Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Sultan Sandur, who built a handcrafted line of accessories for men and women around his passion for expressing himself and his personality through his clothes. Don’t be surprised if you see some of the world’s biggest celebrities wearing them in the near future…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the person behind Just Sultan, an accessories line for both men and women that is handcrafted in Toronto. We offer bow ties, pocket squares and lapel pins for now. I manage all brand activities from PR to marketing, creative direction, design and production management. Yes, I do it all.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Colourful accessories are my weakness, but I was frustrated that the styles I wanted were just unavailable. I express myself and my personality through my clothes – that’s a big part of who I am. And so, voila, Just Sultan is formed. I feel that fashion is art and a creative outlet that lets us tell the whole world who we are with just a look. Just Sultan is about being bold and unique, and always having fun with your clothes.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is definitely adding colour to people’s lives one accessory at a time. I love to help people push their fashion boundaries. The most challenging part is financing it as I work two jobs to make this all happen.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Unfortunately, I start forgetting or losing things.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I take life one day at a time and one project at time. I do have big dreams and goals – let’s see what the future holds.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The major challenge with launching my brand in Toronto is that I’m not originally from here and I didn’t have a strong network in Toronto’s fashion industry. To overcome, I’ve been very determined from day one and have started to focus on building lasting relationships. I’ve gone out of my comfort zone and reached out to key people and just put myself out there, which lead to great relationships. You have to be sincere and honest.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I feel that the idea of success is overrated and that success is actually a state of mind. As long as you’re healthy, paying your bills, and supported by loved ones, you’re successful.
Money does not equate to happiness. Happiness is about relationships, loving yourself, and loving the life you chose to lead for yourself.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
We recently hosted a pop-up at Toronto Men’s Fashion Week (TOM*), which was very successful. TOM* allowed us to showcase our brand to the public for the first time ever and we received a very warm welcome. BlogTO mentioned us as a fashion start-up to keep on your radar and the talented Christopher Bates dressed himself and some of his models in our bow ties for the runway. It was an amazing and humbling three days that we couldn’t have accomplished without our pop-up shop design sponsor Pekota Design.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be confident, be innovative, and reach out to influencers or industry leaders. You can’t be shy or intimidated – ask and you shall receive. Mentors are a great thing.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Colette – They’ve managed to capture the essence of Paris to the ‘T’. The food, the service, and the ambiance are simply perfect.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Brunch with close friends or travelling.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I can’t pick only one. I would say that Paris is my favourite place in Europe and Miami is my absolute favourite in North America. Paris for the culture, the fashion, the people and the architecture. Everywhere you look, you spot something beautiful. Miami, for me, is party central. I love staying at the Mondrian and just lounging by the pool and partying at night. I’m very big into house music so I love the nightlife in Miami.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac – I grew up with that song.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t building my brand, I’d like to have a boutique firm that helped start-ups with PR and brand building activities.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support the United Way through my work. I feel that it’s not all about supporting a particular charity per se, but more so about being charitable and thinking of others. For instance, I try to have an extra bottle of water or snack on hand that I can give to someone in need. I also donate my time as a board member of Gallery 1313, which is a phenomenal local gallery that showcases emerging artists.
What to you is notable?
I think notable is about achievements and inspiring others. I don’t think someone notable has to do something grand. Someone who has made a goal, stuck to it, and achieved it is a notable individual. That dedication and drive is something notable.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 5.
#NOTABLE
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Photo by DJ Grewal
