Amrit Baidwan is the owner and buyer of Ishara, her own boutique located in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood. What advice does she have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the owner and buyer of Ishara, my boutique located in Gastown, Vancouver. Along with running the day-to-day operations of my business, I have the covetable task of curating exactly what makes it onto the shelves at Ishara.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
The inspiration for opening Ishara was to create a place where women in Vancouver could find a curated selection of the most sought-after collections without being overwhelmed. With shoppers being inundated with new designers on a regular basis, I wanted to help women de-clutter their wardrobes by choosing original and exceptional pieces. This has allowed me to have a creative outlet where I can combine my background in business and design with my love of fashion and styling.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love researching and discovering new designers. There is so much creativity involved in the process of fashion, and it is exciting to see what will resonate with my customers.
The biggest challenge is delegating responsibilities as Ishara continues to grow. Ultimately, you can’t be everywhere at once, but it is imperative to ensure that the vision of our brand is represented in everything that we do.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself expanding Ishara in some way, whether it be additional locations or developing our own collection.
What does success look like to you?
Success is about balance – and enjoying what you do. If I am able to continue to balance my personal and family life while enjoying a career that I find both challenging and rewarding, I would consider myself successful.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Surviving my first year in business (I opened in 2008, right before the onset of the financial crisis) and moving my store into its bigger, beautiful Gastown location.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you love and work hard at it – there are no shortcuts to get you to where you want to be.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
As a store, we’ve partnered with Dress for Success, an organization that helps promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire. I also volunteer my time whenever possible. My husband and I have gone on several missions with Kindness in Action. We have been on trips to Guatemala and Costa Rica in order to provide dental care to people in underdeveloped areas.
What is Notable to you?
Notable: Constantly seeking self-improvement and challenging the norm.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I’m i-everything, so definitely iPhone – I’ve been a loyal mac user since I started design school.