Welcome back to Behind the Brand—a series that brings you closer to the brands who grace our walls at the edit by Style Canada located in the heart of NOTL. We’re sharing real stories from the people behind the products—the makers, the dreamers, and the doers. This is your inside scoop on what drives them, what inspires them, and how their journeys brought them to the edit. One brand at a time, we’re pulling back the curtain and celebrating the creativity, resilience, and homegrown passion that make our space so special. Today, we chatted with Jenn Roach from Harmony on West.
Meet Jenn Roach from Harmony on West
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I used to work for L’Oreal Canada as a dermological skin care rep, I have my honours in a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Brock University, I have a golden retriever, I’m a Mom of two boys and I love pickles. I also love excessive amounts of ketchup on my french fries.
Share the story behind Harmony on West.
Bonnie Beres, the founder, began this adventure over 25 years ago when she was seeking a cure to her daughters eczema (fitting as my background career was in this!). She created the very first soap – our “unscented oatmeal soap” which continues to be a best-selling SKU in our lie-up! From there, it grew. It continues to grow today focusing on all natural and healing vibes with not only soap, but bath bombs, creams, oils, washes, bubble bath,etc.
Photo provided by Jenn Roach
What inspires you?
Hmmm…Probably nature, mostly. Scents, colours…I find many of the colour stories and ideas I come up with are either inspired from its roots or just while I’m hanging out in nature (time to think, breathe and allow space for creative thinking!)
If your company was a person at a dinner party, how would they show up?
Everyone would be commenting on how great they smell when they show up! They would bring the cutest little hostess gift (from the shop OBV) and be wearing the cutest thrifted outfit from The Harmony Closet (a growing part of the business!). They would bring a “Good Vibes Only” energy and perhaps let their “cheeky side” shine 🙂
What’s one piece of advice you can give anyone thinking about making their big idea into reality?
DO IT. Jump. Plunge. Who cares about the benefits of corporate you fear leaving behind. I don’t miss them for a minute. Oh, and don’t give up! lol. That’s a tough one…peaks and valleys. Prepare to work harder than ever and be rewarded more than ever!
Photo provided by Jenn Roach
What can we expect from your brand in the coming year?
I haven’t really grasped what’s coming in the next year lol. I’m more of a go with the flow business owner. Plans are great and all, but being adaptable to the changes that come allow me to flow with the different paces of business. I do know that The Harmony Closet will continue to thrive and we will continue to bring ALOT of newness to the brand, while continuing to keep the staples that so many of our customers love and adore.
