Style as authentic as the women who wear it.

Mother’s Day comes around once a year, but we don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that our Moms matter every one of those 365 days. Sympli was built by a passionate, inspiring mother looking to create clothes for real women. 16 years later and Sympli has grown to house a number of mother daughter teams, working alongside one another to bring our vision to every woman. For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to work with mom, we instead keep her words of wisdom close, planning and designing clothes she’d be proud to wear. In the spirit of the holiday, we decided to go around the office and ask some of our Sympli women what they love about their mom, and how she continues to inspire every single day.

What’s one style tip from your mom that you still use to this day?

The one thing she always insisted on was comfort. Can you dance in those shoes? Can you sit comfortably in that? Come to think of it… her only style rule is seek comfort first! "If you’re not comfortable you won't wear it anyway, what’s the point?"  I can hear the blunt comment which I really have adopted as a style tip of my own.  I am so much more myself when I am comfortable. My mom has always been hesitant to push style tips or pointers. She is usually respectful of what look each individual loves and feels to represent them. "That is so you!" is always the statement for approval of a great outfit or piece. - Abbey Stimpson, Marketing

My mom has always let me freely express myself when it comes to style, turning a blind eye to most of my faux pas. But I remember one specific day mom was taking me to get my ears pierced! I dressed myself in Red pants and a Fuchsia top, and in some cases that might be considered a sort of style, but in this case it was just a big style No No. That was the day I learned about "Clashing colours", thanks Mom. - Kailey Floberg, Design

The most important thing is to dress like yourself - whatever that is! When you feel comfortable you’re bound to feel good about your day. She really encouraged us kids to have a sense of individuality and just express ourselves no matter what that looked like.  - Aimee Grane, Design


One style tip that I still use from my mom to this day is don't leave the house looking like a mess. My mom instilled in me to always look put together before heading out. I just do it now with some extra flare. - Harpreet Dosanjh, Design

Tell us about a time your mom inspired you?

I've always loved the way my mother seems to do everything at once.  I never can tell if she is working, playing, or visiting.  All of her activities seem to mould together in a rich chaotic harmony. Always busy, always a good time.  Her method of combining work, family and play is very much responsible for the impenetrable culture at Sympli today. - Abbey Stimpson, Marketing

My mom inspires me everyday, from her amazing cooking abilities, to her unwavering dedication towards friends and family and all the things in between. She's instilled empowerment, and the drive to become a strong independent woman through example, how much more inspiring can you be? - Kailey Floberg, Design

My Mom inspires me everyday to be strong willed, kind and make the most out of life. Have fun no matter what you are doing!. - Aimee Grane, Design

My mom was the person who first sparked my interest to work in fashion. She was always sewing and making things while I was growing up and I would help her whenever I could. She taught me to always find the beauty in whatever I was creating. - Harpreet Dosanjh, Design

What words come to mind when you think of your mom?

Unconditionally loving, yet demanding. Gentle, yet brutally determined. Clear and grounded... yet hard to understand unless she is drawing a picture or making clothes! - Abbey Stimpson, Marketing

Dependable, comforting, accepting, fierce, able, genuine, there are far too many! - Kailey Floberg, Design

Hilarious, fun, strong, supportive, kind, open, caring, the best! - Aimee Grane, Design

Brave, strong, caring, sweet and cute are the best words to describe my mom even though there are millions more! - Harpreet Dosanjh, Design

What is special about your relationship?

We have developed a unique ability to be unapologetically honest and accepting with each other in an absolute, loving way. I’m sure it’s hilarious to watch us interact at the office.  We can get heated when we disagree or tear up a brainstorming session when we are on a roll.  No matter what, I know she wants to hear my opinion - even if I disagree.  I remember our new president, John Evans, trying to console me that my mother had agreed on a particular business decision that I missed while on holiday. I laughed and exclaimed "we really don't always disagree you know!" My mom laughed too, knowing that I often have my own opinion. My uncontrolled willingness to always speak my mind is likely her fault!  I am so grateful for having the opportunity to learn and work with her so closely for this long. - Abbey Stimpson, Marketing

I am my mother's daughter. We appreciate and value the same things in life, find hilarity in the same weird stuff, and have fun. With the ability to come together to divide and conquer, we make a pretty good team! - Kailey Floberg, Design

My Mom and I are very similar, I have always been able to talk to her about anything! Even though we don't live in the same city anymore we continue to share this bond. I also feel so lucky to have such a fun Mom whom I love spending time with. We love to go on trips together, attend concerts and have a great time! She taught me to enjoy life, and never take it too seriously. - Aimee Grane, Design

We've always had the same spirit, intuition and energy. We're very close, not only in appearance, because we do look alike, but also in personality.  My mom may not be with me anymore, but people will often say that I am an exact replica of her. It’s the best compliment ever. - Harpreet Dosanjh, Design




Want to share your mother/daughter story with us? Don't hesitate to contact us at marketing@sympli.com

It All Started with an “Ah-Ha” Moment: “She had concerns about her body when she came to me. She really had no idea what she was looking for; it was like she was just giving in to...whatever. When she left wearing her purchase, we both knew her figure hadn’t changed, but her attitude had. You could tell she felt good about herself. The way she stood a little taller, swung her hips a little more, smiled a little bigger. It was then that I realized: a thoughtfully designed fit really could make a difference.”

For me, it has always been about creating garments that celebrate the diversity in women. It was never about “fashion.” The runways, the trends, the idealistic beauty — I found it all a bit unnecessary, unrealistic and, in some cases, downright wrong. My early love of sewing let me earn a modest living to support my family, but I got the biggest thrill designing clothes for the women in my community, women whose bodies were changing like mine—with motherhood and time—who had busy, demanding lives, but still wanted to leave the house feeling good and looking stylish. As simple as this sounded, it was challenging to find quality, comfortable garments that didn’t squeeze you into the most recent trends. Instead of celebrating my age and changes in my body, I continually felt disappointed. There was a significant hole in the market and I launched a collection to address this need; at first, as a small line of t-shirts and pants, offering fit alternatives, comfort, style and versatility.

It had to be simple – hence, the name “Sympli.”

Designing clothing for each and every body was, and still remains my driving passion. I loved the flexibility that being an entrepreneur gave me and my family. As my business grew, it naturally attracted the women in my community who shared my philosophy and lifestyle and wanted the same luxury. “Luxury” being a funny word, as the work required all of our combined talents, many long days and meeting unforeseen challenges...but it is amazing to look back and see what a group of inspired and dedicated women can accomplish. We were best friends, we became a family and Sympli was our baby.

It’s been fifteen years and not much has changed — the family has simply grown. We now offer over 200 different styles and 20 colours in our original luscious wash-and-wear jersey that can all be mixed and matched. We are proud to maintain our vertical operations exclusively in Canada. Our children work alongside us in our mission to make shopping a fun, liberating experience for all women, regardless of age, shape or size.

A woman’s story is as unique as she is, and she deserves – at the very least – to feel effortlessly comfortable and confident in her wardrobe. I am grateful to play even a small part in her journey.

PRE-SYMPLI: In 1976 Jan’s passion for fabrics and drape led her to open a fabric store. In the back of the shop she dappled in designing simple garments with leftover stock. Soon enough Jan’s focus shifted from a fabric store to designing a collection of washable silks called Harmony. The collections set the stage for Sympli with designs of body friendly fits and free flowing silhouettes. Harmony’s success was followed by Revival and Krakerz, two lines that embodied a similar vision, constructed in eccentric fabrics and ornate detail - an expression of Jan’s spirited approach to style.  At this time it became evident that women were craving body friendly clothing with the ease of simple styling. After 2 years of research in both fit and fabrication, Sympli was launched with a collection of 12 styles and 3 core colors. Sympli’s styles do change with the trends, but at our core we will always fit every body.

“Every step of the way Jan has worked closely with the women in her community (now some her colleagues) to address the needs of all women.  She reflects on the last 15 years and remembers a lot of hard work, sweat and tears but most of all laughter with the women she loves.  To this day morning coffees on front porches are the norm, doing our best to not talk too much about work”

In business for over 40 years: In that time she has also raised 3 children as a single mother and done it with determination, a sense of humor and grace and all with her best friends by her side.
Pre-Sympli, 1978 to 2001: Jan owned operated and designed 4 successful womens brands and one children’s line.

Grass roots: White House Design’s first factory was in the basement of Jan’s best friend and colleagues house Joan Jordan.
Nominated top 5 entrepreneurs in Canada in 2014: Jan attributes her success to the belief in always having the freedom to do it her way. She has no formal education in fashion design or business.

As a successful business woman who shows up with great style, where do you find your style inspiration?
I am inspired by what makes my eyes happy. I love fashion magazines and am always perusing them for what is new. But much of what I wear for work has always been my Agency brands. Fortunately I have had incredible brands throughout the years – some very classic and some completely ’KRAKERZ” (pardon the pun!!!).

Who inspires your fashion choices?
There is truly no one that I follow or look too. But if I see a celebrity or a model rocking something that is new, fresh, age appropriate or that I can translate to work for me – then I will seek something out. Last purchase was a pair of old school Stan Smith Adidas all white with green trim. I was in New York and saw Karlie Kloss wearing them in a mag. They were sold out all around town but the clever sales guy at the Soho Adidas store sold me a kids size 6 and they worked. Wore them right out of the store.

When do you feel most yourself? When do you feel most inspired?
I am comfortable in my own skin pretty much anytime… dressed up in a ball gown at a formal function or wearing ripped jeans, sneaks and a great sweater at brunch. I feel most inspired when I stand in my closet and create a look out of items that work together that I`ve never tried before

What factors the outfit you choose for each day?
During the week, by what appointments I have and what I will be selling! If you wear it, it sells.

Do you shop with an outfit in mind?
Almost never. I shop to get new ideas for my collections a lot, and if I see something along the way that I LOVE and HAVE TO HAVE, I pick it up. I did have a special birthday last year and set out one day to find something to wear, which I think is a pretty daunting task. I had surprising success and my `Mirror Ball` silver sequined sweat suit was a hit at my party!! I felt fabulous and perfectly attired.

What factors do you consider to make a purchase? Do you sacrifice comfort for style?
The main factor is that I need to love it and I won`t buy anything that is uncomfortable ever. Price certainly does come into play and I am very happy paying as little as possible for the purchase; however, I will spend a lot on something that I know I will use for a long time. Handbags, shoes and
fine jewelery are in that category and I know that quality and great style will last.

Have you always had an interest in style?
Yes – forever. My Grandfather passed away when I was about 14 and he left me $600, which was a lot of money at that time. I spent the whole thing on clothes and had a ball. After high school, I found a program at Ryerson that no one really knew about and got myself accepted after two really lousy years at university taking courses that were of no interest to me. I attended Ryerson for three years and excelled in my field of interest.

When getting older, is there a standard of how to dress for your age?
For me – with sophistication and class. You can use any latest fashion trend – just do it up nicely and appropriately.

What do you do now that you wouldn’t do at a younger age?
Golf.

How has your style evolved?
I think my casual wear has become more youthful. But maybe the whole world is doing that now!

How do you feel about media that tells you to dress or act your age?
I still think and feel like I am 29, so whatever. I don`t pay attention.

Where do you see your style in 10 years?
I can’t see changing anything about how I put myself together. My only concern is that my eye wear has become quite a defining feature for me. I`ve had to wear glasses since a teenager and have always searched for the coolest, most amazing frames I could find that I felt looked good on me. It seems I need to have some corrective eye surgery soon and am absolutely terrified about not having to wear glasses!! I think I`ll probably put clear lenses in my frames as I don`t think I’d feel myself without them.

Have you seen a positive change in the fashion industry that you’d like to see more of?
I think the whole concept of dressing to express your own self is the most positive change. The days of really dressing up as women did in the fifties are gone now and the yoga inspired day wear trend is apparently here to stay. That tells me that comfort is now key, so I feel pretty lucky to be selling SYMPLI to the women of the world. Women can be dressed in beautiful, fabulous, inspired, easy to care for and COMFORTABLE clothing. AND – look AMAZING!!


Bio: After graduating in 1977 from Ryerson Polytechnical with a diploma in Fashion Merchandising, Libby has been the Fashion Coordinator for BC and Alberta, has managed the BC Lions cheerleaders, taught Fashion Merchandising at Capilano College and started The Ordel Group Agency in 1984. Libby began working with Jan Stimpson in the 90’s with REVIVAL and then KRAKERZ. Then SYMPLI THE BEST was born and she has been proudly representing SYMPLI since its inception in Western Canada. Libby nominated herself as the president of Jan Stimpson’s fan club and has been happily married for 36 years with 3 great adult kids.