Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allison Kittle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Allison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As a consumer shopping for my personal wardrobe it was difficult to find everyday wardrobe staples that were crafted from high quality sustainable materials and with something more than a basic design silhouette. I created my clothing brand Betty x Bow to be a brand of elevated everyday basics with a feminine aesthetic that make a statement. Each BXB style is crafted with high quality fabrics and designed in classic silhouettes to provide versatility and longevity for the wearer’s wardrobe. Simplistic dressing does not have to feel tired or boring. I saw an opportunity to create a brand of wardrobe staples that are intentionally designed to work in harmony with clothing already in the customer’s closet and for our brand’s styles to be complimentary and pair easily within our collection.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name is Allison Kittle, I am the founder of Betty x Bow- a Canadian fashion brand with a mission to help women look and feel beautiful in our clothes by elevating your everyday wardrobe essentials. Our unique value is blending timelessness with trend-setting style, never compromising on quality or comfort. We stand for redefining traditional standards when it comes to dressing and inspiring confidence through clothing. With the mission of simplifying wardrobe choices by creating classic pieces designed to last for years. All of our styles are designed and ethically produced right here in Canada.

I have always had a passion for fashion and design from an early age. I started my professional career in health care working as a NICU nurse and pivoted during the global pandemic to merge my longtime goal of starting my own business, with my desire to step into the fashion industry. I saw a need in the fashion space to create high quality elevated everyday basics with intentional design elements and added feminine flair, when this is something I could not find shopping as a consumer. There is something so effortless and confident about simplistic dressing and I wanted to bring that allure of elegance and ease to my brand.

Betty x Bow is more than just clothes to me. I want to evoke confidence, beauty, empowerment when women wear my brand. When I receive customer feedback about how much they love their BXB order- it is such a fulfilling feeling. I am so grateful for the BXB community.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Prior to launching my business, I had already been adapting to the concept of flexibility. When the global pandemic swept across the world, there was uncertainty over all aspects of life, I found myself reevaluating my business plans. At that time, I was in the final stages of perfecting the initial designs for my brand. The question was whether to proceed with producing my clothing line and maintain the planned Fall 2020 launch date or to wait for the pandemic to evolve.

I chose to move forward with my vision and the opening of Betty x Bow. This decision wasn’t without its trials, as there were unexpected closures, production delays, and supply shortages that could have deterred my plans. Despite these hurdles, I managed to launch my business two months later than originally intended, debuting in November 2020.

I navigated this challenging period while simultaneously continuing to work in the healthcare sector, contributing to the fight against the pandemic crisis.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Betty x Bow clothing proudly embodies a commitment to design and ethical manufacturing right here in Canada. As the founder of this fashion brand, one of my foremost priorities was to ensure that every aspect of the production process took place locally. This decision allowed me to have a hands-on presence throughout the entire development journey, from concept to completion.

By keeping production close to home, I have the privilege of engaging with our manufacturing partners on a personal level. It’s not just about the end product; it’s about the people behind it and the environment in which BXB clothing comes to life. From the initial sketch to the finished garment, there are numerous stages involved in crafting that perfect style.

Effective communication is so important during our manufacturing process. It is essential to ensure that every member of our team comprehends our vision and expectations clearly. With a collaborative environment, we can bring about the successful creation of each and every piece of clothing, meticulously designed and thoughtfully produced.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bettyxbow.com/
• Instagram: @bettyxbow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettyandbow
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/bettyxbow/
• TikTok: @bettyxbow

Image Credits
Photographer: @ofwildandwander