Every season Yorkdale’s CONCEPT space introduces us to innovative brands united by a specific theme. This season, Yorkdale shoppers will be able to get their hands on a curated selection of the best summer products from 50 Canadian female businesses.
Presented by a Toronto-based beauty brand Flawless by Friday, The Female Founders Market offers everything you need for this summer season. From makeup to the cutest clothes, you’ll find it all at this unique pop-up that will be open until July 31.
Each brand featured in the Female Founders Market will offer products available for purchase, demos, talks and consultations while giving shoppers the opportunity to meet the founders themselves. Every two weeks the vendors will change, bringing in a new flight of brands for shoppers to experience.
This summer’s themes include:
- Babes Who Beach: June 7th -19th, 2018
- Sun’s Out , Mom’s Out: June 20th – July 3th, 2018
- Summer Self Lovin: July 4th – 17th , 2018
- Werk It : July 18th – 31st , 2018
Check out some of our favourite vendors below:
1. Flawless by Friday
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjn5wlMHSB1/?hl=en&taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
Founded by Toronto-based Brittny Robins, the skincare brand just launched its first-ever make-up line that you can try at the pop-up. If you’re a fan of express beauty products, you will definitely appreciate the new makeup line created to meet the needs of a modern woman. The brand also invites you to try its innovative 15-minute digital service fast beauty bar located at the CONCEPT space.
2. Cacticus
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj5AncaAnQX/
Having troubles with keeping your plants alive, but still want something cute to decorate your home with? Then these truly unique cacti and succulents will be your perfect friends. Not only are these beauties extremely good looking, but they also require minimal care.
3. 437 Swimwear
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkJWXWgBOzY/?taken-by=437swimwear
The founders of 437 Swimwear believe that a perfect swimsuit should embrace women’s curves. Their figure-flattering, minimalistic styles will put you in the spotlight, whether you’re at the swimming pool or beach.
4. MadBags
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjvIrLiHA9q/?taken-by=madmadbags
The designer behind MadBags first created her famous jewellery pouch 20 years ago as a present for her sister. Now, after raising three boys and working in the jewellery business in Toronto, she came back with a collection of sophisticated silk pouches that are perfect for storing all your rings, bracelets and necklaces.
5. Amevie
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjx-xsOg3e0/?taken-by=simplyamevie
When it comes to sun protection, the founder of Amevie sunglasses is sure that our eyes require the same amount of care as our faces. That’s why their sunglasses were developed with help from dermatologists and chemists to provide you with the best UVA/UVB-protection. On top of that, the brand uses sustainable bamboo in the production of their sunglasses and collaborates with a chary organization, Seva Canada, that’s helped more than 4 million people see again. “For each pair of sunglasses that you buy, we give a pair of eyeglasses to a child in need,” stated on the website.
6. Bio Raw
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSGjebAkpE/?hl=en&taken-by=bioraw
And let’s not forget about food. If you’re looking for a perfect summer meal, look no further. Bio Raw makes incredibly delicious salads with certified organic vegan and nut-free ingredients to keep you full throughout the day.
Have you visited Yorkdale’s CONCEPT? Let us know in the comments!
Brittny Skylar Robins is the founder and CEO of Flawless by Friday, a Canadian skincare company whose revolutionary line of products combines Asian-inspired gel technology with natural ingredients. Brittny is the definition of a true entrepreneur and #GirlBoss (who counts none other than Bonnie Brooks as her mentor), and her products can be found across North America in major department stores. We were lucky enough to sit down with Brittny for an exclusive interview, so read on!
What inspired you to launch Flawless by Friday?
I grew up as one of 5 sisters and have always noticed that when I felt put together I became more confident in everything I did. I became the in-house hair and makeup consultant for all my sisters from a young age.
I think beauty stems from confidence, and I loved seeing my sisters feeling their best when they looked their best. In a house full of girls I saw the insecurities and struggles with confidence that we all experience. I wanted to help solve those problems.
I wanted to share that feeling with all women. Women have inspired me all my life, starting at home with my sisters and my mom. For me, Flawless was (and still is) a platform that I could use to share that feeling with everyone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeTLOSHFYdi/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
What are some of the differences you’ve noticed between the beauty market in Canada versus international markets?
Our main markets are in Canada and the US, and we are still very much getting to know our customers in both markets. We are learning about what it takes to go international and to understand that purchasing patterns and tastes can vary based on geography.
One thing that has stood out for us is how Canadians love supporting Canadian brands! We love that support!
What role does social media play when it comes to marketing your brand?
Social media plays a huge role at Flawless. Marketing is constantly changing, and we know people are learning about and interacting with brands in different ways.
We also see it as a great way to get closer to our Flawless family! We have such a great community supporting us and social media allows us to be a part of their daily lives. It is so rewarding when we get messages about our products and how people feel when they use them. It also gives us a platform to find out what makes other people feel flawless.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgOqjtnFcQS/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
Who have been some of the greatest mentors you’ve had in helping you achieve career success?
Bonnie Brooks, a badass businesswoman that I am lucky to call my mentor. She is very passionate about helping young business people create newness and pursue their passion. She is incredibly selfless.
My family and my sisters – for inspiring me to start my career in the beauty industry and supporting me along the way. My parents are still very actively involved in advising me on a day-to-day basis and giving me their honest opinion.
What do you look for in people that you hire?
Drive. I look for driven, passionate people with self-starter attitudes. And people who are different than me! I’ve realized it is easy to gravitate towards people who are similar to you, but it is so useful having people around you who can give a different perspective. They also have to bleed the brand. I know they could probably make more money somewhere else, so they need to believe deeply in the future of Flawless!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdoJ774lSHy/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
What does a typical workday look like for you?
There is so much happening in the Flawless office all the time! I don’t remember when two days ever looked the same, but to me, that is the exciting part of owning your own business.
One day I could be packing products to send to our amazing customers and the next day I’m putting out fires, whether it be in shipping and logistics to finance. Some days are more stressful than others, but overall running Flawless doesn’t feel like a job to me.
What has been the biggest “pinch-me” moment of your career so far?
Meeting Leonard Lauder (Estée Lauder’s son) was definitely a “pinch-me” moment for me! It was not only a career highlight but a life highlight as well!
We talked about his career, my career, the company – he was one of the kindest, sharpest people I have ever met.
This was the moment where I felt the risks I had taken – quitting my job, setting myself up for judgement and failure – were behind me. For me, it justified what had happened in my entrepreneurial journey so far – the ups and the downs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdBRrAFZH0/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Never be afraid to ask. Ask specific questions from people you respect – put yourself in a position you think is impossible, and don’t ever back down from an opportunity when it’s given to you.
How do you see your brand evolving, and what are some exciting things we can look forward to from Flawless by Friday in 2018?
I have so many plans for Flawless! I think the possibilities are endless. But this summer I am excited to announce that we are launching 32 new products to help people everywhere find their Flawless.
So stay tuned! And as always, stay flawless!
You can shop the brand at FlawlessByFriday.com and follow them on social media @FlawlessByFriday
Featured Image: FlawlessByFriday.com
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