Whether you’re looking for some cute clothing pieces, home goods, or anything in between, our chic general store, ‘the edit,’ has got you covered all summer long! In the heart of Port Dalhousie, our pop-up features a collection of Canadian brands, and here we give you an inside scoop to learn more about the founders and their stories. Today, meet Jennifer Rainnie of MALVADOS.
Jennifer Rainnie; Founder of MALVADOS
Photo credit: Malvados
Website: www.malvados.com
Instagram: @malvados and @supergirljenn
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am from Quebec, spent my high school years in Ontario and moved out to BC during University. I now live in North Vancouver, BC and am a single mom to three kids. I have been in the fashion industry my whole career. Apart from being the founder and creative director of MALVADOS, I am very involved in volunteer work in my community. I have held various roles with the Heart and Stroke foundation as the Heart and Stroke Foundation Gala Chair for 3 years and as a past Provincial Advisory Board Member. I have also served on the Board of Directors for the BC Freestyle Ski Association; Small Business BC and I have been an Apparel Industry Mentor for the Canadian Apparel Human Resources Council.
Tell us the story behind your brand:
On a whim at 14, I attended the World Windsurfing Championships with my dad who was involved in marketing the event. This experience shaped the direction of my life. Surrounded by athletes from around the world I was immediately drawn to the sport and lifestyle. I bought a windsurfer and spent my high school summers travelling to various beaches and competing on the provincial circuit. I headed west to British Columbia for post secondary and after University moved to Whistler. Missing the beach, I eventually left Whistler and moved to Hawaii to compete at Windsurfing on a world class level for 2 years. Living in Hawaii and windsurfing at a competitive level during the rise of surf culture influenced my career ambitions. My action sports background led me to pursue a successful career as the national sales manager for the Quiksilver/Roxy brand during the growth of the surf fashion movement in Canada. It was during this time that I noticed a hole in the flip flop/sandal category and decided to create a more fashion forward brand, and MALVADOS was born.
Photo credit: Malvados
What inspires you?
Innovation. We live in the most incredible time with incredible innovation happening in all industries from agriculture to automotive to fashion. I am inspired by the unlimited amount of possibilities.
Where’s your favourite spot to vacation in the summer?
Sadly, summer in my world is all about retail sales and buying trade shows. I don’t generally take vacations in the summer. I do love boating and we have incredible access to beautiful coves, islands and inlets all around Vancouver. That is where I usually go sometimes after work on a weeknight or on the weekends. Whistler is also a favorite weekend spot for me.
What does 2023 hold for your brand?
We have been working with other brands doing some really fun and creative collaborations. Fellow Canadian brands such as: Smash + Tess, Paper Label and Sympli. We are also working on a very exciting NFT collection for the Metaverse.
Photo credit: Malvados
Find MALVADOS at our pop-up located at Lock and Main Marketplace (17 Lock Street) from Thursday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
