Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Toront0-based clothing designer Joseph Nadolny, whose collection can be found in some of the city’s most reputed shops. We caught up with him to find out what inspires his work and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m an innovative clothing designer and producer who’s going to redefine the fashion space with style and cutting-edge flare.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
After graduating with a degree in illustration, I wanted to pursue my passion for clothing. I started by designing t-shirts, then tried my hand at product design, and now we create original high-quality clothing.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Getting our clothing in a shop in Toronto. Seeing our clothing on the shelves of a well-reputed store with clothing lines that have been around for years truly solidified the notion that we were on the right track.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In five years I’d like to see Young Shepherd well established in Toronto, and have the website running at full capacity. In 10 years I’d like to have YS in its own space with all that’s necessary to create pieces in-house and working towards opening a shop. In 20 years, I’d like to be making clothing in the back of our own shop that can immediately be placed on the floor and offered on the website, shipping internationally.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Just do it. There is no day better than today to start working towards your dream. You will learn more every single day that you pursue your passion and will grow more than you can imagine. It’s scary, but the payoff is enjoying and being proud of what you do.
When I knew it was time to take the business to the next level, I got online quickly with a website from GoDaddy so YS could be found around the world. Promoting our lines on Instagram was also a way to dive in and spread the word about us.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I’m looking forward to a time in the near future to give back. In particular I’d like to support initiatives aimed at the elimination of clothing sweatshops in the Third World.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Breaking into an industry that I knew I was passionate about but had little experience in. I always had a love for fashion, but clothing production was something I did not know well. With the support of family and friends, and drawing on inner beliefs and skills, I was able to overcome these challenges.
What does the word notable mean to you?
To me notable means original, unique and inspirational. Something that can spark a feeling in someone and drive them to want more.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Valdez on King Street east of Spadina. It’s a fun and unique environment and their food is out of this world.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
When I’m on reddit I can easily lose an entire hour, if not hours. My most played song at the moment is ‘Know Yourself’ by Drake. Being from Toronto, I always love watching a local artist grow and succeed.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Shepard Fairey is a renowned presence in many facets of the creative world. His work is what initially inspired me to take my love for art and turn it towards fashion.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
France is a country I have visited that exudes culture and art, and has inspired me in various ways. From the architecture to the fashion, France intrigues and drives me. My next country to visit is Japan, as it’s like no other place that I’ve been.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Food. When I see someone enjoying enticing food, it makes me crave it and seek it out.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Fabrics; hunting down the next and coolest without having yet decided on a way to use them. This has led to a large collection of unused fabrics in my studio. However, when I find the right fabric, it’s like winning the lottery.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Art accessories are something I always want to buy. I’m always buying the newest tools and coolest gadgets, which is something I cannot help but do.
I wish I spent more money on clothing. As silly as it sounds, when I own my own clothing company, whenever I go shopping I think, “why would I buy that when I can make it myself?” And when I get home I usually don’t end up making it. It’s difficult for me to buy clothing made by others.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
It looks like waking up excited every Monday anticipating the week ahead, and having the passion and love for what I do every single day. I want to be proud of what I’m accomplishing and anticipate what lies ahead. Success to me also means being able to inspire others to emulate what I do. I also look forward to giving back to all of the people that have helped me do what I love.
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