We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Inga Avedyan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Inga below.

Alright, Inga thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

TEMPÊTE’s mission is to empower modern brides by providing them with a unique and customizable bridal fashion experience. We aim to break away from traditional norms and inspire brides to think outside the box, encouraging them to create their own distinct wedding day look that reflects their individuality and style. By offering a range of bridal separates, one-of-a-kind veils, and eye-catching accessories, we strive to give brides the freedom to express themselves and curate a truly unforgettable ensemble for their special day. Additionally, our commitment to a made-to-order approach with minimal stock helps us reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

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

Greetings, I’m Inga Avedyan, the proud owner of TEMPÊTE. My journey here is a culmination of diverse experiences. Initially, I completed a Finance program and worked in the banking industry at the beginning of my twenties. Later, after moving to Canada, I followed my passion for photography and film and graduated from The Art Institute. Along the way, I also delved into marketing studies.

As a wedding and fashion photographer, I’ve always viewed weddings from a fashion perspective, seeking to incorporate that flair into my photography. This exposure has taught me how to elevate brands through powerful visual representation and strategic approaches. Additionally, I ran my own motherhood blog, collaborating with brands and influencers, honing my communication skills with audiences.

Subsequently, I established my photography studio and started my study at International Fashion Business School. During this time, the previous owner of a bridal brand I had photographed for, Davie & Chiyo, approached me with an enticing offer to purchase it, as they were focusing on other family business and were ready to pass it on. This fortuitous opportunity led to the transformation of Davie & Chiyo into the remarkable brand known today as TEMPÊTE.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Acquiring Davie&Chiyo proved to be the most intriguing and challenging business venture I’ve encountered. The initial phase involved navigating through a plethora of paperwork and legal intricacies, presenting its own set of obstacles. However, once those hurdles were overcome, an exciting transformation journey began. Within a mere three months, we achieved a complete overhaul of the brand.

The process began with a deep dive into the brand’s core values, leading us to make bold decisions to discontinue many pieces, resulting in a cleaner, more modern, and curated brand appearance. A fresh website with new visuals, a revamped name, and an enhanced brand structure emerged from our efforts. The endeavour demanded an immense amount of time and dedication, but in just three months, we successfully launched the new collection, produced a captivating fashion video, and even hosted our inaugural fashion show.

Throughout this whirlwind of events, managing backend logistics, employee shifts, and hiring were additional challenges I had to tackle. While it undoubtedly left me sleep-deprived, witnessing the rebirth of TEMPÊTE left me with a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

This entire transformation journey has truly tested and showcased my resilience. Amidst launching the new collection, I faced the challenge of a key employee leaving at a critical juncture, prompting the urgent search for capable replacements. Juggling the responsibilities of producing a fashion film while training new team members was demanding but necessary.

Simultaneously, I had to handle various essential tasks, such as organizing the company’s backend, acquainting myself with internal processes, arranging new packaging, and designing my own website. Managing my photography studio, overseeing bookkeeping, social media management, editing, and photography added to the overwhelming workload.

What made the experience even more challenging was that, as a dedicated mom of two little girls, I had to tend to their needs, household chores, sports classes, and food preparation. The relentless demands left me sleep-deprived and with barely enough time to eat.

However, the gratifying result of all these efforts was the significant payoff. The brand’s successful transformation was a testament to my resilience and the unwavering commitment to achieving our goals. Despite the exhaustion and sacrifices, seeing TEMPÊTE thrive made every ounce of hard work worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tempetebrand.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempetebrand/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TempeteBrandOfficial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inga-avedyan-8576065b/

Image Credits
Photos @lizrosa Model @ankuanku_