ThriveNorth Spotlight on Brit Kinahan of HaloApparel

In December 2019, the ThriveNorth program successfully completed its five-year mandate. Managed by Futurpreneur Canada, the program helped young entrepreneurs in Northern B.C. launch and grow their businesses by connecting them with resources, financing and mentorship.

Most entrepreneurs have an ‘aha moment’ where they’re struck with the idea for their business.

Unfortunately for Brit, hers involved a rather public wardrobe malfunction.

Prior to starting her business, Brit was a full-time university student studying biochemistry and teaching aerial hoop classes in Victoria, BC.

One day, during an aerial training session, Brit’s leggings split wide open. The ‘fashion faux pas’ made her realize that better quality clothes should be more easily accessible.

As a self-described “caffeine-addicted busybody who loves to buy fabric,” Brit knew she had the drive and passion for design to start a clothing business – she just needed to learn how to sew.

Once she did, her business, HaloApparel, launched soon after.

“HaloApparel is a home-based business that focuses on custom made-to-measure athletic wear that uses the highest quality fabrics to ensure the best possible garment,” says Brit.

Since starting HaloApparel, her clothes have been well received on her Etsy shop. She currently has over 178 reviews with an average rating of five stars. Plus, she she was able to hire two part-time employees last summer to help with orders.

While Brit didn’t start her business in Terrace, BC, she recently moved to the city with her husband and brought her business with her.

“Our family relocated here for a slower pace of life and the beautiful scenery,” says Brit.

In addition to the lifestyle, living in Terrace has allowed her to take advantage of the services ThriveNorth offers young entrepreneurs in the community.

“The workshops, support systems and grant opportunities have been instrumental with HaloApparel’s success,” says Brit about working with ThriveNorth.

Additionally, connecting with local suppliers helped her grow her business network as well source fabric for her designs. For example, fellow ThriveNorth-supported businesses Transcend Fitness and Glow Boutique have stocked her products.

“Transcend and Glow have been our storefront sales locations from the get-go,” says Brit.

While entrepreneurship is not an easy path, Brit is living proof that if you have the drive, the creativity, and the support of your local community, anything is possible.

Based on her experiences so far, Brit has the following pieces of advice for would-be business owners:

“Keep learning and striving to make things better! If you ever get frustrated or bored with what you’re doing find a way to mix it up and bring some colour back into those aspirations because it’s worth it!”

Written by: Jasmine Williams, Social Media and Content Specialist, Futurpreneur Canada