Samantha Laliberte, Bianca Lopes and Sonja Fernandes: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are Samantha Laliberte, Bianca Lopes and Sonja Fernandes, who created Ezzy Lynn to sell vegan, upcycled apparel and accessories that contribute to wildlife conservation through a multi-faceted approach…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
We make cool sh*t that saves animals. We handcraft trendsetting apparel and accessories using vegan and upcycled textiles. A unique endangered animal inspires every product’s design and its sales are used to adopt that animal through the WWF.   

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
We met at the entrepreneurship centre at Western, each pursuing our own ventures. We immediately became friends and knew we wanted to start a business together – #dreamteam. 

Last summer, we combined our shared passions: fashion, wildlife conservation, and social entrepreneurship. Ezzy Lynn was born. 

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
BEST: Getting real-time Shopify orders to our phones. #win.

WORST: No complaints. #blessed.

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
We don’t believe in balance. We see life as an amazing roller coaster that has ups and downs. Sometimes it’s all about family and sometimes it’s all about business. We ride the entrepreneurial wave and love it. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
As a global fashion brand, recognized for its transparent practices and social impact. Proving to the world that you can be profitable and still care.

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. Shake it off, shake it off. 

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Absolutely. If we make money it means other people care about wildlife conservation and social responsibility in business. 

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Finding our first customer we weren’t related to. 

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
What would jellyfish do? 

-Be resilient
– Take risks 

Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Every Tuesday we meet for 7:30 am breakfast at our spot, Edgar & Joe’s – a Goodwill Cafe. 

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Playing with the office cat, shellacking our nails, and getting our dance on!

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
New York City (enough said) & Brazil (Bianca’s roots). 

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Fancy – Iggy Azalea.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Another business together. 

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We’ve formally partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Their mission impacts all of our business decisions, from inception to delivery. We care about wildlife conservation and feel we can have a big impact together.

What to you is notable?
Humbleness.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other? 
iPhone.

#NOTABLE

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