How it began

Hi, I'm Laïla, the founder of harly jae. I thought I should begin this journal by telling you how harly jae was born. So here it goes... 

When I was 20 years old, I filled my car with my belongings, said goodbye to family and friends, and drove across Canada to follow my dream to pursue a career in fashion. 

My first year in Vancouver flew by. I completely immersed myself in the fashion industry. I assisted on photo shoots, worked on fashion shows and tried to learn everything there is to know about the industry. But when I should have been ready to jump into the career I always wanted, I instead felt lost and misled. I had discovered fashion's best-kept secret: its unethical and unsustainable practices.  

I was now aware of the horrifying conditions garment workers are subject to. I knew that, as consumers got in the habit of throwing away the cheap and low-quality clothing they buy on a regular basis, environmental issues were on the rise. I did not want any part in this, so I moved on.

Giving up something I had always wanted, after giving everything I had to get it, was not easy. I was extremely lost.

But four years later, a single weekend changed my outlook on my old dream. Helping a friend with a purposeful fashion project made me realize that I could still have the career I once desired, I simply had to be willing to change the rules of the industry.

And that is why you are reading this blog today. Thank you for being here to watch harly jae's first steps. 

- Laïla