Like most good things, Bettyray came from a need, while Co-founders Emmie Shapiro and Tara Laufer were both on the hunt for a career revamp. Both loving wives and mothers of two, the duo, who are friends and cousins, wanted to wake up every day and work on something they love. In hopes of making their passion a pay cheque, Bettyray was born. Starting off as an e-store for their friends, family and local Montreal following, Bettray has been expanding quickly. With a wholesale plan in the works, an aggressive social media team, and a brand new site (which recently launched), Bettyray is becoming a household name for fun statement necklaces, vibrant arm candy parties and, of course, #ringsonringsonrings.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
After we both gave birth to our second children (which was actually on the same day; #funfact), we knew going back to an “office job” was not how we wanted to spend our days. We wanted to be modern-day career women and have it all – the family AND the business. Now we get to spend our days close to home while doing something we love. Making our passion our paycheque has been amazing. We are very lucky and thankful to be able to spend time doing something we truly love.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is being able to work together and produce a product affordable for the everyday woman. Our friends wear Bettyray, their children wear Bettyray, even our moms wear Bettyray. We try to cater to everyone by offering affordable pricing and options for any occasion. The most challenging part of our day is keeping up with our online orders. We aren’t complaining, though. In fact we love it, but with our new site that recently launched, business has been booming!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years we see ourselves living our dream with a huge wholesale line. This is something we work on daily and plan to execute by end of summer. We are very excited!
What does success look like to you?
Success to us is waking up every day with a smile on your face knowing you get to spend your morning and afternoon doing something that makes you feel good. When people stop us at events or on the street and say, “Hey, I love your accessories!” or “Where can I get a pair of earrings like yours?” that to us is success.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The most memorable milestone for us was the launch of our new website because to us it is a sign of our accomplishments through sales. Revamping our website (or any website) is costly and we promised ourselves we would only do it when we could afford it from sales we made on our old site. Luckily our active social media account and pop-up parties helped us reach our goal – that is why we love everyone who supports us. Seriously.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Without sounding like two cliché moms, if you built it, they will come. When you work hard and admit to mistakes (we have made a bunch), don’t get too down on yourself. Just pick yourself back up because tomorrow is a new day.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We support tons of charities. We do a lot with ICRF and the Jewish General Hospital but whenever we get asked to be a part of a gift or auction for charity, we always are on board. Giving back is something dear to our hearts.
What to you is notable?
Our accessories! We encourage anyone wearing Bettyray to mix and match, layer when you can, and to be bold and fearless. We believe marching to our drum is important in life – it’s OK to stand out. That to us is notable.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
We both use iPhone! We are obsessed with photo apps (and Instagram) – how else would we emoji?
#NOTABLE
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