WoW Woman in Fashion I Victoria Lee, founder of Uniquely Victoria

Victoria Lee is the founder of Uniquely Victoria, a fashion brand with a mission to shake things up for minority women in the corporate world.

Uniquely Victoria strives to bring culture to business wear by infusing different fabrics and colors, which also speak to individuality.

Victoria, tell us a bit about your background and your projects so far. 

I worked in the banking industry for seven years doing the retail side of the business. Then transitioned into property management for a short stint. Then finished off my corporate time in insurance, specifically in the treasury department. During that time, I worked on multiple projects to enhance current processes, increase the adoption of current payment offerings and system enhancements. The most important initiative that I started was the payment modernization efforts for the company that led us into the FinTech space and had us incorporate new payment options for any outgoing or incoming payments. 

Currently, I am in the fashion industry supplying corporate attire that is multifunctional to minority women. It is my way of helping them through their career journeys.  

How did you get into this industry? Has it been an easy industry to get into or have you had many challenges? 

I took a leap of faith to pursue a passion, currently still navigating my way through the industry. Fashion is not the easiest to be in or get into; providing many challenges for one to navigate, especially if you don’t already have a name in the game. Even with not having fashion experience, my love for it gives me certain knowledge I didn’t know was there. Also, helps me to learn any and everything I can about the industry. 

How long did it take you to be where you are now? What was the biggest obstacle? 

It has taken me years to embrace the path I am now on. Initially, I wanted to work my way up in the corporate world having a steady paycheck, but over time I caved to what I was truly meant to do. The biggest obstacle for me is switching to an industry that’s super competitive, that you haven’t built many relationships in, and figuring out where you stand in the market.  Switching from corporate finance to a creative field has also had its challenges. 

What are the challenges of being in the industry you are in? 

Whoa, where do I start or challenges what challenges (lol). No seriously, the challenges I have faced are an over-saturated market, fashion has the highest knock off issue, exclusivity, expensive to produce and maintain, no investors (for a line maybe for tech), and lastly, there are things I don’t agree with, within the industries on the superficial aspect. It can make women feel the need to change their outer appearances to be beautiful, loved or appreciated. I am working to reverse or go the opposite track making women feel beautiful no matter what phase they are in life. 

 What are your biggest achievements to date? 

 My favourite achievement is taking the leap to pursue this industry and career. There is a sensation when you are aligned with your direction. Next, would be a guest host on a radio show with excitement radio; pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is a big reward. The last thing to date is being featured on a website(blog) that got me in front of my intended market. Every day I feel I am living my brand’s mission; although, it may not end in fashion I support or uplift minority women on a daily basis. 

What are the projects you are currently working on? 

Currently, I am working on 3 additional pieces to add to my collection. Working on a press release to submit to reporters or local media. I am working on an event for women in corporate giving them tips. Working on collaborating with another designer with getting one of my pieces in their launch. Overall, being open to whatever opportunities lie ahead.  

Is the #WomenInTech movement important to you and if yes, why? 

The women's movement is an important period and especially in male-dominated industries. I feel women play such a pivotal role in many situations that get underplayed/under-represented. I think it’s important for women to invent things that work for other women.  

What will be the key trends in your industry in the next five years and where do you see them heading? 

Key trends I see are providing people with multifunctional wear that helps towards sustainability. Fashion designers I see having smaller collections striving for quality over quantity. Other things I see are many innovations in technology, inventions of new fabrics (sustainable too) and a new genre of clothing.

What is the most important piece of advice you could give to anyone who wants to start a career in this industry? 

Great question – I always say follow your intuition it will never lead you astray, especially in fashion. This industry is full of comparing or copying; understanding what you stand for, want and where you’re going is very important. Otherwise, it’s easy to get caught up in everyone’s opinions. Also, it’s okay to forge your own path; though in fashion it isn’t as common, do it! Another thing is passion, and your brand should go hand in hand. If your business doesn’t stand for something it won’t create a legacy. In my experience, many business owners start because they want a slice of the pie or to be their own boss. However, having a business means so much more than those things. 

Who are three inspirational women in your respective industry you admire? 

Andrea Pitter – I love her mindset and mission. In ways, I relate to her, with wanting to provide clothing for women of all sizes and appreciating curves.  Megan Renee – I love that through all her struggles and nah-sayers she still pursued her love of fashion designing. Last but not least, is Ticha Maenga my production partner in South Africa. She believed in me, my designs and has helped me through the process so much. As well as her love and knowledge of fashion are inspirational. 

Find out more about Uniquely Victoria on their website.

Connect with Victoria on her LinkedIn.

Follow Uniquely Victoria on Instagram and Pinterest.

This interview was conducted by Marija Butkovic, Digital Marketing and PR strategist, founder, and CEO of Women of Wearables. She regularly writes and speaks on topics of wearable tech, fashion tech, IoT, entrepreneurship, and diversity. Follow Marija on Twitter @MarijaButkovic and read her stories for Forbes here.