Shawna Robinson is the co-founder of Toronto based clothing company, LABEL. LABEL designs contemporary women’s clothing with a commitment to environmentally sustainable production. In her downtime, you can find her teaching yoga at Tula Yoga Studios.

What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?
Alarm goes off around 8am, hit snooze about 10 times. Snuggle with my maltese Wonder. I teach yoga on Thursday mornings, so I roll out of bed, into my yoga clothes, and sleepwalk to the studio. I open up shop, chat with the students, and then at 9:30 I’m sweating and instructing. Class ends at 10:45, I rush home for a quick shower and change. Walk the dog, and then head into the Toronto Fashion Incubator, where our offices are. I check emails, drink more coffee, and have a quick chat with the other designers. Have a meeting with my business partner and LABEL designer, Natalie. We talk about what needs to get done for the day, and then divide up the responsibilities. Usually I spend time researching new accounts, planning events or promotion for our brand, and dealing with our existing retail clients. If we’re prepping for a new season, we spend most of the day working together, sketching and going over prototype designs, checking fit and fabrication. On a day when I’m out and about, I always drop into the local stores that carry LABEL, just checking in on how the line is selling. I normally finish at the studio around 7 or 8pm, when I’ll head home to walk the dog, and have dinner with my man. If there’s an event going on that evening, I’ll do a quick change and head out again. Better yet, there’s nothing going on and I get to spend some time snuggling with my man Miro, watching HBO, cooking, or reading a good book.

What was your first job out of school?
I didn’t study fashion in school, but as soon as I graduated I knew that I didn’t want to work in politics (my field of study). I ended up taking a job in retail and doing freelance wardrobe styling, which is how I met Natalie. We started LABEL and the rest is history!

What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?
1. Creativity is key for anyone in design. I try to stay inspired by spending time with creative people, looking at art, and listening to great music. 2. Being self- employed also requires a lot of discipline, and time management skills. 3. Passion. As a start up business, there are many struggles. I am underpaid and overworked, but I LOVE what I do. It helps me stay positive and motivated!

What do you love most about your career?
I’ve been hooked on fashion since I was a little kid! I love clothing and it is my dream come true to work in this industry. It is great to be able to own your own business and see it grow from a tiny idea to something tangible. Also, it’s impossible to get bored in the fashion industry because we have two seasons a year to create new, beautiful things!

Do you have any warnings?
As with any business, being fiscally responsible is an absolute necessity. You have to have financial backing in order to start up, and the more orders you receive, the more money you need to produce your product. Even though fashion is a creative field, you need to have business sense in order to achieve your goals.

If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?
Professional dog walker. I am obsessed with dogs!

www.seenolabel.com
www.seenolabelboutique.com
www.tulahotyoga.com