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New women’s collective empowering artisans through sales

Troy Shantz There’s a new gang in town, but there’s no cause for alarm. “We’re a happy, supportive gang,” said Ciara Redman, one of the four founders of Your Local Girl Gang. “It’s kind of a fun play on what a gang is.
GirlGang

Troy Shantz

There’s a new gang in town, but there’s no cause for alarm.

“We’re a happy, supportive gang,” said Ciara Redman, one of the four founders of Your Local Girl Gang.

“It’s kind of a fun play on what a gang is.”

Girl Gang is a collective of women artisans and entrepreneurs that provide handmade clothing, gifts and other locally produced goods.

Redman, along with Katie Conliffe, McKenna Gladwish and Lauren Callister, launched the initiative this summer.

They represent 16 independent vendors with links to Sarnia-Lambton that they promote and support them through sales and reach under the Girl Gang brand, which retains a commission or access to wholesale pricing.

“We wanted something new and fun online,” Redman said. “And it kind of just expanded into this really great collective. It makes me happy to share everyone else’s work too and just support one another.”

Redman, the owner of Black Cat Crochet Co., said beyond the online store, Girl Gang supports women who do outstanding work. Its website and social media pages feature professionals making a difference in the community.

“We think the women’s movement is huge right now and it’s important,” she said.

“The way the world’s going, I think it’s important to prove that women are strong and we’re here and we’re not going anywhere, and we’re going to take over a little bit.”

Redman said several “pop-up” shops in coming months will give customers a chance to touch and feel goods currently available only online.

The collective is also considering new businesses to represent in the new year.

“We just want women to help each other out and empower one another through sales, through our posts, and everything we do,” she said, adding that men are also welcome.

“Everyone is part of the Girl Gang.”

For more, visit www.yourlocalgg.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yourlocalgirlgangsarnia and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/yourlocalgirlgangsarnia


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