STYLE SECRETS FOR MOM’S BIG DAY
Chelsea Danchuk, 34, says she fell in love with the m0851 brand in 2002, when she was living in Montreal. She especially liked the line’s designs and the fact everything is made in Canada. “They’re very noticeable in Montreal; the bags are on everywhere and on everybody,” she says. “I love their style and simplicity.” After talking to her family about her plans to open an m0851 store in Bankers Hall in Calgary, her mother had a bold suggestion. “She totally surprised me and said she’d love to help me open the store and realize my dream,” Chelsea says. “I’m very lucky and happy to say my parents have always been supportive of my career choices.” Still, it’s one thing to offer support, and another to start a new business with your daughter, says Chelsea. “I was definitely a little bit nervous at first, because I didn’t want a work relationship to affect our personal relationship.” Arlene admits she was nervous, too. A retired teacher, she had a wardrobe that was designed for being “with little kids all day,” she says. A downtown fashion position meant updating her look — and she turned to Chelsea for help. “My wardrobe was pretty dated,” Arlene, 65, admits. “Chelsea really has flair and I value her opinion.” One of the biggest challenges they’ve faced has been stepping out of their traditional mother-daughter roles. “The old adage ‘Mother knows best’ is often true, but it isn’t always true when it comes to the store,” says Chelsea with a laugh. “All final decisions are my responsibility. It’s a delicate balance, but we’ve handled it really well. We’ve been really open with each other about our expectations, but it took some time to get there.” Chelsea starts the workday first, dealing with the accounting and orders, long before the store opens. Then, later in the day, Mom Arlene starts her job, helping out customers in the shop. “My biggest challenge has been letting go, untying the apron strings and letting my daughter choose her own path,” says Arlene. “It’s not always easy to zip up and let her deal with her own decisions, and those successes and failures.” But, says Chelsea: “I’m happy to say we are closer than ever.” Hot trends for Spring-summer 2013: “Our colours are so much fun this season,” says Chelsea, noting that they have a range of pieces — bags, wallets and myriad accessories — in “yellow, coral and aqua. They look great when paired with some of the neutrals we’re seeing in clothing this spring.”