It’s all in the Family at this Fashionable Shop
Legacy and decades of experience in the fashion industry have found stylish roots in Westboro thanks to Olenka Stepchuk and her sister Tamara Stepchuk-Forrest, owners of Fashion United. They learned from their mother who was also in the fashion industry. Fashion United has planted itself as a designer and style staple in Westboro after opening the doors in the spring of 2007.
“We have been in business in Ottawa since 1977. Always family and woman owned. My sister and I both grew up in this business and have continued the legacy from my mother.”
Their focus on unique, sought-after, original and quality clothing has helped the store stand out to their discerning clientele. This usually includes women over the age of 25 – retired, professional, and others – who are looking for chic and sophisticated with flair, or a casual outfit for a weekend at the cottage.
Focus on Fit and Quality
No matter what the outfit style choice, Fashion United emphasizes quality and fit. They are keen to make sure items like pants, which can notoriously be difficult to find, fit and fit properly.
“Pants that fit” is a bit of a motto and mission. This speaks not only to their expertise and knowledge in finding the right brands, but also the trust that their customers place in them to help them feel comfortable and fashionable.
Not only does the Fashion United team pride themselves on fit, but they also take great effort to know their clientele. Because they have so many repeat clients, it means they get to individually know their style and provide the perfect recommendations.
Olenka and her sister curate the items in the store to help keep up with what their customers are looking for; not the same thing they can see everywhere, and not necessarily trends or neutrals. There are pops of colour and vibrant styles across the store and harder-to-find designer brands. There is a selection of clothing, accessories and more to create a department store feel with a more engaging touch.
Although the store is anchored in Westboro, clients come from all over. It could be because shoppers are discovering Fashion United in and around Ottawa thanks to their social media presence which have encouraged people to ‘shop the video’, where clients know exactly what they want based on what they saw online. This encourages even more connection to their clients not only in store but beyond.
To Westboro, with Love
Olenka shares that there is something about the neighbourhood that feels special. “I enjoy having my store in Westboro because both my sister and I grew up here and we love the vibrancy of Westboro Village with all of the local businesses that make this neighbourhood what it is. Without the local businesses on Richmond Road this neighbourhood would not be the same.”
What surprises her? “How much this community supports our business! We love that the majority of our clients live in this neighbourhood and support the businesses on Richmond Road” While she shares her love for the village, Westboro seems to offer its own love note back.
Where to find Fashion United:
Shop online or in-store at 435 Richmond Road.
