Today’s Notable Young Professional is Garrison Bespoke stylist JS Vann, whose commitment to his craft helps clients create their own brand through style. What was the inspiration for this career route? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I help build stylish men. I navigate clients through fabrics and fits to help them create their own brand through style.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started seven years ago, which seems like a blink of an eye.
My father always dressed well even though he didn’t always have the best of everything. He did have a keen eye for style, though, and the ability to sew, so he made everything fit perfectly and work stylistically. That was my inspiration – to help others achieve the same goals.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part of?
Every day the store opens is another chance to take a client to the next level. The best part of the job is watching clients grow and develop their personal evolution of style, outfit by outfit.
The most challenging part is staying ahead of the curve. There’s so much to digest, especially with social media bringing everything to immediate attention, but that’s where the appetite for knowledge and dressing well takes over.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Running late too often. Too many times I’m just joining as my friends are leaving. It’s good to be fashionably late, it’s just not good to always be late!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Really cementing myself as the premier suit stylist and designer in Canada.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge that I’ve had to overcome is the fear of not fitting in, but that’s why I love this business so much. When it comes to fashion, anything goes and everyone can “fit in.”
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success is waking up each day and being able to do the things that you are passionate about.
Does money buy happiness? No, but it does buy a lot of shoes and that makes me happy.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
One of my best memories is of my first bespoke suit sale. I still remember everything about it: the client, the experience and that he has come back several times and puts all his faith and trust in my hands. I’m grateful to him for having that belief in me when I was a lot greener than I am now!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what scares you most, don’t let the anxiety kill you, and always be honest with yourself. You’ll win in the end.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
The back bar at Jacob’s Steakhouse. I love having a Caeser, splitting some oysters and some good wine. Always makes the night. Oh, and the great steaks.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
When it’s just me I take as much down time as I can. I bike ride, with a huge ice cream cone in one hand, or take things apart and then put them back together. It’s that inner MacGyver thing.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I’ve learned an important lesson this year: it’s not where I’m going that’s important to me, it’s whom I am going there with. Regardless of where you are, make the most of that moment with the person you’re with.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
So Good to Me by Chris Malinchak – it’s the song of the summer. I always think of it as how I want to be viewed by friends.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I’d be a furniture builder. No doubt. High-end custom commissioned pieces. There’s something about wood and metal and its unifying power in the right hands.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes I do; SickKids and many cancer related charities. SickKids saved my little cousin’s life when he was younger. I remember sleeping in the same clothes for a week waiting for him to come out of his coma. SickKids did everything in their power to help him. He survived and just had his first child. What more can you say? They helped give him life and have made me a life-long supporter.
What to you is notable?
Passion. You can tell who is passionate, their ideas stream like fireworks. Shooting in different directions. Sometimes randomly, but always in bright colours and with lots of heat. Passion.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone for now.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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