Meet Dee Silkie | Owner/Creator of Dee Silkie Outerwear

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dee Silkie Owner/Creator of Dee Silkie Outerwear and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dee Silkie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Working in any industry, creative or not, means you have to first figure out what is the most important to you. Is it money, stability, creativity, freedom? Once you know what you truly value, you can feel more confident in the decision you are making. Working in fashion is tough, and you should only pursue it if it’s what you really want to do. If you are thinking about giving up, ask yourself “why” you started in the first place, and if that passion is still there, don’t give up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Dee Silkie Outerwear (DSO) specialises in bold and unique outerwear that is inspired by important issues such as slow fashion, sustainability, and pop culture. Often using satire, DSO provokes and shocks by designing outerwear that sparks conversation and ultimately brings joy. DSO is fashionable, functional and meaningful and keeps you looking and feeling bold in the cold.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m originally and East Coast girl, so I am always looking for a good pub. I hate gastro pubs, or places that are too rundown/sketchy. I have lived in Toronto since 2017 and I finally found a pub that has that laid back, Irish feel with nice hard wood counters and a friendly staff. It is called The Duchess Pub. It’s located all the way in Markham but it’s worth the drive. Their Irish nachos are to die for!

My favourite Starbucks is located in Bloor West Village. I went there almost every single day for four years. Graham has worked there for over 20 years and will always great you with a smile! During the pandemic I brought them pizza for Christmas. They were so appreciative. I think everyone should do that for their Starbucks barista’s. I worked in the service industry for many years, and the best thing ever was when someone brought you food during a shift.

The Jazz Bar in Dundas Square is a hidden gem. It is a bit pricy as cover is usually $10- $20 per person depending on the night, but the atmosphere is really cool. The bar is red and black inside and it reminds me of what it must be like to live in NYC. The food isn’t anything amazing, but it is super fun to go for a drink or two and people watch while you hear live music play.

If you like fried chicken, Chika’s Chicken in the junction is amazing. You have to pre-order your food super in advance (like at least an hour) and I think they are closed on Sunday’s but it is so delicious! A massive sandwich and waffle fries is only about $14 and usually I have left overs for the next day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The OG Silkies! (You know who you are). I have been in business since 2016. I started off selling headbands and silk scarves. That morphed into prom dresses and boxers. From there I did slip dresses and shorts. Finally, in 2019 I decided that I had to pick one thing and get really, really good at it. I chose outerwear. It takes time to craft a business, and in order to have that time you need friends, family and fans not only cheering you on but also buying your products. I have Silkies who have bought one of every single thing I’ve made which has been everything under the sun. LOL. But because of those people I was able to focus, niche down, and settle on something that I will perfect and grow for hopefully the rest of my life.

Website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deesilkieouterwear/confetti-puffer-be-bold-in-the-cold

Instagram: @deesilkieouterwear

Linkedin: Dee Silkie

Twitter: @deesilkie

Other: TikTok: @deesilkie

Image Credits
Chris Cheung Smita Jacob