Christie Lohr is the founder of Style Nine to Five, a fashion job website that connects fashion industry employers and job seekers with the largest listing of fashion jobs in Canada.
After noticing the difficulties involved with recruiting for fashion through general job sites, she realized the demand for such a service and created Style Nine to Five. If you’re a Canadian retailer looking to hire or are looking for a fashion job, this is the spot. Christie was born in Port Hardy, a small fishing town on Vancouver Island and is the true example of a small town babe living big city dreams!
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
Giving advice, sharing your knowledge and helping a colleague, friend or peer out without fearing that they’ll steal your spotlight. And giving back by mentoring — we all started out in the same place.
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
Chris, just a handful of people call me this, or just my last name, Lohr! There’s something about being called by your last name that I’ve always liked.
What’s your spirit animal?
I’m going to go two ways here: Gwen Stefani, especially in the 90s, and an eagle, they’re nostalgic for me. Gwen’s style has always inspired me and I think I cried to ‘Don’t Speak’ after my best friend started hanging out with another group of friends in high school in 1996. An eagle because I grew up steps away from the beach in Port Hardy and there were always dozens of eagles flying around at once. I didn’t realize until I moved to the city how lucky I was to live so close to eagles for so long.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
The recent launch of my fashion career workshop. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Being able to share everything I’ve learned about how to be successful in the fashion industry to a room full of eager students is amazing. Another babe moment is being able to live off a company I created. Also, the fact that I was able to see an opportunity in the market and find a solution. The solution was creating a fashion job site after years of posting jobs on general job sites and not finding the right candidates.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
I don’t use a wallet, so there are always random cards on the loose. It drives me nuts! The crazy thing is, I have a Chanel wallet but it sits in my drawer covered in mail.
Tell us about a time where you were faced with a situation that you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
There have been a number of times when some of my ideas were copied in some way, but I have to remember copying is a form of flattery. Isn’t that why we put ourselves on social, to inspire?
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
I have such sensitive skin right now and the only face cream that gives me some relief without irritation is Restoracalm by ZO Skin Health.
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
Sailin’ Nine to Five.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Do what you can with what you have.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received now that you’re in your career?
You won’t get to that next level in your career if you don’t do something that scares you. For me, it was my workshops. So I booked and paid for the venue in advance, so that I had to do it. Also, it doesn’t have to be perfect the first time. Sometimes that’s what holds us back. Just do the darn thing.
Red, white, or rose?
White. I’ve recently gone from drinking nothing but sauvignon blanc to chardonnay. It was my January no booze cleanse that changed my palate back to the wine I drank in the 2000s.
When I dance I look like….
That girl at the club in the 2000s dancing to Lean Back by Terror Squad.
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
I don’t channel anyone actually. Instead, I picture myself having completed whatever it was that scared me, how successful it was and how good it felt.
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
Italy. I’ve only been there once but dream about going back. I’d also like to experience it now without a backpack on my back or staying in hostels.
What’s your favorite meal to eat?
Anything my boyfriend Dan makes. He’s the best cook! He’s so good with flavours. He recently made a light fresh pasta with a piece of halibut on top.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Helping people find jobs that they love and offering advice. I love that I found my purpose within fashion. I feel like every bit of my experience has led me to do what I do.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
The seawall. In moments of silence is when my best ideas come to me.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Kraft Dinner and Ichiban Noodles!
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
I can’t stay in a safe place for too long without getting bored. I always need to push myself and evolve professionally. My mom always says I’m happiest when I’m stressed.
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Not having any financial backers makes growing to the level I want to get to take longer. Updating the back-end of a website like mine costs tens of thousands of dollars.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
Drinks for sure!
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
Old Fashioned or a Negroni.
What’s your favourite movie?
I’m not really a crazy movie buff. I LOVED “Who’s That Girl” starring Madonna. I remember watching that every day after school when I was seven. The fashion was so cool. I knew every word. I’d also have to say Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Christie on Instagram @christie_lohr.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.