Tell us how you felt when you got news you were being appointed to the Order of Canada.

My immediate reaction was I was thrilled! Blown away. I never in my dreams thought that I would even be considered to be a recipient of the Order of Canada.

Throughout my life I worked hard and always thought of all the wonderful things that could be done, and I did them. But never did I think that it would come to this. Me, a little girl from Detroit, Michigan, who had come to Canada in 1961 at the request of Ruby Hamra, my own mentor. She was a force on the move in executive roles in New York City, Detroit, and then Toronto where she had just accepted a position of President at a Canadian company – and she wanted me by her side.

It’s been quite a journey and so much has happened over the years. To be awarded one of the country’s highest honours I am humbled, grateful, and delighted by this news.

In accepting this honour I want to acknowledge all of the talented and dedicated people who have worked with me. Over the years I have worked alongside many such individuals in my own businesses and the industry’s organizations I was involved in creating, or had the opportunity with which to collaborate.

Together, we advanced the Canadian fashion industry.

What does this award mean to you?

It is very special to me. I think of all of the years I worked in fashion and all of the people I inspired. I am so honoured to be recognized for what I have done in my life.

I always felt it was important to find people to work with me who were interested and happy in what we were doing. Inspiring them to do great things with their innate talents, we all progressed toward our goals. Seeing potential in someone, recognizing them, moving them forward… it helps us all grow.

I’ve been reminiscing about those who’ve worked with me over the years and everything we did together, as a team. There are so many stories, so many memories, so much we accomplished.

You have long been known as a mentor to many and a pioneer in the Canadian fashion industry, what is it that motivated and drove you? How did you balance it all?

I wanted to grow my business and to do that I needed to keep people excited about what they were doing. I never heard the word “no” and never saw obstacles that were insurmountable. It’s a philosophy that I tried to inspire in my team. My mind was open and nothing was impossible. I’d think “let’s try that” – and we’d do it! Well, usually!

I appreciated the people who worked with me. We worked very, very hard but we had fun. We put everything we had into it and enjoyed what we did.

It was important to always say thank you and recognize the efforts and hard work of everyone. It was not just me, Marilyn Brooks – it was teamwork that made things happen.

Making people feel special is important – from the design, pattern drafting, and grading to cutting, sewing, pressing, and production – every point along the way. In the stores, we made the customers feel good with special shopping bags tied with ribbons, gift wrap, beautiful music, and special touches everywhere they looked. There had to be magic in everything.

When you set the mood and when you set the scene, when you keep it interesting at every point of the way, it’s never a chore, the hard work gets done and you grow in leaps and bounds. Everyone wants to be a part of that.

In addition to your mentorship, you are being recognized for your volunteerism, can you tell us more about that?

I’ve always enjoyed helping others. Using fashions shows as fundraising events was the perfect way to energize large groups in a fun way to raise money and awareness for important causes.

From Fashion Cares, where we fundraised for AIDS research at a time when this mysterious disease was killing so many in the fashion and arts community, to Big Brothers and the United Way.

In collaboration with the top hairstylists, I worked with the Parkinson Foundation of Canada on our annual cross-Canada Cut-a-thons and shows, and even on a more local level with Toronto’s Cabbagetown Youth Centre. It was so rewarding for me to be involved in all these great causes.

Is there any additional advice you’d like to share with others, important things you’ve learned along the way?

Enjoy what you’re doing. When you do, amazing things happen. Find more people who are in sync with you so you can grow together.

People inspire people to be their best.