Lloyd & Co. Bespoke Tailoring

My company, Lloyd & Co. Bespoke Tailoring, offers custom-made suits and shirts for both men and women. I’ve met with more than 300 clients since May 2013, and have opened two offices in downtown Toronto. I’ve also launched ‘Society Suits’, a program that provides a group discount and donates to the United Way 20% of the total sales from these corporate events.

Scope: 3 employees, $200,000 annual revenue

My ‘aha’ moment: When I wasn’t able to find a summer job in 2012, I decided to go into business for myself. I saw an opportunity in the market to partner with a great supplier to offer affordable custom-made clothing. With my shared-office model, my concept is expandable and has the potential to succeed in other major financial centres. I’m looking to open an office in Glasgow, Scotland, when I’m on exchange there next semester.

The most fun I’ve had so far is looking out from my corner suite on the 26th Floor at Bay and Wellington. I love it when clients are blown away by the stunning view and point out their own offices in neighbouring buildings.

Future plans? Because of my entrepreneurial drive, I was offered a position this summer at Oliver Wyman, a major consulting firm, in Toronto. I’ll be hiring full-time staff to manage the day-to-day operations of my business this summer. I hope to get into consulting after I graduate, but will continue to oversee the business now that I’ve been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.