Bonnie Cook

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell 

Published in the Financial Post

 Jun 22, 2009

Bonnie Cook runs AbbyShot Clothiers ( www.abbyshot.com ). This online ‘movie-inspired’ apparel business is headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Bonnie Cook tells the Financial Post what motivated her to become an entrepreneur.

How it started: “When my children were born, I wanted to work at home and so started a sewing business. I made everything from dance recital costumes to dog clothes, to theatrical apparel for exotic dancers.”

Unexpected event: “After 20 years, two guys asked me to make a coat similar to one in a sci-fi movie. Profits from that coat were applied to making others and the idea grew from there, with me and my daughter Julia making film-inspired apparel.”

Insight: “I realized these were not mere ‘costumes’ but wearable clothing. Many people want to dress up like their favorite characters, from action films or popular computer games. I saw an untapped global market addressing the passion of film and TV buffs.”

On the verge: “Things have been going well. Our clothes range from $70 to around $1,500. At present, we’re negotiating with major film companies about more merchandising and licensing.”

Proud: “It’s great to enable people to live out their fantasies with clothes; they can express themselves in ways they normally wouldn’t.”

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