Written by Karen Tsoi (MMSc '14)
Being able to enjoy the bridesmaids experience with your girlfriends, is the premise behind Pastel Dress Party. Specializing in made-to-measure bridesmaid dresses, Pastel Dress Party is the love project between my co-founder, Janny Lam and myself. Our goal from the very beginning was to foster an environment where bridesmaids are able to support each other online via social media or through our blog – think of it as a party with your best girlfriends.
From being featured in Glitter Guide and Fashion Magazine to receiving cool-girl approval from fashion bloggers and style influencers, Pastel Dress Party is on its way to making a name for ourselves in the Canadian fashion scene and wedding industry as an affordable, good quality, and stylish option.
Ever since my UWaterloo days, I’ve always known that I wanted to start my own business. Throughout my time as an undergrad, I was very involved with the Impact Entrepreneurship Group where we organized an annual networking gala. Impact also started Velocity at Waterloo, which is the largest incubator for start-ups in North America. Back then, “then” being about 10 plus years ago, being an entrepreneur was by no means the ‘cool’ thing to do but we did it anyway. As a second-generation and executive member of Impact at UWaterloo, we were able to make a good connection with David Johnson, who was the president of the university at the time. He definitely supported our group and encouraged us to challenge ourselves in all aspects of our studies and career.
Working in the fashion industry, my strengths definitely lie within the business and operation side, specifically in terms of supply chain. My graduate studies in Management Science enhanced my knowledge and understanding for supply chain and optimization, two things beneficial to my work.
My advice for current students and postgraduates?
Networking is key. Take advantage of the opportunities made available to you while in school and help others without asking for anything in return. Especially amongst fellow engineers, making those connections will benefit you down the road. I still leverage the networks created during my undergraduate and graduate studies at UWaterloo. Whether it was through extra-curricular involvement or just socializing with other students, these connections have been an influencing factor in my career. Especially in the start-up business, the contacts made through Impact have continued to help along the way. Engineers are a hot commodity and I have a large network of friends that I can call for help for different aspects of my business.
I am very grateful for my fellow UWaterloo alumni and the support they have shown me throughout my journey so far. At the end of the day, it’s good to know that you can turn to your alma mater for help because they are there for you and want you to succeed.
Photo Credit: Rocky Choi