Introducing the babes behind one of Vancouver’s most successful retailers –Hills of Kerrisdale and Hills Dry Goods. For over a decade, Katrina Fekete and Caroline Miller have been curating the collections of Hills’ multiple locations with the best fashion pieces and accessories out there. Hills opened its doors in Vancouver in the mid-1920’s and have remained a premier shopping destination ever since. Part of the success of this incredible boutique-style department store is due to the variety of unique merchandise they stock. Katrina and Caroline are constantly hunting to find the latest in fashion, bringing in brands that range from small upcoming designers to fashion powerhouses. Their work ensures Hills remains a leader in the Vancouver fashion industry! Katrina and Caroline have also been a huge supporter of Brunette from the beginning, and we are honored to be represented in such a special store.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
Katrina: Women genuinely caring about each other`s success and encouraging one another.
Caroline: That as a woman, someone has my back and vice versa.
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
Katrina: Only you can make it happen.
Caroline: Everyone has a story….listen.
What is your spirit animal?
Katrina: A raccoon. They’re city dwellers, always scavenging for something, and nocturnal. I’m much more productive in the evening.
Caroline: An elephant. They’re good luck 😉
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
Katrina: Hard to think of an exact moment – opening our first Hills Dry Goods store in Kitsilano definitely felt like a big achievement – now we are on our way to opening our 3rd Dry Goods store this Winter! We are so lucky to have the amazing team of women we do at the head office and at our retail stores, they make it all worth it!
Caroline: It’s hard to think of a single moment. I mean, I work with women every day… how lucky am I?! I feel fortunate to be able to help guide so many young individuals into their roles in the fashion industry. It is so rewarding to be a part of their journey.
What is your most used app?
Katrina: Spotify!
Caroline: Instagram!
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Katrina: Acne Jensen boot – in every fabrication and color.
Caroline: Cellulite cream by Vichy.. it works wonders!
What emoji best describes you?
Katrina: Dancing Girl.
Caroline: Flamenco Dancer.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Katrina: Nothing is beneath you, always be ready to get your hands dirty and hustle.
Caroline: Move quickly.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
Katrina: The How I Built This podcast with Guy Raz – I am obsessed with it.
Caroline: Anyone who pushes you to get more involved in your community, and the world. Oh and brunette label!
When I dance I look like….
Katrina: A musical theatre kid! (Jazz Hands!)
Caroline: Elaine from Seinfeld (really).
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Katrina: The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.
Caroline: Anything Whitney Houston!
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
Katrina: Caroline! I have known her for 12 years and she has supported me throughout my career as it has evolved. Not only is she a mentor, co-worker but an amazing friend who always has time to listen, give advice and encouragement. She also has the best skin/hair/ product tips out of anyone I know. She is the ultimate Babe.
Caroline: I have worked with Katrina for over 10 years….in those years you have so many ups and downs, but I always know she has my back, and her energy always pushes me forward.
How would you describe your personal style?
Katrina: Jane Birkin meets the Olsen twins meets studio 54 glam girl. I love classic dressing with unique pieces thrown into the mix.
Caroline: Confused- I’m a Gemini! I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go so now I like to invest in pieces that are nicely fabricated and well cut. Although I do love to have a few crazy fashion pieces thrown in… keep it light and fun!
What’s your favourite thing about living in Vancouver?
Katrina: Being close to the water and mountains.
Caroline: The views from just about anywhere!
What is the most fulfilling part of your career?
Katrina: Cultivating young brands and designers, nurturing them and seeing them succeed at retail.
Caroline: I can honestly say the relationships, and getting to see the company grow.
What inspired you to start pursuing a career in the fashion industry?
Katrina: My grandmother Eva – She loved fashion and encouraged me to read Vogue from a young age. Every day she was head to toe – Hat, bag, shoes, perfectly accessorized. Every day was a fashion show – it didn’t matter whether you were going to the grocery store or to a dinner party, she always looked chic.
Caroline: I grew up in the UK when a new trend came out my sister would take me to line up for whatever it was that was hot… she was crazy about clothes and it rubbed off.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Katrina: All Italian food, including the vino!
Caroline: Chocolate and lots of it.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Katrina: To have more self-awareness.
Caroline: Being present and acknowledging every person I come in contact with…it’s harder than it sounds lol.
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Katrina: Luckily working for a company that is female-centric I haven’t had as many hurdles as other females in the workplace. That being said – taken seriously by males in the industry and treated with the same respect that they give my male counterparts is definitely the biggest business hurdle I’ve confronted.
Caroline: Owning my role and having to be in meetings with a team member and having those hard conversations.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into the fashion industry?
Katrina: Nothing comes easy; be ready to work hard. And work retail. no matter what area of the industry you want to get into, it’s where it all starts and ends.
Caroline: You have a lot to learn, and the learning never ends…the best thing I ever heard someone say was “don’t forget it’s not fashion, its commerce if you want to be successful.”
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with these babes on Instagram @hillsofkerrisdale and @hillsdrygoods
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.