As a community, we love to shine the spotlight on amazing lady bosses. Which is why we’d like to introduce you to our first blog post feature: Margaux Kitsch of whatMwore. Margaux is a personal shopper, personal stylist, and wardrobe consultant who has created a unique, inclusive brand in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Margaux about her entrepreneurial journey, the story of her business, and her pro tips for creating your own boss babe style!

How long have you been in business?

I started selling my gently loved clothing end of November 2016. I’ve been personal styling as a very casual paid hobby since early 2016 as well. I started full-time focusing on whatMwore August 2018.

 

What made you decide to get into the fashion industry?

I grew up with fashion. My entire family always stayed on top of trends, yet staying unique & true to personal style. I was raised its important to represent yourself in a clean, well put together manner. I always felt everything I could venture into the fashion world wasn’t fulfilling and too materialistic. I took a break from shopping and lived a very minimalist life, but still remained fashionable. Now I’m back to my roots, staying true to my own taste and participating in certain trends. I’m not a minimalist, but I do wear every single item in my wardrobe.

What resources did you use to help you get started?

I have a ton of experience in customer service, as well as using the knowledge I gained from being an Account Manager. I always enjoyed making people feel good about themselves, and growing their business. I started my business with the morals my parents taught me and the lessons I learned from as I became an adult. “Treat others how you want to be treated”. The app I utilized to the full capability is Instagram. I found events, artists and other entrepreneurs.

Everything organically started growing as my followers grew into leads.

What challenges or difficulties have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Balance. I had complete breakdown(s) strictly from lack of balance. It’s easy to work 24/7 when its your own creation driving you to succeed. I use to book 3-4 clients a day. Now I book 3-4 a week. My days off, are actual recovering days. If I want to stay in bed all day for my day off, I can. Instead the “day off” I would schedule that ended me up personal shopping, creating content, accounting, marketing, web developing… you get it 😉  

What have been some of your biggest accomplishments in business?

The biggest accomplishments would have to be strengthening my communication skills, learning to say “No thank-you”, and letting go of things I can’t control. My inner perfectionist had to sit. the . f . down. Now I have an amazing team behind me helping me behind closed doors because I let go of small tasks slowly. That’s the trick, s l o w l y remove things off your plate.

What are 3 things/lesson you’ve learned about being a business owner?

Everything I have typed has been negative, so I have started, then deleted this probably 7 times. All that pops in mind is the hard times, and that’s kind of the reality about being a business owner. I lost friends who I thought would be by my side, to make money you have to spend it or offer free services, and I’m stronger than I think. The silver lining is, I have built stronger connections with my REAL friends, I invested into my own visions for a better future, and my self-confidence is at its all time high. I never thought more stress could reduce my anxiety, but it really has given me that extra reminder I can do anything when I put my mind to it.

What’s your core product or service?

Each service I offer goes hand in hand to create the best possible organizing experience that betters the everyday life. I don’t have a core service, but my core product is my sisters jewelry line CoutuKitsch (pronounced kuh-two-kit- chuh)

Are you launching anything new this year that you can tell us about?

I mean, I have quite a lot in the works coming in 2019. I think my favorite is a really cool logo i’ll be placing on something… It can be worn by everybody & body. You know how I do, I’m an inclusive company.

Do you have any tips for how to find your boss babe style?

Take some time to save outfits on Pinterest, or IG. Sort through your closet to try and replicated those inspiration goals. If you’re missing items, make a list of the pieces you need to complete the look. This makes shopping much easier as well.

 

Huge thanks to the lovely Margaux of whatMwore for sharing her story with us. Be sure to check out her amazing work, follow her on Instagram and take a look at her brand new website! If you want to hear more from M, come to our Boss Babe Pyjama Party on January 26th, where she will be our guest speaker for the evening.