Stephanie Brownlow
Brand Strategist / Retail Consultant / Founder of Carry Corp.
Toronto, CA
Q What do you do?
“I’m a brand strategist and an entrepreneur with an extra special niche in retail. When a challenge arises, like launching a new store, a product line, or re-engaging with consumers, it’s an opportunity for me to help. I listen to the hurdles ahead, draft up an action plan, and lead other creatives (like graphic designers, photographers and PR specialists) to bring plans to life. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My career began on the retail floor - merchandising, buying and store management. I rose through the ranks and landed a role at OVO - the merchandising arm of Drake’s lifestyle brand - overseeing the Product Development and Special Projects teams as we opened retail stores across North America. I collaborated with iconic brands like Nike, Canada Goose, the Toronto Raptors, Clarks and Timberland. This gave me access to how their product development, sales and marketing teams would approach speciality launches. Armed with this experience and understanding of the landscape, I launched my own consultancy, Carry Corp., to help others with what I’ve learned.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Staying kind and open to new experiences and perspectives. Historically, Fashion has been gate-keeping, with people holding contacts close to their chest. I’m always available to chat with whoever asks, which has led to many new collaborators and opportunities along the way.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm working on a communications strategy for a fashion client's new location, a uniform strategy for a nostalgic restaurant chain in need of a refresh, product development consulting for a cult-favourite multi-brand activewear shop. And I just pressed send on an internal education identity proposal for a global activewear brand.
Q What’s your style?
I like to balance high-end with a little, how do I say, tack. I don’t wear much jewelry, but I have a rhinestone-covered steering wheel. At work, I’m not too precious about things, but with my history in luxury sales, I do care about the details when it comes to clear communication and high-end client care.
One of my proudest projects is VSP - a Canadian luxury consignment business I’ve supported through merchandising strategy, brand development and communications over the past decade. The founder is such a visionary, and I’ve learned so much from her; we met working retail together in my early 20s. She knew the landscape towards consignment needed to change back in 2013 - and look where we are now! They've grown exponentially and are a cult-favourite for the fashion crew.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I have a ton of experience in retail, so I love those projects because they flow naturally. For a new challenge, I would love to bring my skills to healthcare, wellbeing and initiatives that support the next generation.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Budget approvals can slow progress. I have a network of people with big ideas, but change and convincing leadership of the ROI of a project can take time. At the bottom of my own to-do list? Self-marketing! I tend to put clients first every time.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Grocery shop, and help me think of what to make for dinner! I get so overwhelmed in the grocery store and always forget an ingredient.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Don’t hide. When I was young in my career, I would contort myself to fit in - like when I was working in menswear, I stopped wearing florals and dressed more casually to look like “one of the guys”. Being yourself will attract the right people, the right clients and projects. And your interests influence your creativity - it is your unique POV!!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I love talking to the money people. I want to know more about how the finances are organized in large organizations. I love learning how everything works - or doesn’t - so that strategies are fully informed.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Retail and fashion consulting, brand or rebrand strategy and development, and communications consulting. I can also help give my two cents to entrepreneurs and leaders who don’t know where to start - advising on team structure, agency and budget projections.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My dream jobs are people-based - who will I get to work with? If they are intelligent, kind and hard-working, I'm all in. That means more than the brand name to me. I would also love to work more with nonprofits to help drive dollars towards causes that matter - I'm particularly interested in healthcare access and the issues women face as we age.
Q: What is your rate?
It can range - I prefer to quote project rates based on the projected number of hours or an hourly rate if the lift is on the smaller or less frequent side. Just shoot me a note - I can offer discounts for nonprofits and solo entrepreneurs to help make it work.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me an email! Ideally with a rough scope, budget range and podcast of the day if you’re feeling fancy.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Jasmin Shim — All star Project Manager, but not only that, just the best vibe to work with. Full of LOLs and the best to do a culture catchup with.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Turn off work mode, watch Bravo or listen to Las Culturistas, hang with fam.
This member profile was originally published in October 2024.