Women We Admire | Christina Remenyi of Fortnight Lingerie
We have long been obsessed with local lingerie brand Fortnight. The beautiful and practical pieces make you feel good, both in design and construction. Christina Remenyi heads the brand, and we asked her some questions about her personal practices and approach to business.
Don't miss the upcoming Fortnight Studio Sale featuring Province Apothecary! Shop past Fortnight collections at 50-70% off and 15% off Province Apothecary products.
And make sure to enter our giveaway on Instagram for a chance to win a $120 fortnightlingerie.com gift card.
Fortnight launched in 2010 as a basement business (literally) with five styles and over 25 sizes. Our mission was to create non-padded bras that not only embraced the female form, but the craft of lingerie making and bra fitting. I've always had a deep love for the intricacy and history of lingerie, but it took on a whole new level for me after working in a bra fitting boutique where I learned the transformative power of properly fitting undergarments and the need for a broader size range than what most North American companies were providing at the time. Pattern development and honing the architecture of cut and sew bra making was all done in house style-by-style. By 2011, we moved to a tiny studio on Spadina and then a year later moved into our current Parkdale studio where we still manufacture today.
What do you eat for a power breakfast?
I’m usually not hungry in the morning and my urge is to just have espresso and a cookie, but I try to make time to have something that will nourish me for the day. Yoghurt, granola and fruit is my favourite. I try to freeze summer berries and peaches in August to last through the winter.
How do you ground yourself (during the day)?
If I’m feeling overwhelmed I leave my phone at my desk and take a walk around the block. It’s amazing how a short walk can clear your mind.
When do you feel most like yourself? When are you at your happiest?
At the cottage by the lake and trees.
What can you do today that you couldn't one year ago?
Take weekends off.
What’s the best part about being an entrepreneur? / What’s the worst part?
The best part is being able to create something something I’m truly passionate about and getting to work and collaborate with incredible people. I’d have to say the worst part is sometimes it’s hard to take a break from it. I’m really learning to carve out time for myself and take time to clear my mind from everything happening with the business.
What’s the most useful business lesson you’ve learned?
Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stand in your way of doing something. Mistakes can be our greatest teachers.
Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stand in your way of doing something. Mistakes can be our greatest teachers.
If your business was a band, what band would it be?
The first one that pops in to mind is Fleetwood Mac - They’re powerful, timeless and layered - everything I hope Fortnight can be.
Who is your business inspiration?
My grandfather’s who came to Canada and started new businesses in a new country with nothing. Both companies are still being carried on by the next generation.
Who is your personal inspiration?
I truly couldn’t narrow this down to just one… My mom, my aunt and my grandmother have been such guiding forces for me. I’m so lucky to have such strong, positive, and loving women in my life to guide and inspire me.
Also working with lingerie - something so personal and feminine, I’ve had a chance to meet fearless, determined, and honest women who go after what they want and don’t let failure get in their way. They inspire me every day.
Where do you get your power from?
My man, my friends and my family.
What is your favourite 'indulgence’?
FRIES! I can never say no.
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