I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited about a new job as I was on my first day at Cherry Velvet. I knew I loved the product and the brand, and I was looking forward to workdays spent using words and images to promote gorgeous dresses across the internet.
I knew that there was an enormous amount I could learn in this role. It’s been amazing to watch the design process, and to see how a concept becomes a garment. I came to more fully understand what “Made in Canada” really means, and I was proud to be working at business run by a female entrepreneur whose business model insisted that every stitch be sewn here in BC. I also fell in love with the fabric selection process – there is so much cool stuff out there! No spoilers allowed, but let me simply say that there are some awesome dresses coming.
Working the studio shops was incredibly rewarding. I know how difficult it can be to find outfits that make you feel good. Today’s stores are full of cheaply-made, disposable clothing that fits poorly and flatters few. At Cherry Velvet, my most memorable shoppers were the ones who came in with low expectations, defeated from past shopping disappointments. It was a joy to watch the excitement level grow when they realized that they looked amazing, not just in one dress, but in so many styles! I joined in the giddiness when shoppers discovered fabrics that suited them perfectly. Having friends who came by and ending up finding things they loved was an excellent added bonus.
Unfortunately, my time at Cherry Velvet is ending. Why? Every time that my partner and I have visited the Okanagan, we’ve wanted to stay. He was way down the transfer list, so we thought it would be years before we could get out of the city and into the small-town life we were craving – we were shocked when we were told that he’d start at the Kelowna office in March 2019! Relocating means that I need to leave my position here.
I started as a Cherry Velvet customer, and became a proud team member. Now, I’ll go back to buying and wearing the dresses as a consumer (this Stacy dress is at the top of my shopping list!), but I’ll keep my pockets full of business cards. I need to keep telling the world why this is a great company with wonderful products, and I will keep spreading the gospel of retro class with modern sass!
Farewell... but not good-bye!
XOX Kim