A group of seven teenage entrepreneurs from Niverville got a boost earlier this month when they paid a visit to the Manitoba Legislature on Monday, June 4 to hear MLA Shannon Martin deliver a Private Member’s Statement in their honour. Martin congratulated the students on their success and entrepreneurial vision.
Grade 11 students Maddie Thompson, Leah Reimer, Marcus Jofre, Corey Golden, Jazmyn Lajeunesse, Shudaye Fast, and Diana Laso started a clothing brand earlier this year, called Social Clothing, designed to appeal specifically to Manitoba teens. Their first collection, Stylish Simplicity, came out this spring. It features a comfy light grey hoodie, a maroon crewneck featuring the iconic Esplanade Riel, and a simple tee.
The students entered their business in the Asper New Venture Championship in late May, and although they didn’t come away with any scholarships, Maddie Thompson took third place in the competition for best logo.
“I’m pretty happy with placing third in the logo competition… especially considering that there were plenty of other companies who entered,” says Maddie Thompson. “Most of them have been around much longer than Social Clothing. We didn’t make the finals for our business plan at the Manitoba High School New Venture Championships, but next year we hope to.”
Thompson, who was previously behind a fashion line for Triple Flip when she worked for them as a design intern, adds that the overall experience of starting the company has been incredible.
“With Social Clothing I have much more freedom [than with Triple Flip],” she says. “I get to do my own thing and oversee all aspects of how a business is run as the CEO. I am also the CMO. I have learned so much from running Social Clothing along with my amazing colleagues and friends.”
Thompson is also quick to credit the group’s business teacher, Suzanne Mathieu. “Without her help, the business wouldn’t exist. It’s so heartwarming seeing everyone in the community and surrounding communities wearing our clothing and supporting us.”
To check out the company’s clothing in person, you can visit their booth at the Niverville Farmer’s Market on Friday, July 20 from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Centre.
