Introducing successful entrepreneur, athlete, and one of BCBusiness’ Top 30 Under 30 – JJ Wilson. In 2014, JJ founded technical apparel brand Kit and Ace alongside his step-mother Shannon. Kit and Ace quickly expanded to become a very well recognized brand with multiple store locations across Canada. JJ also is the co-founder of popular and innovative indoor spin studio Ride Cycle Club. Ride Cycle Club combines cardio, cycling, and full body toning alongside unique music and candlelit rooms to create a one-of-a-kind work out experience. JJ recently dove into the marketing industry and opened a creative agency with three partners called Very Polite Agency. Very Polite Agency provides digital marketing, advertising, public relations, and much more to a multitude of companies. We have had the pleasure of working with JJ to provide custom merchandise for Ride Cycle Club, and are so thankful for his continuous support of Brunette the Label. We can’t wait to see what this inspiring babe gets up to next!
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
I try my best to see opportunity in everyone and everything. I love passionate change-makers and I’m a huge driver for total equality. Everyone can be a babe!
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
Trust your intuition. This is different from risk. If it doesn’t feel ‘good’ it means it probably isn’t right.
What’s your spirit animal?
I see myself as a lion, but the reality is, I’m likely a squirrel.
What’s your proudest moment or achievement?
Today: It’s the relationships I have with my business partners at Ride Cycle Club and Very Polite Agency.
Most used app?
I moved Instagram to the last page on my iPhone and I try to only look at it once a day (that never happens). I’m a guilty and active user of MyFitnessPal, I track my macros every day that I’m not travelling.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Common Projects, Reigning Champ Tee’s, Luluemon Surge Shorts, and Airpods…because I seem to lose a pair every few months.
Which emoji best describes you?
The eggplant. Kidding. The angel one.
What’s the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Build a personal board of advisors for all things you, be egoless in what you don’t know but firm on what you do.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
@mrjohnjamesw, @ridecycleclub, @verypoliteagency and if you’re a fitness nerd like me…@jtm_fit
When I dance I look like….
My dad. Which is heartbreaking.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Let’s Dance by David Bowie.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
I have to give this up to the women in my everyday life. I’m lucky enough to have two mom’s and three grandmas. They support me through everything and I’m so grateful.
How would you describe your personal style?
Comfort first. If it doesn’t stretch — I can’t do it. I like dressy sneakers, stretchy chinos, and basic tees that don’t fade, shrink, or torque (these are very hard to find…). Jackets and outerwear make me weak, but it’s where I invest most in ‘fashion’ type pieces.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Vancouver?
How close the airport is to downtown, the proximity to local west coast escapes and the summer months.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
At Ride Cycle Club it’s seeing the human body and mind become so passionate about physical release (non-sexual…)
At Very Polite Agency it’s having the ability to work in multiple industries and developing brands and experiences that change businesses.
At Kit and Ace it’s seeing the company overcome major hurdles, the commitment of its employees, and watching it grow into itself.
What inspired you to start pursuing your career goals?
My parents and the friends I made at university who subconsciously pushed each other to continuously be better.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Tractor, Junior Mint Smoothies from Body Energy Club, Whiskey Coke (:/), and any opportunity to sweat.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Kindness and patience.
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Juggling growth with opportunity. A good founder gets the timing right. I’ve failed at this before, but I learned from it.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with JJ on Instagram @mrjohnjamesw
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Alan Chan