BootyFly Bags | About Page

I first came up with the idea for Booty Beltz while studying business at the University of Alberta. Having always possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit, I was constantly seeking feasible business ideas that could encompass my love for fashion and design. I remember having jewelry businesses from the age of 12 until high school as a way to earn extra money and do something that I was passionate about.

During the summer of 2004, while working for Labatt as a summer intern (and driving around the Wildcat van!), I came up with the idea to create a line of fashionable sash belts because I felt there was a niche in the market for this type of product. I decided to call them Booty Beltz since it was catchy, sassy, fun and best expressed my business vision. The first Booty Beltz were all handmade in my parent’s basement and consisted of vintage scarves that I sewed buckles and beads onto in order to make them more substantial and stylish.

I began selling my belts to fashionable boutiques all around Edmonton and area. Upon graduation, Booty Beltz became a full-fledged business and I started marketing them to shops all across Canada. After doing an extremely large wholesale show in Las Vegas, I was selling to stores all over the USA and Japan. Because of the great increase in demand for Booty Beltz I was forced to hire outside help. In my business plan I stressed how important it was to preserve the uniqueness, quality and integrity of my product so I decided to employee stay at home moms who needed to subsidize their income to manufacture my line. This worked remarkably well because it was a win-win situation for both parties.

Since I first began my business almost 3 years ago, I have designed two new lines called Fuchsia Accessories and Bootyfly Bags. Even though Booty Beltz was the initial inspiration for my business concept, I truly feel that Bootyfly Bags will allow me to surpass any goals I initially set for myself. Many styles of Bootyfly Bags are reversible and come with 2 straps that are interchangeable which has. This idea has proved to be an easy sell considering women love anything that is 2 in 1! As the demand started to rapidly increase I had to make some important production decisions. It has always been important to me as a business woman to have a social conscious, so even though it would make financial sense to have Bootyfly Bags sewn overseas, I chose to have them produced at a factory in Calgary instead.

Looking back, I would never have dreamt that I would be operating Booty Beltz for over two years as a full time career! The whole idea was one that just randomly popped into my head one afternoon while I was on a long walk contemplation my future after graduation. Studying business and majoring in marketing gave me the knowledge and confidence to take that little idea and turn it into a successful business opportunity.

Besides running my business, I am passionate about yoga, travel, reading and hanging out with my friends and family. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be an entrepreneur because it has granted me the flexibility to travel and be a part of many exciting events. Since starting Booty Beltz I have also been fortunate to be featured in newspapers, TV shows, and magazines. Meeting so many exceptional artisans and entrepreneurs has also been an incredible experience. Because of their inspiration and passion I feel I am able to gain strength and continue on the sometimes difficult journey of being a young Canadian designer.