IVANNA GECELTER
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS.
My name is Ivanna and I own Evolve Showrooms Ltd, a wholesale fashion agency based in Toronto that represents 10 brands that are distributed across Canada! My business has only been open for just over a year, so the experience of being a business owner has been life changing!
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I started Evolve because I noticed a huge gap in the wholesale industry. I found that there was a lack of excitement for buyers/retailers, wholesalers, and the end consumer and I wanted to bring in a young and refreshing mindset – after all, it’s fashion!
WHAT WAS ONE HIGH POINT FOR YOU?
Celebrating my first year in business!
WAS THERE EVER A SITUATION WHERE YOU WANTED TO GIVE UP? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT (YOUR A-HA MOMENT)?:
Definitely have experienced low points where I’ve felt defeated, but I pick myself up really quickly and realize that this process takes time and if I believe in it hard enough, it’ll happen the way it’s supposed to.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A B.A.B.E.?
I love being part of a community that signifies women empowerment and a “babes supporting babes” attitude! It’s SO important in our society today!
TELL ME 3 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU.
When I was a kid (from Kindergarten to Grade 4), I was a “selective mute”.
I was born in South Africa and moved to Canada when I was 12 years old.
I love researching true crime and trying to understand why people do the things they do – a little dark, and totally opposite to what I do for a living haha.
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US?
If you’re passionate about something, keep at it. Read books about mindfulness and business growth and keep the momentum strong! It’s easy to get discouraged and it’s important to stay positive and rise above the negativity. Surround yourself with people that support you and will always lift you up.