In 2012, when Vancouver-based Adele Tetangco decided to start a business partnership with software developer Sunil Gowda, they knew only that they needed an idea that would solve a problem. Adele, a fashion lover that studied marketing communications and worked for years at clothing brand, Dace, wanted to support small businesses in some way. Fast forward to 2015 and online shopping destination Garmentory—a website where shoppers can “make an offer” on sale merchandise from small boutiques—is over a year old and growing with the help of Techstars funding. We chatted with her about her personal style and the future of her business. How would you describe your personal style? Right now, I’m feeling long dresses, long skirts and oversized sweatshirts. For jewellery, I’ve been pairing it down and going dainty. I have a few Lizzie Fortunato necklaces that I love. Then I have my Rachel Comey Mars boot obsession. For bags, I have a new Clare Vivier messenger bag that I like because it fits everything and a Want Les Essentiels black tote. I went smaller in jewellery but bigger in bags. Lizzie Fortunato "Fisherman's Haunt" necklace, garmentory.com. Want Les Essentiels "OHare" shopper tote, wantlesessentiels.com. Rachel Comey "Mars" boots, garmentory.com. How do you decide which stores you’re going to work with on Garmentory? You know how a buyer curates items for a store? I do the same thing with the shops participating on the site. To find them, I go to a lot of tradeshows, I do research and I go store to store. Since we’ve grown so much, a lot of people have started signing up on the site as well. What is your next goal for your site? Making the experience for our shoppers the best it can be. People like shopping at boutiques because the experience is different—it feels more personal. We want to bring that brick-and-mortar experience to online. We’re also going to add items that are full price and “buy now.” Do you have any tips for shopping online? I always say, “Ask.” I have no problem sending an email to ask a store if an item runs big or small or how the fabric feels. I also always email if I see the shipping is expensive. I ask if they can send it regular post so it’s cheaper, even if it’s not being tracked. Or I provide my own shipping label if the store is in Canada. Read more: 5 Canadian beauty brands you need to try The best Canadian jewellery online