Founder Notes
After graduating Politcal Science at Ottawa U, I knew that wasn’t the path that was meant for me. Not knowing where I wanted to go in my life, I found myself back in Kingston. But not for too long, I moved to Edmonton a couple years later and found myself in the beauty industry. Who would have thought I’d stay in that industry for 8 years.
Life handed me a curve ball and I ended up back in Kingston. A 30 something year old back at her parents’ place. Goodbye friends, goodbye Happy Hour, and goodbye to this fun little life in Toronto.
Rōune was not my first business idea…originally I wanted an online beauty store, marrying the past 8 years of my life in beauty and my skill in sales, it was a no brainer - easy peasy. After a year of working on this business, and ready to take the plunge and buy my inventory, I came to the realization that, although I was great in this industry, it wasn't my passion, so I quit. Back to the drawing board.
Now, I’m someone who has always struggled to find boots that would fit my calves, I grew up in the 90’s and 2000’s, inclusivity was not a thing. I probably had 12”-13” calves when I was 112 lbs at 5’1 and 25. Why does that matter? Because, I was tiny and the footwear industry still made me feel incredibly insecure and inadequate and othered. I hated that about the industry and it had always been a sore spot for me.
Let me tell you - the feeling I got when I found boots to fit my legs? I was over the moon and wore them any chance I got, I was just like all the other fashion girlies and felt included. Confident. As life happens and circumstances change, your body can change, as did mine. Those beautiful boots? No longer fit. Fast forward 12 years, I’ve only had 2 pairs of boots fit my calves. I got more and more self conscious about them, so much so that I even looked into getting them surgically reduced. I know, extreme...but I was desperate.
I’ve always loved shoes and fashion. I remember even drawing them when I was younger, really living in my designer era at 12. The thing about shoes is that it ties your whole outfit together, no matter how insecure I got about my body or my skin, I would put on the right pair of shoes and I would instantly stand taller, walk stronger and feel so much more confident. I would become a different person. Ya, some people would say, that's such a trivial thing to put so much emphasis on, but shoes were and are my everything.
This is why it’s been so important for me to continue this project, it’s more than just a project. It’s a piece of myself that I’ve rejected for so long and have learned to love and accept. When I put on my final sample and to have the zipper go all the way up, it brought me back to that moment, so many years ago. “Omg, yes. Finally.”
If you were able to see a bit of yourself in my journey, know that you’re not alone. My goal for Rōune is to change industry standards, to one day fit all the juicy calves, fit all the wide feet, tiny ankles and so much more. This is only the beginning for us.
Xo,
R