There’s a boutique in Ancaster with a hot pink carpet runway leading to the entrance, and walking it makes you feel like you’re about to experience something spectacular. As you enter the shop, the soaring ceilings, chandeliers and stunning fashions stop you in your tracks. You’ve arrived at FLOW by nicole, and you’re greeted by Nicole herself, who is as equally stunning as her boutique but immediately draws you in with her friendly, unpretentious manner. I had to find out her business story, and Nicole generously shared her journey and even some advice for other entrepreneurs:
Q: What’s the story behind why you started your business?
A: I was always passionate about fashion. My entire life I strived to find pieces that were unique and different for myself. I didn’t want to dress like everyone else, I wanted to wear clothes that were personally inspiring. I found myself always reading about fashion, watching Paris and Milan runway shows, attending Toronto’s Fashion week each year. I certainly had invested my 10,000 hours.
One day while vacationing I walked into a quaint boutique: a women at the helm, styling a client with the most interesting assortment – and that was my lightbulb moment! My community needs a boutique like this. I knew there were other women out there like me, that sought out fashion that was different, unique and didn’t have to get on plane or drive hours to find it. My community needs a fresh, new thoughtfully curated collection of clothes and accessories and guess what ? I’m going to bring it to them!
Q. What’s the most unique thing about what you do?
A. I believe I provide my own point of view of fashion to the boutique. Through that lens, I curate the FLOW by nicole collection. I believe in quality over quantity especially in this day and age of sustainability. I believe it’s my job to choose the best of the best in each brand’s collection, every season, and bring that to my customer.
I also want to remove the stigma that often times are associated with boutiques. It is very important to me to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for my clients to shop in and follow that up with excellent service.
Q. What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business?
A. Set your North Star Goal and don’t give up. Don’t give up even if your first path doesn’t lead you there. Be open to changing your strategy and continually tweaking along the way. Giving yourself some flexibility along the way will help you overcome barriers and keep you moving forward.
Q. What business tool could you not live without?
A. This is not a very interesting answer, but its an honest one! My iPhone XS. The larger screen is a must for me when I’m on the go and don’t have access to my laptop.
You can shop FLOW by nicole online and receive free shipping in Canada. Right now, there’s a flash sale on – save 20% sitewide with the code BIGLOVE20.
Shop online at: FLOW by nicole
Instagram: @FLOWbynicole
Facebook: FLOW by nicole
-Suzanne, The Generator
