Focusing On The Basics, But Adding Flair with Allison Kittle of Betty x Bow

In episode 57, the owner of Canadian slow fashion brand Betty x Bow, Allison Kittle, shares how she combines comfort, versatility, and feminine flair to create thoughtful, elevated basics. Her pieces do it all, and so does she - Allison balances a full-time nursing career with operating Betty x Bow.  “My name is Allison Kittle, I am the owner and operator of Betty x Bow (pronounced Betty and Bow) a slow-fashion womenswear brand based out of Ottawa, Ontario Canada. We create timeless, effortless, classic silhouettes with a feminine flair that help women build a conscious capsule wardrobe. I was born and raised in the west end part of the city of Ottawa and still live in the area today. I have always had a passion for fashion for as long as I can remember. But my career did not start as a fashion entrepreneur but in healthcare, which I continue to work in both industries today. For the past 11 years I have worked as a NICU (neonatal intensive care) nurse. I have always felt fulfilled caring for others but as I got more invested into my nursing career I had this pull to also pursue my creative passion for fashion and chase this dream for myself. As a nurse you have to be thoughtful and purposeful in your actions and these qualities have transferred into my brand. There is intentionality with everything that is Betty x Bow.”  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Allison decided to start a fashion brand after almost a decade of nursing The style and values that focuses the Betty x Bow collection What Allison looks for in the perfect fabric The thoughtful design process Allison uses to create Betty x Bow pieces Some of the function details that add feminine flair to the Betty x Bow collection How Allison got connected to her factory and technical designer Why she chose to produce her garments locally in Canada How Allison got over imposter syndrome when starting a business in an industry she had no formal training in Why there are transferable skills in any industry How Allison balances a full-time nursing job with running Betty x Bow The pressure to always be working as an entrepreneur People and resources mentioned in this episode: Betty x Bow website Allison’s email Betty x Bow Instagram Betty x Bow on Pinterest Betty x Bow Tiktok Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.