What is your business called and what does it do?

Devils & Diamonds is a luxury dog accessory brand created for the “little devils” in our lives who deserve to look as stylish as their owners.

What made you want to do this work?

I love dogs, specifically micro-bullies. They are such special dogs—tough and built to be strong but kind-hearted and a joy to behold. I thought, what better way to marry my love for micro-bullies with my love for high fashion than to create a luxury pet brand comparable to luxury brands for humans!

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

Micro-bullies are quite muscular, and require specific accessories that are high-quality and safe for their build, but in my experience, I could never find gorgeous, high-quality accessories like collars and harnesses that fit my first micro-bully, my beloved KingP (whose namesake can be seen throughout the collection). I decided to take matters into my own hands with the help of my esteemed designer friend and now partner, Lars Duelffer, and create a premium collection of high-quality accessories that could fit micro-bullies along with any other breed!

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Specifically created for micro-bullies but inclusive to almost all breeds, our clientele are dog owners who appreciate style and value high-quality craftsmanship for themselves and their dogs. They view their dogs as family members, and would only want them to wear the best.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Our first collection is available to shop online with prices ranging from $300 – $2,200. We ship locally and internationally to appeal to all fashion-loving dog owners.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

Our debut collection is available online at www.devilsanddiamonds.com

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

We most often get questions regarding the pricing, being that we’re a luxury brand. My business partner and Creative Director, Lars Duelffer, has a background in luxury designer goods, so you know that each piece has extraordinary craftsmanship at the forefront. Everything is meticulously crafted in Italy by one of the finest manufacturers specializing in high-end leather goods, and our partnership with Swarovski proves that we only work with the best. The pricing definitely reflects that quality, which is why we can stand behind the fact that our pieces are not only gorgeous but safe for pups.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is working with Lars to create a disruptive brand in the pet space. We have a very symbiotic relationship, so this all came together quite naturally, and no one else is doing what we’re doing. It’s very exciting to know that we’re doing something different.

Working with so many different doggy models, the worst part is not being able to keep them all as my own.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

We don’t speak ‘bark’ so our customers can be hard to get feedback from!

Where can we follow you?

You can follow us at @devilsanddiamondsofficial!

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

I love taking my pups to Pampered Pooch Spaw and Boutique; they give the best experience and are so friendly!

The post Homegrown Business: Molly Neice of Devils & Diamonds appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Proprlifestyle started as an online Korean Skincare business in November 2017; a retail space was added in 2020 after a series of successful popups in the Ossington/Queen St. West area.

What made you want to do this work?

In South Korea, I discovered result-oriented techniques and products to help alleviate issues with my sensitive skin and reduce my eczema and acne breakouts.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

I started this business to share my experience and growing knowledge with those who have similar skin issues and want to learn more about how Korean skincare can improve their skin’s appearance. I believe that a personalized beauty skincare routine can lead to glowing skin that retains elasticity.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

My customers range in age from 16-80 years of age. It used to be 90% female and 10% male but my male clients have increased by 60% in this last year alone. I feel honoured that my male customers are comfortable enough to ask for advice on their skin.

The ideal customer is someone who wants to learn more about taking care of their skin while building a customized skincare routine. They may have sensitive skin, acne, or other issues they would like to improve.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We have an online store and retail space offering the flexibility of pickup, delivery, or in-store shopping.

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?

Our location is 458 Ossington Avenue in Little Italy. Our retail space has evolved into a skincare hub attracting customers from near and far. We have also become a favourite tourist, attracting skin enthusiasts from all over Canada and the US.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

It is always great when a prospective customer says that they are curious about Korean Skincare, and asks me to advise them on a basic routine to start? After assessing their skin type, current skincare routine and skin goals; I customize a specific skin regime which would include a cleanser, hydrating toner, serum and moisturizer.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part of this business is when customers come back and tell me how much they loved the product I recommended for them or when they leave a 5-star review on google about their experience in our store. This gives me pure joy. The worst part was launching the store 9 days before the original COVID 19 lockdown.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

I can’t really think of a joke about my profession but there is an ongoing inside joke with my family about what I do. They call me the Dorian Gray of skincare; being able to still look so young while they continue to age around me.

What are your social media channels?

Instagram | Facebook | Website

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Toronto business that you love?

I am really liking the newly opened Madras Kaapi Café at the moment as I had never had Indian coffee before. Their interior décor is lovely and makes a great hang-out spot.

The post Homegrown Business: Althea Johnson, the owner of Proprlifestyle Korean Skincare & Accessories appeared first on Toronto Guardian.