Founder: Connor Curran
Business: Local Laundry
Revenue/Month: $50K
Founders: 2
Employees: 4
Website: locallaundry.ca
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Founded: 2015

Local Laundry began as a passion project fueled by a single, straightforward question: “How do you even start a clothing company?” Connor Curran recalls typing that exact phrase into Google, the first step in what would eventually become a million-dollar business. “We didn’t have a clue about the fashion industry,” Curran admits with a laugh. “I was just looking for a creative outlet, something fun to do on the side.” Fast-forward several years, and Local Laundry is far more than a side hustle. It’s a proudly Canadian-made apparel company with a purpose-driven mission to foster community, sustainability, and social good—all stitched into the seams of its garments. 

The brand’s ethos is rooted in one guiding principle: keeping things local. Every product they offer, from their signature crewneck sweaters to toques and socks, is made entirely in Canada. “People don’t realize the ripple effect of buying something that’s manufactured here,” Curran explains. “It’s not just about the end product—it’s about supporting local jobs, reducing emissions, and making thoughtful choices about where our dollars go.” The decision to manufacture locally wasn’t about chasing trends; it was a deliberate commitment to creating a sustainable business model that puts people and planet first. 

Local Laundry’s first big success came with their YYC Collection, a line of garments paying homage to their hometown of Calgary. The simple designs struck a chord, allowing customers to wear their pride for their city quite literally on their sleeves. “It started with something as basic as putting the YYC airport code on a t-shirt,” Curran shares. “But the response was incredible. People loved that connection to where they’re from.” 

Since then, the company has expanded its offerings into several collections, each designed to tell a story. The CAN Collection celebrates Canada as a whole, while the Local Collection focuses on specific communities. However, it’s the Giving Garments Collection that perhaps best reflects the company’s soul. “For every Giving Garment sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to charity,” Curran says. “We set this crazy goal of raising a million dollars for Canadian charities by 2030. So far, we’re over $80,000 in, and it’s just the beginning.” 

The Giving Garments are more than just a fundraising initiative—they’re a tangible way for customers to be part of something bigger. Curran sees the appeal as twofold: “People get a high-quality product they can feel good about wearing, but they’re also contributing to causes that matter. It’s a win-win.” 

It’s this emphasis on creating impact through clothing that has drawn a diverse customer base to Local Laundry. Curran describes their clientele as “people who want to align their values with their purchases.” Their custom garments have become particularly popular with organizations looking for apparel that stands out. “We don’t do those cheap promotional shirts that end up in the trash,” Curran says. “Our custom pieces are something people actually want to wear. It’s about creating value—not just slapping a logo on a t-shirt.” 

But Local Laundry’s ambitions don’t stop at stylish and sustainable clothing. The company is currently working toward B Corp certification, an achievement Curran views as a natural next step in their mission to balance purpose and profit. “We want to be held accountable,” he says. “Becoming a B Corp is a way of showing our customers—and ourselves—that we’re serious about walking the walk.” 

The company has also taken significant strides to reduce its environmental impact, including a pledge to eliminate all non-recycled plastics from its operations by 2022. “Sustainability isn’t optional anymore,” Curran says firmly. “If you’re not thinking about how your business affects the planet, you’re behind.” 

While their values have remained unwavering, the path to success has been anything but straightforward. Curran recalls the early days of Local Laundry as a period of constant trial and error. “We made every mistake in the book,” he says, shaking his head. “There were times we thought, ‘Is this even going to work?’ But every failure taught us something. We just kept pushing forward.” 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many small businesses struggled to stay afloat. Local Laundry, however, managed to double its revenue. “We were forced to get really creative,” Curran explains. “We leaned into what made us different—our story, our values—and that really resonated with people.” The company also expanded its team, growing from one full-time employee to five. “It was scary, no doubt,” Curran says. “But it showed us what we’re capable of when we stay focused on what matters.” 

For Curran, Local Laundry’s journey is about more than sales figures or accolades—it’s about redefining what a clothing company can be. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about making clothes,” he says. “It’s about making a difference. And if we can do that while supporting Canadian jobs, reducing our environmental impact, and building stronger communities, then we’re doing something right.” 

The Humble Beginnings of a Purpose-Driven Brand 

Every business starts somewhere, but for Curran, Local Laundry’s origins were anything but conventional. The company’s name might suggest a quirky twist on everyday chores, but the idea that sparked it came in a far more personal moment: standing in front of a laundry machine, mulling over how to create something meaningful. “I thought, ‘What if we made laundry local?’” Curran says. “It started as a goofy name, but the more I thought about it, the more it evolved into a mission—to make clothing a way to bring people together while supporting something bigger than just a product.” 

At first, Curran had no experience in fashion, retail, or even running a business. He describes those early days with a mix of humor and humility. “I didn’t know how to make a shirt, sell a shirt, or market a shirt. I just knew I wanted to try,” he says. Armed with sheer determination, he turned to free resources like Google and YouTube to figure it all out. “I was watching videos like, ‘How do you print on a shirt?’ and Googling things like, ‘What is e-commerce?’ I had zero knowledge, but I was hungry to learn.” 

That willingness to dive in without a roadmap paid off, though the journey was far from smooth. Curran speaks candidly about the mistakes he made in the beginning. “The first website I built looked like something out of 2002,” he jokes. “And don’t even get me started on the designs—I think we tried to cram 50 ideas onto one t-shirt.” Despite the missteps, he remained focused on the bigger picture: using Local Laundry to foster a deeper sense of community and purpose. 

The company’s growth strategy wasn’t driven by flashy marketing or aggressive expansion. Instead, it was built on the power of relationships. Curran remembers the time he spent hand-delivering orders and writing personal thank-you notes to customers. “If someone placed an order, I’d actually call them up to say thank you,” he says. “It wasn’t about making a sale—it was about showing people that we genuinely appreciated their support.” This grassroots approach wasn’t just a gesture; it became a defining element of the brand’s identity. 

For years, Curran ran Local Laundry part-time, balancing it with a full-time job and other responsibilities. Every dollar the business earned was reinvested, a decision that reflected his dedication to building something that could last. “There were no quick wins,” he says. “It was just a grind—figuring out what worked, fixing what didn’t, and never losing sight of why we started in the first place.” 

That slow, intentional growth laid the groundwork for a company that now thrives on its core values: sustainability, local production, and social impact. But in those early days, Curran admits it wasn’t always easy to stay motivated. “There were times I thought, ‘Why am I doing this?’” he says. “But then I’d get an email from a customer saying how much they loved their shirt or what the brand meant to them. That was enough to keep me going.” 

It’s a story of perseverance, curiosity, and an unshakable belief that a small idea—when nurtured with care and purpose—can turn into something much larger than its origins. For Curran, Local Laundry’s beginnings weren’t just about starting a clothing company; they were about proving that an ordinary person, armed with a vision and a lot of determination, could create extraordinary impact. 

From T-Shirts to Transparency: Building a Business Rooted in Purpose 

Launching a clothing brand from scratch often involves navigating a maze of design choices, manufacturing hurdles, and branding decisions. For Curran and Paisley, this process was anything but seamless. What began as a local t-shirt concept celebrating their Calgary roots quickly evolved into a mission to rethink how clothing is made and the purpose it can serve. From logo tweaks to hard lessons in production, every step became an opportunity to learn and refine their vision. 

“We thought we were designing something simple,” Curran recalls, reflecting on their very first t-shirts. “But then the samples came back with this giant white box behind the logo. It looked ridiculous—we had no idea we were supposed to save the file as a PNG.” Despite the hiccups, the duo pressed on, working with community designers to expand their offerings. Early designs celebrated Calgary’s neighborhoods, like Inglewood and Kensington, while tapping into the pride locals felt for their city. Curran points out, “It wasn’t just about selling a shirt—it was about telling a story people could connect with.” 

Reimagining Canadian Manufacturing 

As the company grew, so did their understanding of the fashion industry’s darker underbelly. Research revealed sobering statistics about the decline of Canadian-made clothing. “Back in 1989, over 70% of clothing sold in Canada was made here,” Curran says. “By 2015, it had dropped below 5%. That was shocking to us. We realized we had an opportunity—not just to make great products, but to bring back something that had been lost.” 

Shifting production to local manufacturers was a pivotal moment for the brand. While dropshipping and on-demand printing had served them well initially, the founders wanted more control over quality and a clearer understanding of how their garments were made. Producing locally allowed them to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and compliance with Canada’s rigorous labor and environmental standards. 

“It’s not cheap, and that’s the point,” Curran explains. “When you pay people fairly, follow environmental laws, and create a product that’s built to last, there’s a cost to that. But it’s a cost we believe is worth it.” Beyond ethical practices, the team embraced sustainability by focusing on durability, knowing that longer-lasting garments are less likely to end up in landfills. 

Their approach resonated with a growing base of customers who cared about where their clothes came from and the story behind them. “People aren’t just buying a hoodie—they’re supporting local jobs, protecting the environment, and standing up for better practices,” Curran says. 

Launching with a Leap of Faith 

The birth of Local Laundry happened with lightning speed. Within 48 hours of coming up with the idea, Curran had built a website. The founders bootstrapped the business, self-financing every step rather than seeking outside investment. “We didn’t want to owe anyone anything,” Curran notes. “It meant we could grow on our terms, even if that growth was slow.” 

Early success came not from flashy marketing but through grassroots efforts. During Calgary’s economic downturn in 2015, when many businesses were scaling back, Local Laundry leaned into partnerships with other small companies. Collaborations with brands like Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. and Friday Sock Co. weren’t just strategic—they were deeply personal. “We weren’t just building a business,” Curran says. “We were building a community of people who believed in supporting each other.” 

Those partnerships extended beyond products, with events like Start-Up & Beers creating informal spaces for entrepreneurs to connect. “There’s a magic in sitting down with other people who are trying to build something from nothing,” Curran says. “You learn from each other, cheer each other on, and find ways to collaborate that benefit everyone.” 

Beyond Transactions: Creating Loyalty Through Meaningful Interactions 

While many companies rely on automation and efficiency, Local Laundry took a different path, prioritizing personal touches in every interaction. “If someone placed an order, I’d personally deliver it, write them a thank-you note, or give them a call,” Curran shares. “It wasn’t about scaling fast—it was about showing people that they mattered to us.” 

That philosophy extended to handling challenges. When mistakes occurred, the team went above and beyond to make things right. “If someone had a problem with their order, we didn’t just fix it—we made it so memorable they’d want to tell others about the experience,” Curran says. “It’s about turning every setback into an opportunity to build trust.” 

Even small gestures, like celebrating a customer’s birthday or sending encouragement during tough times, reinforced their approach of treating people like individuals rather than transactions. “It’s not rocket science,” Curran adds. “When you care about people, they care back.” 

That human-centered approach is paired with a long-term perspective. Curran often reflects on the value of patience in building a business. “Growth isn’t a straight line—it’s slow, steady, and full of little wins that add up over time,” he says. By investing deeply in their relationships, Local Laundry has created more than just loyal customers—they’ve cultivated a network of advocates who believe in their mission. 

Scaling with Purpose: The Present and Future of Local Laundry 

For Curran and Paisley, growth has always been about more than numbers. As Local Laundry continues to expand, its mission remains firmly rooted in creating impact through conscious business practices. What started as a grassroots side project has evolved into a thriving Canadian brand with a team of five full-time employees, a loyal customer base, and partnerships that amplify its influence. Today, Local Laundry’s garments aren’t just sold—they’re embraced by people and organizations who value the brand’s ethos of sustainability, ethical production, and community-building. 

“Our goal isn’t just to be a clothing company,” Curran explains. “We want to be one of Canada’s top brands and the most socially conscious in our industry. That means showing that business can do more than just make money—it can be a force for good.” 

Lessons in Growth: Finding Focus and Learning from Mistakes 

Building a company with purpose hasn’t been without challenges. Curran is the first to admit that the journey has been filled with hard lessons, each one teaching him how to be a better entrepreneur and leader. “We’ve made every mistake you can think of,” he says with a grin. “But that’s part of the process. You learn, you adjust, and you keep going.” 

One of the most important lessons has been learning to focus. In the early days, Curran made the decision to give up distractions that didn’t align with his vision for Local Laundry. “I stopped drinking, stopped partying—I just knew I needed to be all in,” he shares. That single-minded dedication allowed him to put his full energy into the business, even when it meant making personal sacrifices. 

Focus also became critical on the business side. Curran emphasizes the importance of resisting the temptation to chase fleeting trends or spread resources too thin. “When you’re starting out, it’s so easy to get pulled in a million directions,” he explains. “But if you’re not clear about your purpose and what you’re working toward, you’re just spinning your wheels.” 

To keep the team aligned, Local Laundry relies on a system of structured goal-setting. Curran breaks down the company’s vision into long-term milestones, short-term plans, and weekly objectives. “We’ve got three-year goals, one-year goals, 90-day priorities, and weekly tasks,” he says. “It keeps everyone on the same page and ensures that every decision we make moves us closer to where we want to be.” 

This clarity has helped Local Laundry not only survive but thrive in a competitive and often unpredictable market. But Curran is quick to point out that success isn’t measured purely in financial terms. “Revenue is important, of course, but it’s not the whole picture,” he says. “The real reward is being able to do something you believe in, with people you respect, while making time for family and friends.” 

It’s a philosophy that has shaped Local Laundry’s growth from the beginning. For Curran, the business isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about creating a life that’s meaningful and balanced. That perspective has allowed the company to stay grounded, even as its reach expands. “At the end of the day, it’s about more than just numbers,” he says. “It’s about building something that reflects who you are and what you care about.” 

Starting Strong: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 

Launching a business often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff, waiting for the perfect moment to jump. But Curran’s advice is clear: stop waiting and start doing. “People spend so much time overthinking, trying to make everything perfect before they start,” he says. “But the reality is, you’re never going to have all the answers at the beginning—and that’s okay. Just start.” 

For Curran, entrepreneurship is less about flawless execution and more about taking action, even if it means stumbling along the way. He encourages aspiring business owners to begin with what they have and avoid overcomplicating the process. “You don’t need a big budget or a fancy business plan to get started,” he explains. “When we launched Local Laundry, we didn’t have investors or financial backing. We tested ideas with little to no money, and we learned by doing.” 

Prioritizing People Over Perfection 

As Curran sees it, the relationships you build are just as important as the products you create. When it comes to choosing a business partner, he believes the key is finding someone whose strengths complement your weaknesses. “You want a partner who balances you out,” he says. “For me, that’s Dustin. He’s the numbers guy, the planner, while I’m the storyteller and the one who’s constantly dreaming up new ideas. It works because we have that balance.” 

But complementary skill sets aren’t enough on their own. Curran stresses the need for shared goals and mutual respect within any partnership. “You have to leave your ego at the door,” he says. “The moment ego takes over, it’s game over. A strong partnership is built on trust and a shared vision—not on who gets the credit.” 

Beyond partnerships, Curran emphasizes the importance of treating everyone in your business network with care, from customers to collaborators. “People will always remember how you made them feel,” he explains. “Whether it’s a vendor, a customer, or a team member, invest in those relationships. It’s not just good business—it’s the right thing to do.” 

In his view, throwing money at challenges is rarely the best solution, especially in the early stages of a business. “When something goes wrong, the easy fix is to spend money,” he says. “But in most cases, that’s just a Band-Aid. Facing challenges head-on, without relying on quick fixes, builds resilience and resourcefulness. It forces you to think long-term, and that’s what creates sustainable solutions.” 

Curran doesn’t believe entrepreneurship is about chasing perfection or achieving overnight success. Instead, it’s about staying grounded in your values and building something meaningful over time. “The magic isn’t in some perfect moment—it’s in the process,” he says. “You start, you learn, you adapt, and you grow. That’s how ideas turn into businesses, and that’s how dreams become reality.” 

At the heart of it all, Curran’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: prioritize people, embrace imperfection, and take the first step. As he puts it, “You’ll never be ready, but you’ll always be glad you started.” 

Success Factors: Why Did Local Laundry Succeed? 

• Purpose-Driven Mission: Local Laundry was built on a strong sense of purpose: fostering community, supporting local manufacturing, promoting sustainability, and giving back to Canadian charities. This mission has been seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the business, from the design of their collections to their goal of raising $1 million for Canadian charities by 2030. Their clear focus on doing good has resonated with consumers and organizations seeking to align their purchases with their values. 

• Local Manufacturing and Ethical Production: By choosing to manufacture their garments entirely in Canada, Curran and Paisley differentiated Local Laundry in a crowded market. Producing locally ensures high-quality products, ethical labor practices, and a reduced environmental footprint. Their decision to invest in Canadian production—despite its higher costs—speaks to their commitment to sustainability and supporting the local economy, which has attracted socially conscious customers. 

• Personalized Customer Experience: Curran and Paisley prioritized personal touches in their approach to customers. Hand-delivered orders, handwritten thank-you notes, and phone calls to express gratitude all created meaningful connections with their audience. This people-first approach built a loyal customer base and enhanced their reputation as a brand that genuinely values its supporters. 

• Resilience and Resourcefulness: Despite having no experience in the fashion industry, Curran relied on curiosity and a willingness to learn. He leveraged free resources like Google and YouTube to educate himself and embraced trial and error to refine their operations. This scrappy, resourceful mindset allowed the company to grow steadily without outside funding or major debt. 

• Focus on Relationships and Collaboration: Local Laundry’s success was bolstered by partnerships with other like-minded businesses and community designers. Collaborating with brands such as Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. and Friday Sock Co. helped them build a network of support while reinforcing their commitment to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their emphasis on relationship-building extended to manufacturers, team members, and charitable organizations, fostering a sense of shared purpose. 

• Clarity of Vision and Structured Goal-Setting: The founders established a clear vision for Local Laundry’s future and broke it into actionable steps, including three-year goals, one-year plans, 90-day priorities, and weekly tasks. This disciplined approach kept the team aligned and focused on long-term objectives, ensuring every decision contributed to their overarching mission. 

• Authenticity and Storytelling: Curran and Paisley’s transparency about their early struggles and missteps endeared the brand to its audience. By sharing their story authentically, from their learning curves to their passion for giving back, they created a narrative that customers could connect with on a personal level. 

• Adaptability and Long-Term Thinking: Local Laundry’s ability to adapt to challenges—such as shifting from dropshipping to local production or navigating the COVID-19 pandemic—allowed them to remain resilient. They prioritized sustainable, long-term solutions over short-term fixes, which helped solidify their position in the market. 

• Community and Giving Back: A strong commitment to giving back is embedded in Local Laundry’s identity. Initiatives like their Giving Garments Collection, which contributes a portion of proceeds to charity, and their partnerships with Canadian nonprofits have strengthened their connection to their community. Customers feel like they’re contributing to something meaningful with every purchase, deepening their loyalty to the brand. 

• Leadership and Focus on Values: Curran and Paisley’s leadership has been characterized by their willingness to make personal sacrifices, such as Curran giving up distractions to fully focus on the business. They’ve maintained their values through every stage of growth, prioritizing ethical practices and meaningful relationships over rapid expansion or cutting corners. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Start Before You’re Ready: One of the most important lessons from Curran’s approach is to take action instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Success doesn’t require an elaborate plan or deep industry knowledge at the outset. “You’re never going to have all the answers at the beginning—and that’s okay. Just start,” Curran explains. Testing ideas, learning by doing, and embracing imperfection is often the best way to build momentum. 

2. Focus on Purpose, Not Just Profit: Local Laundry’s success stems from its purpose-driven mission: to create high-quality, Canadian-made clothing that supports local communities, promotes sustainability, and gives back. Building a business with a clear social impact isn’t just fulfilling—it resonates deeply with today’s consumers. Businesses that align their goals with a greater purpose are more likely to build lasting customer loyalty and trust. 

3. Be Resourceful and Resilient: Curran and Paisley began with zero experience in fashion or e-commerce, but they didn’t let that stop them. By leveraging free resources like Google and YouTube, they taught themselves what they needed to know and worked through every challenge. Their resourcefulness and willingness to adapt to obstacles—such as transitioning from dropshipping to local production—are proof that resilience and creativity are critical to long-term success. 

4. Prioritize Relationships Over Transactions: Whether it was delivering orders by hand, writing thank-you notes, or calling customers to express appreciation, Local Laundry has always put people first. Treating customers, partners, and team members as individuals—not just as transactions—creates stronger, more loyal relationships. “People will always remember how you made them feel,” Curran emphasizes. Investing in these relationships is more impactful than any marketing campaign. 

5. Stay Focused on Your Vision: Entrepreneurship can be overwhelming, with distractions and opportunities pulling you in different directions. Curran and Paisley avoided this by maintaining a laser focus on their mission. They resisted chasing fleeting trends or unrelated ventures, choosing instead to channel their energy into clear, actionable goals. Breaking their vision into milestones—three-year goals, one-year plans, 90-day priorities, and weekly tasks—ensured their team stayed aligned and purposeful. 

6. Leverage the Power of Partnerships: Collaborating with like-minded businesses like Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. and Friday Sock Co. allowed Local Laundry to build a supportive network and amplify its reach. Partnerships weren’t just about promotion—they were about shared values and community-building. For entrepreneurs, seeking out meaningful collaborations can open doors to new audiences while reinforcing your brand’s purpose. 

7. Learn From Mistakes: Every mistake Local Laundry made—like early design missteps or manufacturing errors—was treated as an opportunity to learn and improve. Curran’s perspective that mistakes are “stepping stones” is a powerful reminder to embrace setbacks as part of the journey rather than letting them derail progress. 

8. Build a Strong Foundation Before Scaling: Curran and Paisley grew Local Laundry intentionally, reinvesting profits and operating lean instead of chasing quick wins or rapid expansion. This approach allowed them to scale sustainably while staying true to their values. Entrepreneurs can learn from this by focusing on quality, building trust with customers, and creating a strong brand identity before trying to grow too quickly. 

9. Stand for Something: In a world where consumers are increasingly driven by values, standing for something beyond just making money is a competitive advantage. Local Laundry’s decision to manufacture in Canada despite higher costs, eliminate non-recycled plastics, and raise $1 million for Canadian charities by 2030 all reflect its unwavering commitment to its principles. Businesses that take bold, ethical stands can differentiate themselves in crowded markets. 

10. Celebrate Small Wins and Take the Long View: Curran’s focus on patience and the power of compound interest highlights the importance of celebrating small victories and keeping the bigger picture in mind. Entrepreneurship isn’t about overnight success—it’s about steady progress, meaningful growth, and staying true to your values. 

11. Use Business as a Platform for Change: Local Laundry demonstrates that a business can be more than just a vehicle for profit—it can also be a platform for driving positive change. By integrating social and environmental responsibility into its operations, Local Laundry has proven that businesses can be forces for good. Entrepreneurs should see their companies not just as products or services, but as tools for impact. 

12. Authenticity Matters: Sharing the honest, messy parts of Local Laundry’s journey helped Curran and Paisley build trust with their audience. From their early struggles to their passion for giving back, the brand’s transparency has made it relatable and trustworthy. The lesson? Be authentic. Customers connect with real stories, not polished façades. 

13. Success is About More Than Money: Curran’s philosophy underscores a crucial truth: success isn’t just about revenue or accolades. It’s about creating something you believe in, working with people you respect, and finding balance between work and life. For Local Laundry, this focus on fulfillment—both personal and professional—has shaped the company’s culture and growth. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background 

• Connor Curran had no prior experience in fashion, e-commerce, or clothing design. 

• Relied on Google, YouTube, and self-learning to acquire the necessary knowledge. 

• Motivated by a desire for a creative outlet and a purpose-driven project. 

Problem Identification 

• Limited availability of Canadian-made, sustainable, and ethically produced clothing. 

• A decline in Canadian garment manufacturing (from 70% in 1989 to less than 5% by 2015). 

• A growing demand for purpose-driven and socially conscious brands. 

Market Opportunity 

• Increasing consumer interest in sustainable, ethically produced clothing. 

• A gap in the market for high-quality, Canadian-made apparel that supports local communities and manufacturing. 

• Demand for customizable, branded apparel for organizations. 

Competitive Landscape 

• Competing with fast-fashion brands offering low-cost, high-volume products. 

• Differentiated by focusing on Canadian production, sustainability, and social impact. 

• Positioned as a premium, values-driven brand appealing to ethical consumers. 

Market Research 

• Foundational research on Canadian garment manufacturing statistics highlighted opportunities in local production. 

• Customer feedback on early product designs shaped future iterations. 

• Observed consumer trends favoring sustainability and ethical practices. 

Business Model 

• Direct-to-consumer e-commerce combined with wholesale partnerships. 

• Local manufacturing ensures quality and sustainability while supporting the Canadian economy. 

• Community-focused collections (e.g., Giving Garments, YYC Collection). 

Initial Capital 

• Self-financed with no external investors or loans. 

• Operated on a lean budget by reinvesting profits into the business. 

Product/Service Development 

• Started with basic t-shirts featuring local designs (e.g., YYC Collection). 

• Expanded into broader collections such as the CAN Collection and Giving Garments. 

• Worked with local designers and manufacturers to ensure quality and authenticity. 

Marketing Strategy 

• Grassroots marketing, including hand-delivered orders and personalized thank-you notes. 

• Leveraged partnerships with local businesses (e.g., Calgary Heritage Roasting Co., Friday Sock Co.). 

• Used authentic storytelling to connect with customers. 

Milestones 

• Launching the YYC Collection and expanding to broader collections. 

• Transitioning from dropshipping to fully Canadian manufacturing. 

• Doubling revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Raising $80,000 for Canadian charities, aiming for $1M by 2030. 

Scalability 

• Scalable product lines (custom apparel, seasonal collections). 

• Growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical brands creates long-term demand. 

• B Corp certification can position Local Laundry as a leader in the socially conscious market. 

Potential Risks and Challenges 

• Higher production costs due to Canadian manufacturing may limit price competitiveness. 

• Dependence on a niche market of socially conscious consumers. 

• Balancing growth with staying true to the brand’s purpose and values. 

Key Performance Indicators/ Metrics 

• Revenue growth and profit margins. 

• Number of garments produced and sold locally. 

• Funds raised for Canadian charities (goal: $1M by 2030). 

• Customer retention and satisfaction rates. 

• Social and environmental impact (e.g., waste reduction).