Interview: Sarah Couture from Couture Therapy
We want to really get to know the business minds behind the brands that will be at our next #MADEINTHE604 Pop-Up Market on July 22nd. For our second interview, we spoke with Sarah Couture from Couture Therapy - House of Couture Design Boutique.
By focusing on quality over quantity - we stand firm in our belief that fashion should be neither fast nor disposable.
Sarah Couture, Owner
Couture Therapy is committed to designing garments with silhouettes, fabric and construction that will stand the test of time. Couture Therapy will choose the eco-friendly option wherever possible. All garments are developed, sampled and produced in small quantities in Vancouver. Couture Therapy's dedication to fair, Canadian -made production stands at the forefront of their business. From the beginning, Couture Therapy have been supporting the local economy and family run businesses within the domestic garment manufacturing.
Tell us about yourself, your business and your core mission and vision for your business?
My name is Sarah Couture and yes Couture is my real last name! I have been working in the fashion industry for over 15yrs. My line Couture Therapy is committed to making limited-edition ethical womenswear made in Canada.
What were you doing before you were doing this?
Before working in the fashion industry I was going to university, studying Psychology.
What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship?
I took the leap in to entrepreneurship after having my first daughter. I love this industry but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to head back in to a job that requires 50+hour weeks when I had a baby at home.
Whats the best part of owning your business?
Making your own schedule.
Whats the toughest?
The worst part is not having enough hours in a day, there is a ton of work that happens behind the scenes when you own your own company.
How do you go about creating/designing your product line?
When designing for my line, I try to listen to what my customers want and try to design clothing that fill a void in the industry.
How much of it did you do yourself and how much of it did you get others to help you with (ie. Hired someone to do your marketing / branding / etc)?
I’ve worked with web designers and had help early on with marketing. I do however like to do most of my own branding, marketing and web design. I thinks its important to know how to do these things.
Is this a side hustle? Or your full time job? How many hours a week do you dedicate to your business?
Couture Therapy is my full time job! Some weeks I work up to 60 hours and others I may only work 20 hours. The hours are never consistent, It all depends on markets, fashion shows, customer/store orders that need to be filled.
What do you wish someone told you before starting your business?
That you're going to make mistakes - many, many mistakes but it's okay you learn from those mistakes. Just keep going.
What’s your definition of success for your business?
When you make customers smile and they love your hard work.
- Sarah Couture, Owner
How do you connect with the local business community?
To connect with local businesses in the community I try to get out and do events! I try to do an event once a month weather it be a market, fashion show, and local talks. I’m also working on some collaborations with other locally talents artisans.
What do you wish there was more of in Vancouver for the small business local community?
For small businesses I wish that they’re were more resources, help with owning a business and ways to connect with the right people to help you grow and to help other small businesses grow.
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