INTERVIEWS

MYLA | FOUNDER OF CHERRY GARDENS

Myla Davey, a Toronto based loungewear designer for her founded brand Cherry Gardens. She is also the brand marketing manager at Roots.

1. What made you decide to start this business

I started Cherry Gardens as a new creative outlet for myself, I've always worked in the fashion industry and always inspired, I wanted to create something of my own with the skill set I've cultivated over the years. Personally, I'm all about comfort so loungewear was a natural choice, and I only make pieces that I would want to wear. The brand name was inspired by my childhood - Cherry Gardens is also the name of a neighbourhood in Kingston, Jamaica, where I lived with my family for a time when I was young. All of the product names are sentimental to me as well, named after things like the street I grew up on, my mother's maiden name, one of my nicknames, etc. It's truly a passion project for me in every sense of the word. Representation is another important, personal aspect of the brand for me - I prioritize casting and hiring BIPOC individuals to work with. Growing up as a biracial girl, I didn't see many people that looked like me on TV or in fashion magazines and I want to showcase a wide range of people in my work through the brand and encourage a healthy sense of self, whoever you are.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years

My goal is to grow this brand from the side hustle it is now into something really substantial - aspiring to Fenty levels of inclusion and diversity!

3. What is your favourite and least favourite part of the job

My favourite part is getting to be creative on my own terms, it's great to be able to have the freedom to create what I want, when I want, and seeing people respond positively to my work is the best feeling. But also my least favourite part (sometimes) is doing it all on my own, as it gets to be a lot between this and my day job, but I just hired my first employee (!) so I have someone to help out and be able to bounce ideas off of.

4. What is your biggest challenge

The biggest challenge is figuring out solutions to roadblocks I encounter as I scale up the brand. One of my brand pillars is being made in Canada, and there are limited options domestically for sourcing and vendors, so that can become tricky with turnaround times and cost - worth it though!

5. Advice for someone wanting to start their own business

Don't wait for the 'right moment' - I fell victim to that, sitting on my ideas for years waiting for the perfect time to get started. There will never be a perfect time, the key is to just get started and the rest will come. Also, trust your instinct. Your gut will never lie to you.

Luna Top - Toffee

July Undies - White

CG Long Sleeve - Reflective

Go check out Cherry Studios on Instagram