Meet Shay Lowe, a Toronto-based Jewellery Designer with a Beverly Hills Presence

Shay Lowe’s ambition and genuine passion for her craft has taken her from a small town to one of Toronto’s Top Ten Jewellery Designers, whose designs have been seen on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and A-list celebrities. She was noted as a ‘Designer on the Rise’ and one of the Top 15 Designers across Canada for the Cashmere campaign featured at The Bay — and it’s her laser-sharp focus and drive to constantly evolve that she has to thank.

My first job ever was…Working as a hostess in a restaurant.

I decided to be an entrepreneur because…I love being a catalyst for growing ideas and working for myself.

To me, the fashion industry is…A constantly evolving world of immense creativity and great vision.

My proudest accomplishment is…Growing a successful business over 10 years and inspiring others.

My boldest move to date was…Leaving my job to become an entrepreneur.

I surprise people when I tell them…That I’m from a small town.

My best advice to people starting out in business is…You have to be really hungry, passionate, well prepared, and willing to put in the hard work.

My best advice from a mentor was…Know your numbers.

“You have to be really hungry, passionate, well prepared, and willing to put in the hard work.”

My biggest setback was…Having to switch factories mid production.

I overcame it by…Working hard under pressure, and utilizing the strong business network I had built.

Work/life balance is…Not reality. Knowing when to shut things down is key. Learn to prioritize self-care. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy life!

The arts are important because…They cultivate and nurture creativity as an industry, while adding richness and value to the culture of any city.

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know…I was asked a couple of times to be on a reality TV show.

I stay inspired by…Travelling and sharing ideas with other entrepreneurs.

The future excites me because…It’s a new level of growth…the unknown is always exciting.

My next step is…Supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs and redefining my business.

Meet another small town Canadian turned big city entrepreneur success story, Jean Blacklock, founder of Prairie Girl Bakery.