Founder of Poco Mono Inc.
Erin Williams started creating her clothing line, Poco Mono Inc., while on maternity leave with her second child when she found it difficult to find ethically-made and cheerful, gender-neutral clothing. After years of working for Agencies in Graphic and User Experience Design, Erin was pulled to try something different.
Her clothing line’s retro vibe is inspired by her grandmothers’ patterns – she loved bright colours that burst with happiness and creating outfits for her grandchildren. Also, her two vibrant young children, who look fantastic in colour!
We had the opportunity to ask Erin a few questions!
Erin, what’s your educational background?
I have a graphic design diploma from George Brown College and a Certificate in Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design from Ryerson University – G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I felt like I wanted to take more control over my professional life and wanted an outlet for my creative ideas. I also wanted to take what I learned after years working for other businesses and apply it to my own for my own success!
Why did you create Poco Mono?
I found it difficult to find ethically-made and cheerful, gender-neutral clothing and wanted to help inspire people to vote with their dollar and support local and ethically made products. I was also inspired by my grandmothers’ retro patterns from the 70’s and my own children, to design something new and unique.
How successful is Poco Mono? (Tell us some of your successes.)
My clothes are currently being sold in various boutiques across Canada, We have a booth at Canada’s prestigious One Of A Kind Show, I provide part-time employment for other local businesses who makes my clothes, and have collaborated with the David Suzuki Foundation who currently receives a portion of or proceeds.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Make sure you are creating a business you are passionate about because it’s a lot of blood, sweat & tears. Be authentic, unique and give back where you can!