When French Immersion teachers Deena Simair and Abbie Ginther met, they formed an instant friendship and had a connection through teaching and style. They both enjoyed modeling confidence and style to a younger generation of women as teachers in high school.
“Since we both possess unique styles and different body types, we decided that every woman should be able to feel comfortable, current, confident and creative in her own skin and Belong Lifestyle was born. Our motto is Belong Lifestyle: Be seen. Be heard. Be you,” stated Ginther.
They felt there was a need for a great shop for women at any age and stage. Belong Lifestyle hit the internet as a small online women’s clothing shop in January of 2019 and throughout that year, they grew their online community and new collection of clothing in sizes XS to 3XL. “We provided free pick-up of apparel in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Warman, our home communities. We discovered that many women appreciated tips and tricks on styling their current closets so we began to offer online videos and fun through Instagram and Facebook.”
They also started offering high quality consignment apparel in addition to growing their new apparel collection, and now offer both online and in person clothing. Personal styling services, style presentations, pop-up sales and online style courses were also added to their services. “We developed and produced our first two seasons of our podcast, entitled ‘You can Sit with Us’ available on Spotify and Itunes. In short, we discovered that clothing is just a vehicle for an incredible community of women who want to feel great in their own skin so they can get on with all the responsibilities and gifts they are bringing to the world,” said Ginther.
After a year of growing Belong Lifestyle, this past winter they decided they would try out a physical and local space for women here in the valley area. “Thanks to the assistance of another incredible and generous local entrepreneur (Rochelle Wotherspoon owner of SoulPower Fitness), we were able to open our doors in Martensville this spring in the old SoulPower bay.”
Their plan was to open this physical space at the beginning of April, but when COVID-19 hit, they carefully postponed it to late May. “We are continually updating our COVID policies as the situation progresses, but currently provide hand sanitizer at the door, disinfect the store numerous times a day and set tried-on clothing and returns aside for 72 hours. We also maintain a limit of 10 customers in the shop at one time. We will be in this space until the end of August and may even continue long term after the summer.”
Their collection includes women’s apparel that works for all body types and features jeans, rompers, tops, jackets, skirts and dresses as well as accessories and footwear. With arrivals coming in weekly they are excited to expand their kids and plus collection. Their high quality consignment apparel has been a huge hit in Martensville, bringing in select designer pieces in addition to trendier deals.
Another feature they offer is having private parties of up to 10 women on Monday and Wednesday evenings by advanced booking. They are now open to the public at 117 Centennial Drive, Martensville (beside Dahlia Salon) with their hours being Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-8pm and weekends, 12-5 as well as online 24/7.
“We believe shopping should be fun, stress free and that the only problem you should encounter is having too many great options. We’d love to meet you in person soon. Stop by and say hello anytime!” said Ginther.
You can also follow along on Instagram @belonglifestyle or Facebook for daily deals on apparel pieces from their new collection as well as styling ideas and community fun.
