Victoria and Olivia Van Eyk of Ottawa’s MAFIA are a sister design duo who create some pretty awesome accessories. The duo have been in business since 2007 and are making a great impression in the Canadian fashion scene and abroad. We chatted with the duo to see how they got started and how things have been going!
When were you first interested in fashion?:
Victoria: Always been interested in style – fashion came in high school.
Olivia: Victoria and I were both childhood models (haha!) so I guess you could say we were interested in the industry at a fairly young age… but I’d probably say my interest truly started when we began traveling to foreign places and seeing the different senses of style in each country, it’s really inspiring!
How did you first get started in fashion?:
Victoria & Olivia: Met a designer and teamed up to create the company MAFIA. Met him in 2007 and have been working together since. He has a degree in jewellery design and we have an eye for talent and strong foundation in business/entrepreneurship.
At what point did you feel like “yes, I can do this as a career”?:
Victoria: Third time someone complimented my ring in a night, I knew the line had incredible potential. Officially jumped into it full time after market interest had been confirmed through private parties with people whose style we admired.
Olivia: I think I’m maybe still waiting for that moment, it’s a really tough industry and you have to work really hard to get ahead. Confidence in your company and yourself are key, and doing what you love definitely makes it worthwhile.
Who is your client?:
Victoria & Olivia: Varies – rock stars & musicians, lifestyle & brand entrepreneurs and their followings, bloggers, affluent fashionistas, etc.
What inspires you?:
Victoria & Olivia: we find inspiration everywhere, from artists like Andy Warhol to household items such as forks and spoons. Our international travels are also a huge inspiration to us – there are such amazing things going on in the world today!
What do you love most about your job?:
Victoria: The amazing cultures and individuals we get to work with. Not many people our age get to work with such a varied group of individuals. it’s a global business. we have customers from Scandinavia to Russia, China, Taiwan, US, Morrocco, all over western Europe. getting to communicate with and learn about them. also all the creativity involved – dreaming and drawing, throwing parties, directing.
Olivia: I love the creativity involved in running your own business – there are no boundaries or limitations to what you want to do! It’s really exhilarating! In terms of my favourite part of work, I love writing so working on the PR/publicity/communications aspects are really fun for me.
What would you say is the most stressful?:
Victoria: the dry business sides that are necessary for any business to function. bookkeeping, filing receipts, legalities, etc.
Olivia: I agree with Victoria – that, and the stress of uncertainty. When you invest so much of yourself into something, it’s nerve-wracking to see how the industry will respond to your latest product/campaign, etc.
Are you constantly designing/making pieces or is it more of “when I am inspired”?:
Victoria & Olivia: a nice combination. sometimes inspiration hits and many ideas come pouring out. there is never any stress for designs. sometimes collections are big and some are just a few, very intricate pieces. customers enjoy our free style.
Are you trying to hit any specific demographics?:
Victoria & Olivia: no. anybody with style.
How would you like to see your collection(s) grow?:
Victoria & Olivia: traditionally we have grown into more intricate pieces, and we have increased the quality of the elements we incorporate into our pieces. we would also like to see them remain clearly/obviously MAFIA in nature. that is, never confused and always original.
If there is one piece of advice you could give a designer starting out in fashion it would be?:
Victoria: if your line isn’t getting attention without you pushing it, consider pursuing a new style. lines that are truly hardhitters are the ones that people flock to without having to “sell” them.
Olivia: Be Kind but firm. This is a competitive industry and we’re all working towards the same goals – so be kind and gracious, but stand firm on your values.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started?:
Victoria & Olivia: Make formal agreements. business can be ruthless, even in jewellery sales!
How would you say the Ottawa fashion market/scene is growing?:
Victoria & Olivia: Strongly. many bold artists are getting noticed and supported. it’s incredibly surprising and impressive. the talent in Ottawa is amazing and it’s great that individuals are getting attention.
What do you have planned next?:
Victoria & Olivia: We’re already international, but we’d like to expand to even more countries, and provide easier and faster access to our international clientele – We would ideally love to get people their hand-crafted pieces in less than a week.
Anything you would like to add?:
Thanks so much to Christopher at DelectablyChic! for the opportunity to share our thoughts! We’ve received so much support from others within the industry, and are very grateful to have worked with such amazing people.
