Meet Allison Kittle | Founder of Betty x Bow

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Kittle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since childhood I have always been passionate about fashion and design. Fashion is a common interest I share with my mother and maternal grandmother, and the origin for our brand name ‘Betty x Bow’. When I would go shopping with my mother, I remember always being attracted to the way clothing was displayed in a store and I was fascinated by the textures and silhouettes of the clothing paying close attention to detail. As an adult, and a consumer I struggled to find everyday wardrobe staples such as a tank style bodysuit that was more than a basic design. I found most everyday essentials lacked a feminine flair. (Check out The Shea Bodysuit, this was my first design for the Betty x Bow brand). This is how Betty x Bow was born.

I chose to pursue my lifelong passion for fashion and began building a business plan for a brand that consisted of wardrobe essentials with a feminine flair. Today, each Betty x Bow piece of clothing builds off of the next creating a conscious capsule wardrobe for women. Every detail, design and silhouette structure is done thoughtfully and purposefully. Delicate muted and neutral tones are chosen purposefully to create versatile and long-lasting choices in a woman’s wardrobe. Most importantly, my priority is for women to feel beautiful wearing Betty x Bow!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Betty x Bow is a slow-fashion womenswear brand based out of Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Our mission is to infuse effortless, versatile, and feminine style into every woman’s capsule wardrobe. We are committed to creating high-quality, slow-fashion garments that lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Our vision is to create a collective of thoughtful consumerists who can enjoy our sustainable, ethical garments while never sacrificing personal style.

Every detail and design has been carefully crafted using high quality fabrics to create beautiful, long-lasting silhouettes. Sustainable fashion of quality over quantity is our priority.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

– Starting a business during a global pandemic was a challenge itself with endless delays and material shortages. My passion to create high quality clothing staples is the driving force behind my small business. My drive and determination to see my vision through for Betty x Bow, while experiencing the challenging ebbs and flows of building a brand is why my business is where it is today. Nothing is earned or sustained without hard work. Lessons I have learned thus far is that it is important to have a plan and set goals, however be adaptable to change and learn to pivot when necessary. Most importantly, always trust your intuition.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

– I am so proud that Betty x Bow is being worn by women across North America. Every time an online order is placed, I do a happy dance (I don’t think that feeling of excitement will ever go away). I am proud that our retail partners choose to stock Betty x Bow in their beautiful stores. The feeling is indescribable to know that my brand and clothing that I have designed is now being hung in store next to some well-known fashion brands.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favourite Ottawa- area Restaurants

Favourite Coffee Shops

Ritual on Main @ritual_on_main613

Honey Cafe @honeystittsville

Visit Landsdowne Place for a great dinner and cocktails on the patio in the summer

Hike in Gatineau Hills

Spa Day at Le Nordik

Watch a Sens Game (Hockey) at The Canadian Tire Centre or a Redblacks Game (Football) at TD place

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have immense gratitude for the unconditional love and support from my family and friends as I continue to navigate building the Betty x Bow brand. The Betty x Bow community is absolutely incredible and I am so appreciative for every order, like, share, and comment about my small business. Lastly, Team BXB is a one woman show, however I do have the help from some very talented women-owned small business’ on a contractual basis and their impact is reflective of Betty x Bow’s success thus far.

Website: www.bettyxbow.com

Instagram: @bettyxbow

Facebook: bettyandbow

Image Credits
Of Wild and Wander Photography