‘Edgy mainstream’
Defiant Darlings out to make a statement with vintage-inspired clothing.
First- time small business owner Lindsay McKinnon is planning to tap into a segment of ladies fashion that doesn’t have much of a presence in Cape Breton.
Vintage- inspired clothing styles such as pinup, rockabilly and retro glam have not been available locally until now, McKinnon said in her renovated downtown Sydney space at 230 Charlotte St.
“I wanted to do something that represents more of the community than the regular, everyday mainstream ( fashion),” she said, Thursday.
The clothing and accessories in Defiant Darlings gravitate toward women in their 20s and 30s who are looking to make an “alternative” fashion statement, McKinnon said.
A member of the Tar City Rollers of the Cape Breton Roller Derby League, McKinnon said she plans to sell roller derby gear and retro clothing that appeals to her teammates. Brands will include Iron Fist and Double Trouble.
“We do have some party dresses and stuff women would wear out to events,” McKinnon said.
“So it does really range anywhere from just little bit of an edgy mainstream with the pinup skirts and dressy shirts, right up to (clothing) with skulls, crossbones and zombies. There’s something for everyone in here.”
McKinnon’s dream of opening her own shop began more than five years ago. She has retail experience from working at clothing stores in the Mayflower Mall but she really wanted to be her own boss.
The 36- year- old Glace Bay resident received career development support from the Ann Terry Women’s Employment Project.
Last year, she also enrolled in a program at Coastal Business, one of the 13 community business development corporations in the province.
The funding McKinnon received through Coastal Business and the money she had saved up over several years has helped her get to this point.
She said she’d like to see more women enter the business world.
“We live in an area where people don’t realize what their potential is. I’d like everyone to realize you can do things on your own.
“You can start your own business, you can get a better job if you want it. All you have to do is want it and work for it.”
There will be one job opening at Defiant Darlings, however McKinnon isn’t sure how long it’ll be before she seeks applications.
Right now she is still working on setting up her shop for a “soft opening” next week, with a grand opening to be held in August.