Hi,

Initially I had some difficulty in deciding if I should write this section myself but am going to give it a go.

I have been in the clothing industry for most of my adult life time.

I started in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada managing a tie store. From there I went to Thompson, Manitoba, Canada and managed a Jean Shop for 5 years which did both ladies and mens wear. From there I entered a manufacturing and design team with Midwest Garment designing mens sportswear and western shirts for a short time as in the end I had a desire to work, on my own. This was a tremendous learning experience (Urban Cowboy).

I owned a ladies corporate clothing store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in which I also would sell a portion of my own designing. But as much as I could sketch in minor ways and people enjoyed my finished products, I could neither sew or make the patterns myself. It was then that I began a journey to teach myself to sew and to make patterns. Little did I know at that time what a quest I had set out on. In the beginning I lived in a small shop in Old Market Square in Winnipeg. I must say it was slow progress but an interesting time.

Shortly ther after I moved to Vancouver, British Columbia and took a year to work . This was a wonderful year of meeting people from around the entire globe.

During the next several years, of which some years were absorbed in the process of developing a look that was unique to me, the ability to make the patterns, to cut and to sew as well was accomplished. I truly know what is meant by the term of the "starving artist". Everything was focused on the art of clothing, and I mean everything. Much personal and other sacrifice was given. The biggest luxury that was in my life was rebuilding old boats and spending time on the ocean. To survive and to keep in the learning process I did everything from waiting on tables, to pumping gas to doing construction. Each little design store that I had over this time with every so patient landlords drew me closer to my goal.

I could finally see my initial goal of a complete line from unique to mass being complete. Also, the ability to sew, pattern draft and cut clothing was done.

I have to smile to think of the look on the faces of the ladies when I lined up several years earlier to do piece work on golf shirts. Not too many guys in that line but it was a good experience and another lesson in my training. Actually, I made not bad cash as well!

It was then I decided to look to Manitoba, Canada to produce the product as in terms of production it is the third largest in Canada and it was also time to go home and spend some time with family as I had been away for 10 years.

As I finish this writing of my history I looked up and on television is a Western Movie and two of the most interesting characters are on. They are John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart. I wonder how big John would have looked in my Canadian Flap Jacket or what they would have thought of cyberspace!

I have met many people over the years selling clothing and have many stories to tell but one in particular I will leave you with today. I had for a time a small shop at Burrard and Broadway in Vancouver, British Columbia. One day a little old lady no taller than five feet walks in and says "Young Man!" in a stern voice. I thought "What the heck now!" She states that she is 80 years old and has retired to Argentina and has only come home to address some tax issues and was intent on not spending a dime more. At this point my nationalistic hairs on the back of my neck begin to raise when this lady's tone changes and she says "But will you please create one of those for me in my size?" and points to a garment I call the Ultra Kimono. She sure was healthy and feisty for her age and explained she needed a coat to go to market and liked the unique shape of it. I said "of course I would " and proceeded to make one for her in moss green cotton drill with off-white vents and trim. I also added inside pockets for her passport and money as she intended to travel with it a lot. She then gave me one of the biggest compliments of my life. She had brought me sterling silver buttons that were in her family from the time of the French Revolution. I said "This garment is not that special" and she said "yes young man, it is." I said "thank you" and made bound buttonholes for it. I hope today she is still around and going to market in Argentina. I will be looking up her address and sending her my e-mail address. The Ultra Kimono that had been on display was purchased by a 20 year old female a week later.

Things have changed a great deal since I originally wrote this intro several years ago!!!

Canada and most western countries have dropped all import duties and required quotas on clothing thus there has been a rush of cheaper imports and for the most part the demise of the garment industry as we know it. Competing as a designer and manufacturer has become to say the least difficult!!! I have to smile at a statement I used to make to people, that is I would say the clothing industry may be the last industry government cannot screw up, BUT alas LOL they made a deal with the world trade organisation that allows very very inexpensive clothing made with very very cheap labour rates. I have had to restructure as many have and accept the new reality in my trade. To this end I have moved my design studio to a lovely town in Alberta,Canada named Redwater. The focus for the next several years will be a larger emphasis on western wear.

I have a great feeling about this move and am enjoying the many new people I have met. Going to the rodeo and learning what real cowboys and cow girls are is quite exciting. My belief is that western wear is the last market that a Canadian clothing manufacturer can cater to and still build for the most part a MADE IN CANADA label. With the creativity western wear requires I am throughly enjoying this new experience.

Our first showing was at the Canadian Rodeo Finals and WOW what a reaction to my Canadian Flap Jacket. I was totally humbled by the incredible reaction from the public that were buying my jacket. Men,Women,boys and girls of all ages bought and ordered the jacket. Real cowboys and cowgirls plus farm people and the general public as well. A family of mom,dad,daughter and sons have ordered it as well. So I am extremly flattered that my work has been accepted so fast.

A germany reporter that has a web site took pictures and will be linking to my site as well It turns out in Germany the western world is thriving and has a huge following. Who would have thought. Yes of course I sent him home in a Canadian Flap Jacket.

I hope I have not rambled on too much and for the record I would like to thank the many clients, friends and others who have helped me in my efforts to make use of any talent I may possess. Also special thanks to Sheila,Lynne and Karen for their special support during difficult times, both good and bad, living with my artist nature for a time; John for his efforts; Gary for his acknowledgment and encouragement; George,Roxanne,Betty and Delbert who have spent many years of just being there; Sheila for helping me get to know America more; Greg for doing all that embroidery; Nyo,Hugette and Prene for sewing their hearts out; Shauna the hottie you see on the web site And mostly I would like to thank my daughter Maighan Nicole and the many drawings she has left me through the years as I would work at the cutting table. Her talent is shining. As this is a public forum I feel that it was fitting to allow these acknowledgments.

For every young artist in any field of endeavor -- hang in there baby, sometimes it can be soooo sweet! Now lets make you some Clothing!

Sincerely

Thomas Brent