Vancouver’s fashion scene is continuously growing, yet there are only so many clothing companies that represent the city itself.
Using Instagram as a driving tool, VNCVR clothing adds to the handful of brands representing Vancouver, and has quickly built up a large following in only a matter of months.
We recently caught up with the founders of VNCVR, and asked them about their inspirations, their donations from each sale, and where they plan to take the brand.
What’s the idea behind VNCVR?
VNCVR clothing started shortly after we moved here from Beaumont, Alberta in August of 2015. As we settled into Vancouver, we began to realize what a major impact it was having on us. Becoming citizens of Vancouver made us discover our passion to become entrepreneurs and has ultimately changed our lives. The city has given us an opportunity to live our dream of being able to create something meaningful and give back at the same time.
In saying that, we developed VNCVR with the idea that there are no new, unique, stylish clothing brands that represent the great people of Vancouver and the city itself. Our goal is to show the beauty, creativity, and loyalty of both the city and its people through our clothing. We believe in including a charitable donation to help a community cause that everyone can be a part of with something as simple as purchasing a VNCVR product. Through our clothing, we want to send the message that it is important to support each other and give back to thrive as a community.
Why B.C. Children’s Hospital?
We chose the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as our main charity because we believe children are the heart of any community. Children in hospitals across the world are the future of so many communities and to help the sick and their families became a ‘no brainer’.
We believe that every child deserves a chance at a healthy and happy life. We are hoping that with our continued support we can assist in providing the BC Children’s Hospital with money they need to help these children grow towards a healthy future. Although the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation will see the majority of our support, we hope to involve many other local charities as we grow our brand.
Derek Kesseler, co-founder of VNCVR
What led you two to the fashion industry?
Previously, we were both skilled trade workers in Alberta who ultimately wanted a change in careers. Moving to Vancouver gave us the opportunity to dream and that led us to the fashion industry. Vancouver is very unique with such a broad array of fashion styles we wanted to try and become involved in some way. We have always been aware of trying to ‘rock’ our own style so the creative side of fashion came quite naturally. We did quite a lot of research and built up some confidence till we knew this is where we wanted to go.
What motivates you to create? Where do you get the inspiration from?
The best part about starting a business with a close friend is we are always there to motivate each other. Our passion to be successful entrepreneurs and give back to the people of Vancouver is the biggest motivator for us. Our inspiration comes from the energy of this beautiful city, its people, and the current trends in the fashion industry. We also work with local artists to make it as much of a community-based brand as possible. Working with others and being open to their ideas creates more motivation and inspiration.
Where can people find your clothing?
Right now most of the stock we carry is at our online store www.vncvrclothing.com. Poppy & Rye, a clothing boutique in Gastown, also carries our brand. We have meetings set up with a few potential stores who are interested in carrying VNCVR and we are planning to expand further in the coming months. In the future we will open an exclusive VNCVR storefront.
Stuart Van Volkenburg, co-founder of VNCVR
What is the best piece of advice you have received in terms of operating a business in metro Vancouver?
The best piece of advice we have received concerning operating a business in Vancouver is to never give up on your dream. Vancouver is very inspiring because there are so many success stories that have come out of this city. Vancouver has many creative and entrepreneurial people who are taking advantage of opportunities. Although, it seems there is a lot of competition, we believe if local companies can work together as much as possible, we can all be successful together.
Any future ideas and exclusives you can share with the 604 Now readers?
Well we don’t want to let the ‘cat out of the bag’ but we do have some cool new designs we are working on and hope to release in the coming months. Stayed tuned on our social media handles for all updates!
Stay in the loop with VNCVR by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
