I honestly can't believe it's been 15 years since I had the idea to start a dress brand. I'd loved dresses ever since I was a little girl, so turning that love into a business felt like the biggest dream come true. I had no idea where that dream would take us, or who we'd meet along the way.
It all started in our studio on Railway Street. I have to wonder... how many of you remember visiting us there? Those studio shopping days feel like a lifetime ago, but they hold some of my favourite memories.
I still have (and wear!) dresses from our very first collection. The very first style was the Charlotte, followed by the Barbara. I'm also happy to report that they've survived countless washes and my own ups and downs in clothing sizes!
Then came the photoshoots... and oh, did we have some unforgettable ones!
Our very first big professional shoot was photographed by Shimona Henry, with Ruby Roxx modelling for us, a wonderful full-circle moment, since Ruby is still modelling for Cherry Velvet 15 years later! Genesis and Danielle were part of the team back then too, and I still think of them fondly. We were also lucky enough to work with the beautiful Elly Mayday and, if memory serves, it was her very first professional modelling job.
Over the years we've chased sunshine, vintage cars, airplanes and beautiful old buildings in search of the perfect backdrop.
Who could forget our retro road trip shoot with a group of gorgeous gals and a lineup of incredible classic cars? Or our adventure at the Canadian Museum of Flight, surrounded by vintage aircraft? Highcroft Manor and Galbraith House (inset) gave us magical settings that still feel straight out of a movie.
As we grew, so did our home.
Moving into our Powell Street boutique opened a whole new chapter. Suddenly we weren't just shipping dresses, we were meeting so many of you in person, helping you find the perfect fit and sharing so many laughs together.
One of my favourite memories from those years was our Stunning At Any Size photoshoot. It celebrated exactly what Cherry Velvet has always believed: that style isn't about fitting into one mould, it's about feeling fabulous exactly as you are.
And who remembers some of our boutique parties? The launch of our men's shirts (complete with bacon cupcakes!), Halloween celebrations, and special events... they were all reminders that Cherry Velvet has always been about so much more than just dresses. It's about community and self expression.
We've been lucky to have so many wonderful people become part of the Cherry Velvet family over the years. Kerosene Deluxe first modelled for us in 2014, and in 2021 she came on board as our social media manager. These days she's still creating magic both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
Today, Cherry Velvet looks a little different than it did in those boutique days. We're now an online-only business with a much smaller team, but our heart hasn't changed one bit. We're still designing the dresses we love, still obsessing over the little details and still doing a little happy dance every time we receive an order. While the way we connect with you has changed, our gratitude has only grown. Whether you're opening one of our newsletters, sharing a photo in your Cherry Velvet dress, or placing an order from across the country, we're so grateful you're still here with us.
Looking back over these 15 years, it's not just the dresses, the photoshoots, or the milestones that stand out.
It's you!
Whether you've been with us since Railway Street, discovered us on Powell Street, or found us online just last week, you've helped shape this little dream into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.
Thank you for choosing Cherry Velvet. Thank you for cheering us on, sharing your photos, telling your friends, visiting our shop and trusting us to be part of your weddings, vacations, first dates, holiday parties and everyday moments.
You've filled these 15 years with joy, laughter and memories we'll never forget.
Here's to the next chapter!
