When you first walk into Viens avec Moi, there’s an immediate sense of coziness. The boutique isn’t just a store front; it’s a renovated house, with each separate room holding different items and trends. The clothes and the surroundings are beautiful, and the boutique boasts some of the best brands from around the world, but there’s also an important focus on local craftsmanship. This emphasis on supporting the creative community in Ottawa combined with the quality of the clothing and the dreamy atmosphere makes Viens Avec Moi easily one of the best boutiques in Canada. I had the opportunity to chat with owners Sophie and Renee and ask them a couple of questions about what inspires them:
 
Zoe: How did you get your start in the fashion industry?
Renee: Sophie used to model and I started working for Models International Management around 10 years ago now. Sophie was the new owner, and we began working together.  I worked as the Booking Agent and started helping models with their wardrobe for photoshoots.  This is how I started to style for shoots and then later for contracts etc.

Z: What is your favourite part of running your own retail store?  

R: We love the buying process!!! Always feels like shopping.. It’s also rewarding to see what Sophie and I have created and worked hard for.

Z: What is the most challenging aspect of running your own store?  

R:  Knowing what sizes and the number of items we should order!

Z: Your store has one of the most unique layouts I’ve seen, what was the inspiration behind having a whole house function as a store? 

R: Sophie and I are both fans of the water (beaches, cottages, lakes , Rivers etc) We wanted to bring that feel into our store.  We were also very much inspired by the shops in Venice California… front lawns, porches, back patios etc.  We were also inspired by South of France, New York and the amazing Opening Ceremony store in LA.  The different rooms and themes…almost like a museum.

S: Opening Ceremony inspired us lots. As well as some beautiful boutique in Venus California. We wanted to offer customers a fun, relaxed and unique shopping experience.

Z: Who is the Viens Avec Moi customer?  

R: Tough question since we do try to cater to all kinds.  But I would say someone who is looking for an experience when they shop.  Finding a unique piece that isn’t found anywhere else in the city.

S: We try to cater to mother and daughter. We also have a lot of women our age who come in looking for unique and affordable pieces.

Z: What’s next for Viens Avec Moi?  

R: Online store

S: We have so many exciting ideas and future projects for VAM. Our most recent one is launching our online shopping boutique.

All images courtesy of Viens Avec Moi. For more information on the brand please visit: www.viensavecmoi.ca  or their Facebook page.

By: Zoe Alexandra Torell, Toronto, @blueauguste

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