From a hobby of sewing, and love for creating fashionable items, Michelle Peilech of Sly Scarves designs, produces circle scarves and accessories. Each scarf is handmade, from fabric bought right here in Manitoba. Each piece is unique and of premium quality, and is sewn, knitted or crocheted by Michelle and other local craftswomen that include her mom, Gramma and Auntie. The name ‘SLY’ stands for her mom’s initials.

Watch Michelle on CTV News demonstrating the many ways to tie, wrap and wear a scarf here.

Although similar product can be found at large retailers, Sly Scarves creates a better quality, more desired product at a lower price.  In 2012, they started selling their product to friends and family, and the word spread through their connections through word-of-mouth. They now sell their product online through their website and Etsy Shop, at craft shows and is available at A Pinch of Creativity, located at 296 McDermot Ave, in the Exchange District. Their loyal following appreciates their brand and special touches they put into each product – such as the logo, packaging and gift wrapping.

Crochet Infinity Scarf by Sly Scarves

Michelle believes in supporting local businesses and putting revenue back into the local economy to enrich the community we live in. With so many talented and skilled local producers in Winnipeg, creating opportunities to make a living through their support will provide a much more sustainable economy.

Prynce Clothing is an independent, high fashion brand founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2015. At Prynce Clothing  they find their true success in being able to create apparel that individuals can relate to not only because of our eye-catching designs but also because of the message our clothing line portrays. Prynce Clothing focuses mainly on custom, cut and sewn items, keeping an eye on style and quality, as well as creativity. They strive to keep their products exclusive by mixing an African and European style, colourful patterns that reflect hope, determination and most of all self-motivation.

Prynce Clothing
Website: http://www.prynceclothing.com

What was your first fashion job?
I started as a brand ambassador for a clothing line in Quebec City.

What is your management style?
Participative.

What lessons have you learned since starting?
I learned that you can’t please everybody and as long as you believe in yourself you will achieve anything.

What motivates you? What is your passion?
Making my mom proud is what motivates me the most and my passion is to keep making designs that people relate to while playing my role in making the world a better place.

How would you describe your personal style?
Laid back.

What does the slogan “Hunt or Starve” mean to you?
Hunt or Starve to me is a mentality and a way of life that I created for people that are hungry to achieve their goals and dreams no matter what. I was inspired by the Kenyan Massai tribes that believe in if you don’t hunt you won’t EAT.

What do you do like to do for fun?
Play Basketball and spend quality time with my love ones.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone starting their own business?
Make sure to study the field and ask a lot of questions.

Do you have a favourite quote?
”Once you make it to your point of making it, you’ll appreciate the struggle”- Nas

What are you wearing?
Black Biker Jeans, Red Extended Sweatshirt with side zippers and the original Prynce Hoodie.

What or who is your fashion inspiration?
Kanye West and Lavar Ball because of the way they think.

Best style tip you have ever heard:
Invest in quality -it will last WAY longer.

Favourite place to shop – in Winnipeg and/or other city
I usually try to wear my brand most of the time but when i really want something new I shop at Zachee Mode.

What was the first piece of clothing you designed?
It was our original white Tee, it came with the big lion face screen printed on the front.

Do you remember your first customer?
It was friends and family.

What categories of product does Prynce Clothing design and sell?
Screen printed Unisex T-Shirts and custom, limited edition garments. We keep our exclusivity by making our product in limited quantities.

Where can Prynce Clothing be purchased?
The brand is available on my website here at the moment, but will definitely be in stores all around the world mostly in Canada and the US.

Which local Instagram accounts do you follow?
Scam Skate
Hair Estate
BombShorts
Elvis James
Shopology Project
Friday Knights
206TO204

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
Probably studying information system or working for someone that followed his dream.

Connect with Prynce Clothing:

Everyone loves fleece. Pam McIntyre the owner and designer, and maker of Funky Fleece knows this very well. Her line of fleece blankets, wraps, ponchos, scarves, mitts, hats, bags, and accessories are for women, girls, babies and even dogs!  It was a little hard placing her in one category on Shopology Project, because she is the designer, the maker and the shop!

She also is a master at packing up her store and popping up at local hospitals and trade shows throughout the year. Check out all the places she will be in 2017 here.

What lessons have you learned since starting?

I have learned to always talk to listen to my customers and Aldo observe them interacting while shopping in my booth. I have created new products based on what they’ve communicated with me – they are my biggest inspiration!

What motivates you? What is your passion?

I love print and colour and easy to care for fabrics that make kids excited and are practical (and fun!) for moms.

How would you describe your personal style?

COMFY! If it’s casual and low-key I’m wearing it ?

What do you do like to do for fun?

Spending time with my awesome friends, and adult kids….and TRAVEL!

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone starting their own business?

Do what you LOVE…and start slow and small and build and grow. Always listen and learn from your customer base – they are your best teachers. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are learning tools.

Do you have a favourite quote?

“You have this one life…make it count”

Favourite place to shop?

Too many to mention – I have bits and pieces from everywhere. But I love shopping local and handmade from my shows!

What was the first piece of clothing you designed?

Baby Buntings and Girls Ponchos

Do you remember your first customer?

My friends supported me first! But I do have loyal first customers who still contact me for their baby gift giving…even after 14 years in business ?

Which local Instagram accounts do you follow?

emk clothing
Shopology Project
Coal & Canary
Out Of The Blue
Pinch of Creativity
Jenna Rae Cakes
Scattered Seeds
Market Burger
Winnipeg Jets

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?

Still be going my old “real job” – Dental Hygienist

Check out Funky Fleece’s website here if you are looking for cozy, original, fleece clothing and accessories for you and your family!