Message Factory, a local fashion brand based in St-Jean, Quebec,  is a company after my own heart.  They create fun and whimsical ready-to-wear apparel that shares inspiring messages.  And Julie Rochefort, its founder and CEO is no different. She is as inspiring as the messages on her colorful T-Shirts.

A proponent of slow fashion, she encourages shoppers to buy less, but locally made quality items, something I’m trying to do in my own life.

Julie began this entrepreneur journey after having her kids and wanting to create her own business while continuing to pursure her passion for fashion. She also acquired another label, OOM Ethikwear which abides by the same values.

Julie at the opening of her recent boutique

Her collection of clothing is now offered for sale across Canada and in the United States as well as online. She attends trade shows all over North America and is a terrific ambassador for Quebec fashion.

What I particulary admire is the fact that she insists on using natural and recycled  fibers and textiles, despite the higher fabrication costs and also insists on using any fabric scraps as a means of recycling and being ecologically friendly.  Also, she proudly recycles used Message Factory clothing to give them a second life.

Julie also believes in giving back and prefers to take less of a profit on each garment to keep her collections more affordable.

She is quoted as saying:   “We have our ten rules for happiness at Message Factory, and one of them is buy less. I always make sure to tell my customers “if you won’t wear it, don’t buy it.  If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.”

One thing that caught my attention while perusing her website is a statement she made saying that we all have a specific purpose and mission in life that we came here to pursue to make the world a better place.   This is a message that resonates with me and I believe in wholeheartedly and that share in some of my platforms and conferences.

How does she manage to do it all ?  Julie loves to run, especially outdoors and in nature, which offers her some time to meditate and connect with her inner guide.

Bravo Julie for creating a local enterprise which is thriving on an international scale.  You are the living proof that you are fully aligned with your mission in this lifetime.

And we are grateful for it.   You can visit their website here.