{"id":1701,"date":"2023-04-28T15:03:21","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T19:03:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/?p=1701"},"modified":"2024-02-13T11:50:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T16:50:39","slug":"from-the-ground-up-behind-the-scenes-of-knix-and-mejuris-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/blog\/from-the-ground-up-behind-the-scenes-of-knix-and-mejuris-success\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Ground Up: Behind the Scenes of Knix and Mejuri&#8217;s Success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On April 19, 2023, the Arcadian Court in Toronto was buzzing with energy as over 200 in-person attendees and 280 virtual guests gathered to hear from two trailblazing women founders, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/staff\/joanna-griffiths\/?utm_source=CCTBlog&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=CCT23\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Joanna Griffiths<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mejuri.com\/edit\/mejuri-ceo-noura-sakkijha-career-golden-together\">Noura Sakkijha<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The fireside chat hosted by <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadianclub.org\/\">Canadian Club Toronto<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> was moderated by our CEO, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/staff\/karen-greve-young\/?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=CCT23\">Karen Greve Young<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and we were treated to candid insights behind the success of the two Canadian entrepreneurs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Canadian Club - Joanna Griffiths (Knix) &amp; Noura Sakkijha (Mejuri)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zcq4CmGYAfY?start=609&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet the Trailblazing Futurpreneur-supported Founders<br \/>\n<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Joanna Griffiths, Knix &amp; KT by Knix<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/staff\/joanna-griffiths\/?utm_source=CCTBlog&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=CCT23\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-64364 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/52834804435_7be3e995f4_o-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/a>Photo by Mike Hagarty<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joanna Griffiths is the founder and CEO of <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/knix.ca\/\">Knix<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.knixteen.ca\/\">KT by Knix<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, one of the fastest-growing global intimate apparel brands. The company launched in 2013 and recently, Essity, leading hygiene and health company, acquired 80% of Knix, making the sale the largest publicly disclosed private sale by a female founder in Canada.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Noura Sakkijha, Mejuri<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<div style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mejuri.com\/ca\/en\/edit\/mejuri-ceo-noura-sakkijha-career-golden-together\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-64359\" src=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/52834850918_5173005677_o-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"455\" height=\"683\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center\">Photo by Mike Hagarty<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: left\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><br \/>\nBorn and raised in Jordan, Noura Sakkijha is a third-generation jeweler who initially chose to pursue industrial engineering before immigrating to Canada and deciding to return to her passion, jewelry. She launched <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mejuri.com\/ca\/en\/\">Mejuri<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in 2015, a brand that is a symbol of empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Opening the conversation, Karen pointed out the similarities between the two founders. Both received funding from Futurpreneur in the early stages of launching their businesses, both businesses carry a mission to empower women, and interestingly, both entrepreneurs raised funding while pregnant with twin girls.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From Idea to Leading Global Brands<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Growing up, Noura observed that jewelry was marketed as something exclusive, at a high price point and, towards men to buy as gifts for women. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">After noticing a gap in the market for affordable quality jewelry, she was inspired to create a brand that empowers women to buy jewelry for themselves. With the spirit of \u201cbuy yourself the damn diamond,\u201d Noura wants women to celebrate what matters to them, regardless of the occasion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joanna, on the other hand, knew little about the intimate apparel industry. She had the idea of creating leak-proof underwear when she realized many women experience leaks from pregnancy, post-partum, or even sneezing, or exercising, but there were no products in the market to <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">address that issue. In a world that perpetuates a photoshopped version of women\u2019s bodies, her aim was to create a brand that \u201ctalks to their customers for who they are, and that honours them by showcasing how fantastic they are.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center\"><\/div>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Overcoming Challenges in Their Entrepreneurial Journeys<br \/>\n<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When asked about the challenges they faced, Noura shared that \u201cthe challenges never stop, but you get better at handling them\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Early on, the first difficulty she encountered was raising capital, as she faced multiple rejections from venture capitalists. She emphasized that entrepreneurs should learn from their failures and most importantly embrace them as they represent an opportunity for growth and improvement. Despite the hurdles, surrounding herself with other like-minded entrepreneurs, helped her get back on her feet and remain motivated to not give up on her dream.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joanna agreed that challenges vary along the journey. Between figuring out how to make a product that did not exist, convincing manufacturers to take a leap of faith, and going through numbers of prototypes, there were periods filled with self-doubt. She highlighted, however, the importance of resilience and pushing through difficult times, sharing \u201clooking back at things that used to break me, when they happen now, I\u2019m able to brush them off and keep going\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Talking about their first investors, Joanna explained that support came in from mostly friends and family, as well as Futurpreneur. \u201cThe organization gave me money when no one else would!\u201d Noura mentioned that she received grants and support through Founder Fuel, and she was grateful to Futurpreneur,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> specifically for providing a non-dilutive loan that allowed her to remain in full control of her business at that early stage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-64363 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/52834589229_27fe66f4bd_o-1024x710.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"710\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center\">Photo by Mike Hagarty<\/div>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Words of Wisdom for Young Entrepreneurs<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After taking questions from the audience, both entrepreneurs provided words of wisdom for entrepreneurs going through hard times in their own journeys. \u201cIn the early stages, talk to and learn from customers and when you grow, hire the best people,\u201d Noura shared, as she strongly recommended that aspiring entrepreneurs surround themselves with great individuals. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joanna emphasized that hard times inspire real growth stating,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u201cthe struggles and failures are incredibly normal, and I wish more people would talk about it.\u201d She added that it was crucial for entrepreneurs to take care of themselves \u201cit is a game of resiliency and it\u2019s important that you keep a positive mindset,\u201d she urged.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u201cWe are all a work in progress and as you build and lead a team, you must evolve, and step up to a place and that takes an entirely different skillset. You are working on building an incredible company, brand and legacy that will exist for generations. Once you get past the point of self-doubt, focus on what you want the brand to be known for and on its impact!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-64360 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/52833838027_c4a56a869d_o-1-1-1024x709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"709\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Photo by Mike Hagarty<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s Your Time!<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you feel inspired and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/get-started\/?utm_source=CCTBlog&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=CCT23\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">ready to start your own entrepreneurial journey<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, don&#8217;t hesitate to reach out to us! Whether you want to start a <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/get-started\/side-hustle\/?utm_source=CCTBlog&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=CCT23\">side-hustle<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/get-started\/financing-and-mentoring\/?utm_source=CCTBlog&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=CCT23\">purchase a business or launch your own<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">, we have a team of experts who can guide you through the process and lead you to success!\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">And don&#8217;t forget to check out the full <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zcq4CmGYAfY&amp;t=609s&amp;ab_channel=MediaEvents.ca\">fireside chat<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> with Joanna Griffiths and Noura Sakkijha for even more insights and inspiration.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1572],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On April 19, 2023, the Arcadian Court in Toronto was buzzing with energy as over 200 in-person attendees and 280 virtual guests gathered to hear from two trailblazing women founders, Joanna Griffiths and Noura Sakkijha.\u00a0\u00a0 The fireside chat hosted by Canadian Club Toronto was moderated by our CEO, Karen Greve Young and we were treated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1712,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entrepreneurship"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1701"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1701\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}