In fashion, where the glitz often overshadows substance, Kate Hewko stands out. She is not just the founder and CEO of a burgeoning fashion label, but a trailblazer redefining industry norms. Kate’s journey into fashion is a story of tenacity and vision. She knew from day one she wanted to go into fashion, going straight from earning a bachelor’s in economics to studying fashion marketing at the International Academy of Design and Technology. After grad, her own path was calling her name: she first tried opening her own boutique, Pink Sugar, at the ripe age of 24. It failed, but Kate kept going – she pivoted, taking on a 9-5 as a merchandise manager for a national clothing chain while keeping up her own entrepreneurial fashion side hustles. Eventually this led to custom jewelry design, featured in magazines like Vogue Korea and Elle. Customers and celebs alike fell in love with her one-of-a-kind pieces, but now they were asking for one-of-a-kind outfits to go with it. In 2016, the Kate Hewko Concept Store was born.

Kate's brand philosophy cuts through the noise of the industry. She rejects the notion that women must wait for certain life milestones to find success or that they must conform to media-prescribed standards of beauty and success. Her message is empowering: success is non-linear and uniquely defined by the individual.

Her brand is a testament to diversity, catering to every body type and age. It's where fashion is a form of self-expression, and fearlessness in personal style is celebrated.

The brand's ethos is simple yet powerful: be your standard. Kate challenges the idea that women must fit a certain mold to feel validated. Instead, she insists on each person's inherent value and beauty at every stage. The brand is a defiant cheerleader for all women, encouraging them to live boldly and authentically.

Kate is a figure of resilience in the fashion industry, someone who has built her brand from the ground up. She has navigated through challenges with a clear goal: to make her brand synonymous with empowerment. The growth of her business, from a local shop to a brand with a fulfillment center in Calgary and Nashville, is a testament to her unyielding drive. 

From the outset, Kate Hewko has built a team that mirrors her commitment to excellence. Whether it be her lead stylist, Christa Gravel, demonstrating just how fierce fashion can look at 66, or her creative team working in unison to bring the vision to life, or the fulfillment team thoughtfully wrapping each order, the team is an integral part of the brand. She has fostered a culture where taking risks and breaking barriers is the norm. Her leadership has propelled her brand to new heights and inspired women to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

The Kate Hewko brand embodies a fashion-forward mindset that embraces change and diversity. It's a brand that understands the power of a statement piece to transform not just appearances but attitudes. In a world where fashion can be exclusionary, Kate Hewko's brand is a refreshing anomaly. It is a beacon for inclusivity, a reminder that fashion is for everyone. Her legacy is shaping up to follow trends and set them while empowering its clientele.

The typical milestones of the fashion industry do not mark Kate Hewko's journey. A steadfast commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and genuine self-expression characterizes it. Her brand sells not just clothes but confidence and a sense of belonging. As the brand expands, its core message remains clear: every woman's time is now, and fashion is the medium to seize it.