julie Macdonald believes in minimal waste fashion. Her company Lily and Rae offers a stunning selection of t-shirts, jean jackets, patches and custom-made embroidery items that exude a unique, retro aesthetic. But her creations are more than a bohemian dream, they’re environmentally conscious: no material goes to waste. Her journey to ethical entrepreneurship offers inspiration to those who question whether they can carve their own path to success.
Find her at: https://www.lilyandrae.com/
Why was owning a small business a dream of yours? When did you decide you wanted to become an entrepreneur?
“From the time I was eight years old, I dreamed of having a career in the fashion industry. At the time, I didn't know what it meant to be an entrepreneur and I always assumed I would have to work under someone else. As I grew older, I was able to work various jobs related to fashion and sewing in large corporations. However, a few years ago, I found myself in a very toxic and emotionally abusive work environment. I had so many ideas to bring more business into the company, but I was always ignored and belittled. I was told I brought no value to the company. So I decided enough was enough. I had always felt trapped working under a boss and I felt like the only way I could grow and show my full potential was to be my own boss. Now here we are! I absolutely love the freedom and responsibility I feel owning a small business”
Why are you passionate about sewing and embroidery?
“My favourite part about sewing is seeing an idea I have in my head come to life. From the design in my head, to the 2D pattern draft, to the 3D final garment. It's magical really! My favourite part about embroidery is the texture and uniqueness of it. As a seamstress I am all about how things feel to the touch, so I love that embroidery can give a simple graphic t-shirt a whole other level of art and beauty. I also love that it's a craft I can do on my own (hello social anxiety) but it also allows me to connect to other people. Whether it's through creating a custom design for someone, making a gift for someone to give to a loved one, or even just seeing people on Instagram rocking their new shirts. It's amazing to feel like a part of something”
“I think every scrap of fabric, every old and torn garment, that would otherwise be thrown out still has a purpose and can be reused to create something new”
Why is being ‘as sustainable as possible’ an important part of your business model?
“It really saddens me how much waste is produced from large, fast-fashion corporations. I think every scrap of fabric, every old and torn garment, that would otherwise be thrown out still has a purpose and can be reused to create something new”
In what ways is Lily & Rae environmentally friendly?
“I try to follow a "made to order" policy, so I don't have piles of inventory that get wasted every time I discontinue a less popular design. I also shop at thrift stores so I can upcycle jean jackets, and I use fabric that was either given to me by people who didn't want it anymore or I use the fabric from old garments of mine that don't fit. For any shirts that don't sell at markets or anything that doesn't turn out quite right, I try to sell them at discounted prices on Facebook groups/Marketplace, and anything that doesn't sell there I donate. Unless it's loose thread, I won't be throwing anything out!”
What is your dream for Lily & Rae over the next 5 years?
“The dream for my company is to get my products into more retail stores. Not just in Calgary but all over Canada. I also hope to improve on the time-frame for getting things made without reducing quality. Eventually, I'd like to move into an actual small warehouse/type place to operate out of, as the small sewing room in my basement is getting a little cramped!”
What quote or piece of advice inspires you?
“I know some people don't believe in this, but the saying "Everything happens for a reason" really inspires me. So many little events in my life have had to happen in order to get to where I am today. Without that toxic work environment, I probably wouldn't have had the guts to pursue the life and business I actually wanted. Even back in high school, if I hadn't transferred schools and put into a class meant for the older grades, I wouldn't have met a teacher who ended up introducing me to and encouraging me to apply to a special program at a college that I later attended for fashion. So whenever I'm going through a rough patch, whether it's business or personal, I tell myself it's happening for a reason and something good will come out of it.”
Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs just starting out?
“Don't give up!!! Starting out a business is tough. I won't lie. Just because you are your own boss, doesn't mean you get to work less. You'll end up working way more hours than a ‘regular’ job, and full days off might become a foreign concept. That being said, when you're tired and frustrated and want to give up, remind yourself why you started. Because you're passionate about what you're doing. You had the guts to even make that decision to start, so keep going! Trust me, when you make that first sale, when you get your first customer that isn't a friend or family but a total stranger, you'll realize that all of that hard work was worth it. I will also add, don't view other small businesses as your competition, but instead as your friends! I have met so many lovely small business owners on this journey and we constantly support and share each other's stuff on social media in order to expand one another's audience. The small business owner community is so warm and welcoming, don't be afraid to reach out to others!”