Toronto-Based Clothing Brand LOCAL WOMAN Sells Out Overnight
After launching her Shopify store, Toronto-based designer Sarah Millman woke up to a sold-out collection and could hardly believe it. LOCAL WOMAN is a limited-run, sustainable clothing line based in Toronto, and was created after Sarah’s previous work in the film industry came to a halt due to COVID-19. The setback prompted Sarah to look for a new opportunity and with the help of the ShopHERE Powered By Google Program, she could launch her online store.
Before becoming a ShopHERE participant and an owner of LOCAL WOMAN, Sarah spent over a decade as a costume designer and a stylist in film. She exhibited her art throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, Sarah directed her first short film and made three silky sky blue dresses for three women to dance in. When the pandemic hit, everything Sarah was left with was “the dresses, a wing and a prayer.”
Through Digital Main Street's program, Sarah was partnered up with ShopHERE eCommerce Coordinator, Maryam who supported her through the process of setting up the online store. “Her patience and guidance have gone above and beyond, and I'm so grateful to her for helping me set up my business. I will really miss Maryam and her cheerful help!”. LOCAL WOMAN turned out to be exactly the way Sarah envisioned it, with Maryam’s constant support and ability to quickly address concerns.
“My experience with ShopHERE was stress-free and easy, I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
LOCAL WOMAN came to life because Sarah was inspired by the women’s rights movements, the image of her mother in the 1970s while she was picking Nova Scotia’s beach flowers. The collections reflect these memories by creating simple, delicate and light silhouettes. You can see this image perfectly captured on her Instagram page. Sarah focuses on sourcing unique fabrics to produce classics that transcend time and stay unique in any season. Everything about the business is local as the seamstress are Toronto-based, and are paid a living wage. Sarah believes that small initiatives can lead to big changes, and through LOCAL WOMAN she contributes to her community.
“The ShopHERE Program is a great resource for small business owners to get started, quickly. The website templates look great, and the access to a Coordinator walking you through the otherwise daunting process of building a website is invaluable,” commented Sarah when asked about her experience with the ShopHERE. “The first day I launched, most of my products sold out within the first hour. I'm feeling super lucky to have this program.”
For entrepreneurs still hesitating about eCommerce, Sarah shared her motto: “Put the pedal to the metal – build your Instagram and social media platforms and have a product you believe in!” And we totally agree! Starting out can seem scary but the ShopHERE team is here to help. Learn more about the ShopHERE Program and spread the word if you know anyone who could benefit from this initiative. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for LOCAL WOMAN unique collections and grab it before it sells out, again.
