The fashion industry is filled with coveted jobs such as fashion designer, stylist, editor, and the list goes on, but what is it really like to be in the day of the life of someone in the fashion industry? We spoke to Janna Zittrer, founder of Montreal Shopping Tours, about her company and how she has revolutionized personal shopping. Combining retail and tourism, read about Montreal Shopping Tours and the many hats this entrepreneur wears everyday:
What inspired you to start Montreal Shopping Tours?
The idea sprung from a chance encounter with a couple of tourists looking for shopping recommendations. When I discovered that nothing like Montreal Shopping Tours existed, I decided that with my background as a fashion and lifestyle editor, I had to be the one to launch it.
What advice can you give to those who want to start their own business in fashion?
First and foremost, make sure there’s a market for what you’re selling. There’s no getting around a whole lot of hard, unglamourous work, so a genuine love for what you’re setting out to do is also essential, as is credibility (never underestimate the power of good relationships).
What are some of the challenges of running your own business in the fashion industry? How did you overcome these challenges?
Retail and tourism are inherently tough industries, and my business straddles both. As for any businessperson, it’s important to focus on the things you can control and maintain a positive attitude about the things you can’t. For me personally, perseverance and providing the best service possible are paramount.
Sometimes career plans don’t play out exactly the way we expect it to. Can you tell us about how your previous experiences led to your current jobs?
When I first started out in the magazine industry, I thought I would work my way up at one magazine and live happily ever after. Little did I know that a few years equal a lifetime in the world of publishing, and in the course of my career so far, I’ve had the opportunity to work with more than a dozen magazine and websites. Although I still contribute to various print and online media, I felt it was time for a new challenge, one that would allow me to leverage my editorial experience, and that’s how Montreal Shopping Tours came about.
In a nutshell, describe an average day at work for you.
There isn’t such a thing as an average day, but my time is usually divided between running tours, taking reservations, managing the Montreal Shopping Tours blog, seeking new marketing opportunities, maintaining relationships with partner boutiques, fielding emails from PR reps and freelance writing. Somewhere in there is food.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this industry?
Treat people with respect, always. Help others (even those who may have nothing to offer in return), because in this industry, relationships are everything.
What are 3 things you absolutely cannot live without when you’re at the office?
A synced calendar, Stickies and herbal tea.
Are you an employer? Post your job here.
Are you a job seeker? Find fashion jobs here.