Words for Forbes
I was recently asked by Forbes to speak about my experience as a designer, entrepreneur and CAFA nominee. You'll find a link to the article and my full write-up below.
In the summer of 2008, right after graduating from Algonquin College's Graphic Design program, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever - I founded Raised by Wolves. At the time, it was just a passion project, my creative outlet as I ventured into the "real world." I had no grand plans for the brand, and my entrepreneurial experience was limited, but to my surprise, Raised by Wolves quickly took off.
Before I knew it, my brand was gracing the pages of prestigious publications like Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Complex, and GQ. We were forging partnerships with world-class retailers across the globe. What began as a local endeavour selling to friends and family rapidly evolved into a nationally celebrated and internationally recognized brand within just a few short years. I became a self-taught expert in the complexities of running a large-scale wholesale and retail operation, all learned through trial and error.
We started collaborating with global brands like Reebok, Timex, and Pendleton, while staying deeply rooted in our local community and supporting local non-profits. Recently, we proudly joined 1% For The Planet, reaffirming our commitment to producing timeless streetwear while upholding our social and environmental responsibilities as a small business.
Raised by Wolves hails from Ottawa, a city not typically associated with the fashion industry. Operating remotely, communicating by phone and email, made us feel like we were on an island - an isolation that brought unique perspectives and allowed us to set our own pace. Ottawa's extreme temperature range, from -40°C to 40°C, inspired us to design garments that could brave all seasons.
Celebrating our fifteenth anniversary this past July, I paused briefly to reflect on the brand's incredible journey. I am particularly proud of our latest collection, FW23,?as the entire apparel line was proudly made in Canada and features some of our most technical pieces to date. Our Radiator 3L Shell Jacket, for instance, boasts a 20,000 mm waterproof/breathable rating with fully taped seams and waterproof zippers. It was a true labor of love, originally conceived pre-COVID but temporarily shelved due to the uncertainties of running a small business.
In recent years, we scaled back to our roots, focusing on our graphic-driven, made-in-Canada tees and sweats to weather the challenges. But with FW23, we've taken a bold step forward. It feels like a rebirth of the brand, a phoenix rising from the ashes. As we now work on our FW24 collection, we're poised to take an even bigger leap forward, offering a head-to-toe collection of entirely new styles. We can't wait to share our upcoming collaborations and collections with Canada and the world.
I want to congratulate all of the nominees and honourees, and extend heartfelt gratitude to CAFA, my wife, family, friends, fans of the brand, and my dedicated team. Special thanks to all the remarkable individuals I've had the privilege to collaborate with - brands, artists, designers, makers, factories,?fellow entrepreneurs and retailers. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I am deeply honored to have been nominated once again.