After being laid off in 2014, and with no experience in the fashion industry, Calgary's Connor Curran decided to launch
Local Laundry, a local online apparel store dedicated to representing Canada and Canadian manufacturing. It wasn't so much about creating the next fashion label, but more about representing YYC and giving back to the community.
Local Laundry is now a Calgary success story, producing clothing that represents Canadian communities while making sure it's made in Canada as well. We met Connor last year when we appeared on his podcast and wanted to invite him to do an interview for our Vast and Varied series.
Enjoy.
What inspired you to start a clothing company?
I wanted to create a business that I could pour my heart and soul into while using it as a vehicle to give back, connect with people and build community. I was inspired by my parents who came to this country with no money or education and built a business by themselves to support our family but the community as a whole through their charity work.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
What sets us apart is our human connection. We're building a community and we want to go the extra mile to make that real human connection. Which is why all of our garments are entirely made here in Canada from scratch. We wanted to get to know the people making our clothing while providing our customers clothing that will last a long time. Our need for connection is also why we've set the goal to donate over $1 Million to local charities by 2030 to showcase that just because we are a small business, doesn't mean we can't have a big impact!
What have been some surprised for you during your journey as an entrepreneur?
The people we've met along the way from artists, to athletes, to world travellers, charities and other entrepreneurs. All have been customers, clients, supporters and partners to help us build a better community together.
Since you're in Calgary, what would be the perfect "Connor Itinerary" for someone visiting the city for a day or two?
- Breakfast at Blackfoot Diner.
- Stroll through Inglewood and 17th Ave.
- Lunch at the Calgary Tower.
- Afternoon pint at the James Joyce Irish pub.
- Walk through China town.
- Grab a bubble tea.
- Walk through Prince's Island Park and up the memorial stairs.
- Take in the sunset while overlooking the city.
- Head back to Inglewood for a microbrewery tour - High Line, Ol'Beautiful and end the night at Cold Garden.
What's one of the coolest experiences you've had in Canada and what's on the Canadian bucket list?
Driving through rural Alberta towns and stopping off at the Torrington Gopher Musuem, the damn at Bassano, Head-Smash-In Buffalo Jump, Driving through Cowboy Trail, and
hiking in the Kananaskis. There are so many amazing experiences here in our own backyard.
