#SMASHTESSFAM FEATURE - DONNI EDMONDSON
MEET DONNI EDMONDSON, OWNER OF PRIVILEGE
Donni founded Privilege, more commonly known by @styleforthepriv, which is a lifestyle brand for the everyday woman (and man!) carrying popular brands and they also design their own line of clothing and accessories for men and women of all shapes and sizes. Donni started Privilege over 11 years ago and is an e-commerce and wholesale brand with two locations in the Greater Vancouver area. She and her team also host a podcast called PRIV Talks featuring glimpses behind the scenes of other brands by interviewing business owners and influencers about their successes, the grind and day to day reality which is often hilarious and insightful. We are so excited for Donni and the PRIV team as they are celebrating 2 years and 100 episodes of PRIV Talks!
We’re now putting Donni in the hot seat and getting to know her even better:
What inspired you to start your business?
Fashion has always been dear to my heart going all the way back to sewing classes when I was only 5-6 years old! I was definitely fuelled by the creativity of designing, and it is no surprise that I ended up creating a career for myself in this industry. I went to Business School at Trinity Western University, and perhaps this gave me confidence as a starting point. Truly, I believe, it was my love for the industry that has guided my way in branding and launching Privilege.
What's the best piece of advice that has shaped your journey?
Don’t be emotional about business. Even though it may be a passion project, don’t be blinded by that in itself. As a woman in business this is something I always have to keep in check, and am constantly challenged by my sensitivity. I don’t think this is a bad thing, but I try to keep a neutral position when making important decisions.
One tip for building your own brand and business?
Follow your passion, the obvious answer which is closest to your heart is usually the direction you should take. Positivity and authenticity will guide you better than anything you can learn in school.
What does your ultimate Sunday consist of?
Well… I have THREE little kids, so lately my weekends (LOL MOST DAYS) are centred around them! I am naturally a real busy body, so I find myself really busy with their activities, and like any other Mom I scramble to fit everything in. The irony in all of this, is that my kids have taught me to appreciate and enjoy the quiet time, something I struggled with my whole life.
Current Netflix binge?
“YOU”! Have you watched? It’s super creepy and intriguing, I highly recommend it!
Who inspires you?
I am so inspired by my close surroundings, and my social circle to find some crazy inspiring women (and men of course…). Miriam of Brunette is my best friend from way back, and being able to bounce ideas off of her is one of my greatest appreciations! I don’t have to go far to find inspiration, through PRIV Talks we have connected with so many inspiring personalities, so this is fuel for me! The lovely babes behind Smash + Tess are some other incredibly inspiring women that I am proud to have met through PRIV Talks, it’s just so great to have friends who are fighting the same daily battles!
Desert Island beauty product?
Glo minerals has this facial oil (now discontinued) that I literally obsess over. I bought the last ten bottles off of their shelves, so stay tuned for a melt down when I run out!
Fave place to rock your Romper?
Ok… EVERYWHERE! From lounging…to school drop offs…to Monday morning team meetings at work. I can style my Friday Romper so many ways, and I’m never sacrificing comfort.
Which guilty pleasure Instagram accounts are your fave Insta-follows?
Ok love love love beauty tips from @theskinnyconfidential and Lauryn is also paving her way like a true boss through the Podcast industry. I obsess over @aninebing designs, and love the way she personally represents her brand, so inspiring. @kaitlynbristowe for humour, and also building such a prominent podcast, she is truly hilarious. @_ericashaw for motherhood and home inspo because I’ve been building a house, she takes great photos!
Don’t fool yourself, I also follow about 5 million hilarious meme accounts that I could scroll for days!
Whose poster did you have on your bedroom wall when you were 12 years?
JTT - Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and there wasn’t just one, there were about 45!
Donni is an inspiring business woman and one of our close friends at Smash + Tess. In fact, Donni and Ashley, co-founder of S+T, will be speaking together at RISE, an inspirational conference hosted by the Ace Class in Calgary, March 7-9.
If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you. Snag your tickets here.
xx
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