DESIGNER STORY
At twenty years old, I said goodbye to my friends and family and drove the 5,000 km that separates Québec City from Vancouver, BC. to follow my dream to pursue a career in fashion. I spent the following year studying the ins and outs of the fashion industry, and when I should have been ready to jump into the career I always wanted, I instead felt lost and misled. I had come to the sad realization that the fashion industry was not as glamorous as I once thought.
I was now aware of the horrifying conditions garment workers are subject to. I knew that, as consumers got into the habit of throwing away the cheap and low-quality clothing they now bought on a regular basis from brands like Forever21 and H&M, clothing waste and other environmental issues were on the rise. I could not see myself contributing to this damaging industry, so I moved on to a different career path.
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. So I got to work and dreamed up of a clothing line that would reflect not only my personal aesthetic but also my ethical and environmental values.
I named my clothing brand after my dad, a man whose light burnt far too soon. harly jae means Jess on his Harley Davidson. It symbolizes freedom from outdated beliefs and societal rules that have been imposed on us. It reminds me to go after my own path and most importantly to enjoy every bit of the journey because we don't know when it can be all taken away.
A lot has changed since I founded the brand in 2017, yet its roots remain deeply personal. Today, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a team of four incredible women who share my vision and dedication. Together, we’ve navigated the challenges of growing a small business, from balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship to opening a retail storefront—something I never thought possible when I started this journey alone.
The world of fashion has shifted dramatically since I first began this journey. What was once a niche market for ethical fashion has grown, bringing both opportunities and challenges. It’s been rewarding to see more people embrace thoughtful consumption, but navigating this evolving landscape hasn’t always been easy—especially as big brands adopted the language that originally set small, ethical labels like harly jae apart.
Over the years, we’ve evolved alongside our customers, listening to their needs and celebrating their multifaceted lives. When the post-pandemic world left us all craving a little more joy and vibrancy, we introduced colourful deadstock fabrics into our collections. We’ve also designed versatile pieces that adapt to milestones like pregnancy and beyond, ensuring that harly jae can be part of every chapter of life.
In building this brand, I’ve come to see fashion as more than just clothing—it’s a way to connect, express values, and live intentionally. Every piece we create carries this intention, adding not just beauty to your wardrobe but meaning to your life. I hope our clothes can accompany you on your journey to discover yourself, empower you to pursue a curated lifestyle, and live slow and intentionally.
Sincerely,
Laïla
harly jae team + story
Meet our team
harly jae operates with a close-knit team of five: Christi, Kyleigh, Alannah, Laïla, and Olivia.
CHRISTI
When did you join the team?
I joined the team in 2018; I’m a harly jae OG!
How did you join the team?
Before I started full-time, I discovered harly jae on Instagram and reached out to Laïla to learn more about how a small local business operates, which led to an internship in 2018. I returned as a part-time employee in 2019, and this path eventually led to a full-time role in 2021, just as Laïla was preparing for the arrival of her first baby!
What drew you to working with harly jae?
What originally drew me to harly jae was not only the brand’s aesthetic but also Laïla’s transparency about her commitment to natural fabrics. I’d already been on a journey toward sustainability and building a natural-fiber wardrobe, so seeing this as a core value of the brand really resonated. As the brand grew, I came to appreciate Laïla’s openness in navigating challenges within the business and sharing the decisions behind harly jae’s evolution to all of our customers!
How do you bring intention into your daily life?
I’m a strong believer in slowing down to make intentional choices. I bring this mindset into everything - from the items I welcome into my home (like clothing and kitchenware) to the activities I pursue outside of work. I’m all about finding small ways to bring peace, fulfillment, and happiness into daily life :)
One random thing about yourself
Most people are surprised to learn that English isn’t my first language - it’s actually Cantonese! I’m fluent in Cantonese, Greek, and English, and I’m in the process of improving my French and Mandarin, as well as learning Japanese and German.
KYLEIGH
When did you join the team?
In May 2024, similar timing to the opening of the retail front in White Rock, to help expand the brand's potential with the new location!
How did you join the team?
I pitched myself to work with Laïla as a marketing assistant / ideator for the brand, while helping out with the opening of her new retail front! I wanted to diversify my experience from my previous work in a film agency, and take steps towards a more balanced, slower day to day :)
What drew you to working with harly jae?
Laïla’s vision for her day-to-day, and the ethos of the brand really is slow living. Intentional purchasing, but a mindset of care and purpose within decision making - an easy place to start is our clothes! I’ve loved evolving my personal style with hj over the years, first being a customer 7 years ago! So to work for the brand and develop campaigns, shoots, events to also promote that lifestyle seemed like a great fit for me in this season of my life!
How do you bring intention into your daily life?
I’ve learned over the years, how easily influenced my lifestyle can be from what I consume. Media, food, and what I collect in my home - decor and clothes included. Once I started to minimize and focus on fueling my body with nourishing whole foods / purchasing clothing items that served multiple seasons and allowed me to mix and match outfits… my closet shrunk and my mind quieted. Being intentional with what I consume in all areas has changed my life! I find more mind clarity, more peace, and a better environment for creativity in this type of space.
One random thing about yourself
I’d love to check off traveling to all 7 continents in my lifetime. Heading to Europe May 2025, which will be 5/7 completed.
ALANNAH
When did you join the team?
I joined the harly jae team January 2024.
How did you join the team?
I actually met Laïla at my daughter's ballet class. Both our daughters were in the same class and we talked about our businesses. I own my own bookkeeping business as well as doing operations for small businesses. She was on the hunt for a new bookkeeper and we started chatting!
What drew you to working with harly jae?
I loved the brand and everything it stood for. Even more so, I loved Laïla's energy and we got along so well.
How do you bring intention into your daily life?
I try to be present always. As a mom of 3 it is easy to lose focus of the now.
One random thing about yourself
I used to own a kids clothing business 10 years ago sewing baby/toddler clothes myself.
OLIVIA
When did you join the team?
I joined the Harly Jae team mid-March 2024.
How did you join the team?
I moved back home to Canada, and I was getting married in 2 months! Laïla was opening her first store front in White Rock and I was there for the opening days :)
What drew you to working with harly jae?
I saw the job listing on the White Rock community group and saw that Laïla named her brand after her father, I was moved by this since my father had also passed away when I was young. I loved the message behind her brand and of course I loved the clothes!!! It also helps that I live 5 minutes away ;)
How do you bring intention into your daily life?
Every morning before I start my day I remind myself that everyone is going through something and to be patient and kind to others.
One random thing about yourself
I lived in Haiti for one year.
We apply the slow fashion framework to the following elements of our business: design, textiles, production, packaging, overstock, waste, and growth.
Click below for all the juicy details :)