#28 - Jaimie Harris [20 year, over night success], Founder and CEO of This Is J

How I Became...

Jaimie Harris, the brilliant mind behind This Is J, a female-founded, made-in-Canada pajama and loungewear brand. If you’re not familiar, This Is J specializes in crafting ultra-soft bamboo pajamas, robes, loungewear, and cozy accessories that redefine comfort and style. The brand recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and was proudly recognized as one of Canada's Fastest Growing brands in 2022. This Is J is a favourite of everyone from Emily Blunt to our very own Meredith Shaw – the latter of whom declared just last month on Breakfast Television that This Is J is her “absolute favourite pajama brand.”

Given the remarkable journey and impact of This Is J, I believe it's high time to shine the spotlight on the visionary behind the brand. Jaimie Harris's story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation, and I'm eager to share her story with you!

Takeaways

• Family support and influence can play a significant role in an entrepreneur's journey.
• Learning from both wins and losses is crucial for personal and business growth.
• Networking and mentorship are valuable resources for entrepreneurs.
• Celebrity endorsements and securing deals with renowned stores can be exciting milestones in a business.
• Pivoting and adapting during challenging times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to growth and success. Pivoting a business to e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic requires being already set up for online initiatives and having a strong team in place.
• Balancing work and family life as a CEO and mother requires support at home and at work.
• Launching a business doesn't require everything to be perfectly planned; learning and growth come from interacting with customers and adapting to their needs.
• Success is often the result of years of hard work and continuous growth.