Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Callaway.
Paige, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Many roads and experiences seemed to merge together when I started my clothing line in 2014. I grew up on the back of a horse, competing and training in various disciplines, predominately rodeo. I attended Ecole Holt Couture, one of the only couturier schools in the world outside of Paris. It was here I learned the art of pattern drafting, garment construction and the ins and outs of textiles. Having spent to much of my life on the back of a horse, and struggling to find a shirt that fit properly, I was taken back with the education I received in school, learning there was a proper way to hang a sleeve and fit a blouse. Lo and behold this new wisdom, along side the first semester assignment of making a blouse became the inspiration behind what I do today. I felt a shift in confidence in myself, when a clothing fit me properly and that let me to wonder how different the world would be if people felt great when they got dressed every morning. How could that ripple effect of confidence shift each persons day, and each person they come in contact with?
I set out to make clothing that fits properly, that initiates confidence in each person who puts it on and of course is quality made. Initially these shirts were designed for horsewomen and cowgirls but over time and demand, our clothes are seem in both urban and rural settings. We have also expanded from a classic button down shirt, to a variety of western high fashion garments; shirts, jackets and dresses.
From the conception of the business in 2014, it has always been a priority to deliver quality and one of the easiest ways to attain that is the manufacture in North America. To this day, we continue to stand by this, and all our clothing has and is made in the west!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth is relative. I think for any entrepreneur, myself included, it becomes more about pivoting to keep sailing, than letting the turbulence sink your boat.
And I had many situations where we pivoted and kept sailing.
One of the biggest pivots we made has been something that sets our business apart. The first four or five years of business I used factories in Calgary, AB to make our products and the majority of that time it worked great. The first factory I used was phenomenal. The lady who ran it was intelligent., helpful and well versed and was a God send for my business and getting started. She was the first factory Lulu Lemon was manufactured at, as well as, West beach, Chucks other line much earlier in his life. Anyways, she ended up retiring and worked with three different factories over a short period of time struggling with timelines and quality. The straw that broke the camels back was a winter jacket line I had pre-sold that the factory was 8 weeks behind on and not making much progress. Lack of organization on their end was kicking my butt. I had to find people to sew for me and complete these orders ASAP and I got creative and found them! I put together a group of rural woman who knew how to sew very well, I showed up unannounced at the factory and picked up all my garments, in various stages of completion and took them to these ladies. They finished sewing and I shipped all the orders. The rest is history! I currently have rural woman in Alberta and Montana that sew for me, and the quality of my garments is incredible. What was for sure the most stressful time in my business career, ended up being the biggest blessing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Functional Fit Foundry is western high fashion, made in the west, We focus on quality, timeless garments that last. There are a few things that set us apart; our short run, unique Western High Fashion styles that are not made in masses. As well as, the incredible quality of our garments. We have showcased our lines at Milan Fashion Week as well as, New York Fashion Week and sold at high end stores like Holt Renfrew in Canada.
I am most proud of creating a business that isnt traditional, yet is able to deliver as much or more than others in the industry. The quality of our garments, sitting in the high fashion category of the fashion world, and being rooted in the western fashion scene are a few aspects I am most proud of and also set us apart.
What does success mean to you?
My definition of success has changed a lot since I started my business. There was a point where I defined success as a large scale business conquering the western fashion scene. But that would require me to cut corners I am not willing to cut, and sell a product I couldn’t stand behind, while feeding the fast fashion and consumerism I dont agree with.
For me now, success is when I design clothes I absolutely adore, when people rant and rave and the quality of our garments and the compliments they get wearing them, when I can take a Wednesday and work my horses rather than be a slave to my business. Freedom for me is big, and so is the satisfaction of clients appreciating our products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.functionalfitfoundry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalfitfoundry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paige1912/
