In my first blog post of the year, I’m excited to introduce Silvia Gallo, the founder of Jeane & Jax. I met her at a Concordia University Women in Leadership event. I still remember the moment vividly. During the conference, I walked into the lounge area, and a bag caught my attention. The bag was featured as a courtesy giveaway during the conference and as I approached it, I instantly fell in love with its details and trimmings.
As the conference progressed, I met Silvia, who struck me as super down-to-earth and kind. Listening to her discourse, I knew I needed to know her and her brand better. Here goes, here’s my conversation with Silvia:
1) Tell me about yourself…
Born and raised in Montreal with Italian origins, I am inspired by my multicultural surroundings and my European heritage. I grew up speaking three languages, and in addition to my love for sports and music, my true passion has always been fashion. After obtaining a BCOMM in marketing and international business, as well as a degree in fashion design, I built a successful career in brand management. Having the opportunity to manage other brands allowed me to work in all facets of the industry, providing me with a solid foundation to build upon.
2) How did you transition from your corporate profession to the luxury bag industry?
.After several years of networking, traveling, and gaining knowledge, I decided to share my vision and make my voice heard by launching Jeane & Jax. Although many professions have the potential to make a difference in the world, it was challenging for me to determine how my contribution to society could be measured in the fashion industry. When I started my company, I wanted to do something that could make a positive impact and give back. With that motivation, my business has allowed me to combine my fashion expertise with my compassion for nature.
3) Can you tell me how the transition went? Was it well received by your family?
Transitioning to the life of an entrepreneur is never easy, but it has been the best decision I have made, and I love what I do. I feel privileged to have the most supportive family, who encouraged me every step of the way. Throughout my upbringing, my parents always instilled pride and courage in me to pursue the highest of dreams, providing me with all the skills needed for success. I am also grateful for my boyfriend who supported my decision to leave my comfortable lifestyle (and salary) to embark on a journey full of risks and uncertainties.
4) Was this a passion that you always had?
Definitely! I come from a family of many entrepreneurs, so the entrepreneurial spirit is ingrained in me. I have always been passionate about fashion and driven to bring about change. My deep love for animals and concern for our planet aligns perfectly with my career goals and core values.
5) What advice would you give to another entrepreneur?
It’s important to stay true to yourself and always be authentic. Your products or services should reflect who you are. Remember that customers want to connect with the entrepreneur behind the brand, not just the product. I suggest building a network of like-minded entrepreneurs to share ideas with. Entrepreneurship can be challenging, so it’s helpful to have a community of peers to communicate with and support each other.
And there you have it, I truly hope that you found my conversation with Silvia Gallo enlightening and inspirational, remember to follow Jeane & Jax on Instagram and Facebook!