Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are sisters Ashley McDonald and Jenn Lancefield, who launched Trout Rainwear to fill a gap in the fashion market for women looking to survive bouts of precipitation without compromising on style. Mission accomplished…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Both: We are the Co-founders of Trout Rainwear, a stylish and functional raincoat line made in Canada.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Jenn: I wanted an entrepreneurial project involving fashion and beyond. Having lived in London and New York City, it became very apparent that fashion and style regularly surrender to rain, leaving women in unstylish coats or in stylish options that aren’t functional. We decided it was time to take matters in to our own hands, fill a void in the market, and create something to keep women looking sharp – rain or shine.
Ashley: A gap in the market for stylish/functional rainwear. Hunter boots were the inspiration.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Jenn: Owning our own business and making our own decisions along with working together as sisters would be the best parts. The most challenging part is definitely sourcing materials and services our coats require.
Ashley: Working as a team with my sister and having the freedom to make decisions on our own. Most challenging is keeping within our budget. It’s very easy to get carried away!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Jenn: Getting sick regularly and feeling out of control in situations.
Ashley: I don’t have time for myself. An hour at the gym seems to be impossible to squeeze in these days.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Both: Running a raincoat empire from our dock in Muskoka.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Jenn: Having kids and figuring out how to make different parts of life fit together and still be productive.
Ashley: Work-life balance – I still don’t think I’ve overcome it.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Jenn: Success is doing something you love while also being productive.
Ashley: To love what your doing.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Jenn: Starting a raincoat company from scratch.
Ashley: Seeing our rain jackets on the street; very exciting!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Both: Love what you do.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Jenn: Casa Mono – best food ever and always good music.
Ashley: Playa Cabana – I love Mexican food.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Jenn: With my kids, snowboarding, in Florida and Muskoka.
Ashley: With my daughter.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Jenn: Italy. That’s where my husband and I got engaged.
Ashley: London. It’s so inspiring.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Jenn: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
Ashley: Don’t Stop Believing.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Jenn: My second job – working in the music business.
Ashley: Who knows? I’m doing what I want to be doing at the moment.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Jenn: GOTO – Giving Opportunities to Others is the last charity I was involved with and I think it’s a great cause to help kids have access to the arts.
Ashley: SMYL- St. Michael’s Young Leaders, part of the committee to raise money for St. Michael’s Hospital. The medical world is so important and fascinating.
What to you is notable?
Jenn: Family and balance.
Ashley: Laughter.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Both: iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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