Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
Coach House Kids, founded by Lora Connor, is an Orillia-based business, with a goal of giving parents affordable options for kids' clothing and keeping used clothing out of landfill. Extending the life of clothing is an easy and small way to lessen the environmental impact of having kids.
Children’s clothing in sizes newborn to 10 are bought and resold with the unique option of donating clothing with minor flaws to be sold in a “play quality” bundle.
With the second-hand retail market growing three times faster than the general fashion industry, Coach House Kids could not have come at a better time. The Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia wait in anticipation for the opening of Lora’s first retail space!
To learn more about Lora and her offerings, check out the Q&A below.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
I love that I get to work for myself. I’m responsible and accountable for everything, so I get to celebrate the wins and learn from the mistakes, all for myself. I also love that I get to set an example for my kids, so they can see that a big idea can become a reality.
What inspired you to start a business?
Before I had kids, I worked in advertising. After I went back to work, I realized that the industry was not the best environment for working mothers. My time off with my kids helped me realize that I love supporting parents and helping them do the best they can for their kids. I also am an environmentalist and seeing the impact the fashion industry has on the planet was a big motivator. I want to help extend the life of clothing to reduce the environmental impact of having children.
What products or services do you offer?
Coach House Kids is a second-hand children’s clothing store. I buy outgrown clothes directly from parents and sell at an affordable price, all while providing a curated and pleasant shopping experience.
Why is second-hand clothing so important for the environment?
The impact of the fashion industry is huge. So much clothing is discarded with no market for it. Second-hand clothing keeps existing clothes out of landfill longer and also reduces what needs to be purchased new. There is a huge culture shift that needs to happen in terms of fast fashion and the constant desire for newness. If we can reduce what is produced new and instead choose to use what already exists, we can all make a difference in reducing how destructive the clothing industry is to the planet.
How did you come up with your business name?
My family recently moved to Orillia, and our house here has a huge coach house instead of a shed or garage. I love the look of the building (which inspired the logo) and the idea of this old building and what it holds. It’s similar to rummaging around your grandmother’s attic and finding all sorts of neat things. Coach House Kids is a place to find cool and surprising things.
What is a cause that you deeply care about?
When I became a parent, I realized that I really care about parents, more specifically, mothers. I want to help mothers in all situations - from helping them to keep their kids in quality clothing, to donating to charities that help women who are escaping domestic violence. Helping mothers helps children and giving children a chance at the best life they can have will change the world.
What is unique about your business?
I will offer a pleasant shopping experience for second-hand clothes. Often, second-hand clothing stores feel like a disorganized rummage sale. My goal is to make it easy to shop so customers can find exactly what they need.
Where do you see your business going in the next 12-24 months?
Currently my shop is online. I’m looking to open a retail location in downtown Orillia in the very near future.
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
For several years I was an amateur aerial hoop artist. I would love to get back into that – hopefully someone will start a business opening a circus gym in Orillia!
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
I’m hoping to gain the confidence to move forward with the big decisions. I have big dreams but I’ve never run my own business before, and I don’t know what I don’t know. I hope to feel like my knowledge of business planning, strategy, and finances are sufficient to set up my business for success.
---
Browse Coach House Kids online catalogue today:
Website: http://www.coachhousekids.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/coachhousekids
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coachhousekids