In celebration of International Women's Day, we wanted to highlight visionary entrepreneurs who have left their mark on the fashion and accessories industry. Among them, four inspiring women founded brands that combine style, functionality, and sustainability: Jak’s, Saute-Mouton, and Ilse Jacobsen.
Jak’s: Quebec Minimalism with a Feminine Touch
Founded in 2002 by Karine and Sophie Dionne, Jak’s came to life. Two Quebec sisters passionate about fashion decided to leave their careers in engineering and international management to launch their own company. With a bold approach and a well-defined vision, they founded their brand with a clear objective: to create elegant, functional, and timeless accessories.
Today, Jak’s products are distributed in over 200 stores across the country, a success that testifies to the strength of their vision and commitment to fashion. Their mission is to offer high-quality bags that integrate perfectly into daily life. Driven by the desire to create sustainable and timeless accessories, they design pieces for modern women seeking refinement and practicality. Additionally, a trip to Vietnam in 2002 marked the beginning of an artisanal collaboration, giving birth to bags with a personal touch, unique to each artisan.
Proudly Quebecois, Jak’s is a brand created by women for women. Behind this brand lies the audacity and vision of two sisters who dared to follow their passion for fashion. Karine and Sophie Dionne create more than just accessories; they design daily companions for modern women. Each bag is thought out to accompany those who, like them, seek pieces that reflect their personality.
Saute-Mouton: Quebec Expertise Serving Winter
When it comes to shoes adapted to Quebec's rigorous climate, Saute-Mouton stands out as an indispensable reference. Founded by Jacinthe Bergeron, the company was born in 1998 in Quebec with an initial collection of winter boots for children. In 2001, the company decided to abandon this collection to focus exclusively on adult models. This marked the direction Saute-Mouton would take today.
The company relies on artisanal expertise, offering handmade winter boots made from high-quality materials such as leather and sheep wool. Its mission is to design boots that combine style, warmth, and durability while respecting high standards of local manufacturing. It offers products designed to last, with particular attention to the environment and ethical production. What distinguishes Saute-Mouton is its 100% Quebec production, artisanal design, and resistance to the toughest winters.
Jacinthe Bergeron did not just found a boot brand; she built a legacy. With passion and determination, she transformed her love for artisanal craftsmanship into a thriving business rooted in values of quality, sustainability, and elegance. By choosing to focus on adult models, she took a bold gamble that shaped Saute-Mouton's identity as we know it today. Her journey is an inspiration for all women entrepreneurs who dare to follow their vision.
Ilse Jacobsen: The Strength and Elegance of Scandinavian Design
Heading to Denmark, where Ilse Jacobsen created her brand, inspired by nature and the Nordic climate. Her primary goal was to offer shoes, boots, and rainwear that combine style and functionality while remaining true to the Scandinavian aesthetic: pure, timeless, and respectful of natural materials. Driven by the desire to reinvent outerwear, Ilse Jacobsen proposes products that withstand the elements while maintaining natural elegance. By encouraging an active lifestyle close to nature, Ilse Jacobsen offers functional and eco-friendly clothing and shoes.
What distinguishes the brand is its minimalist and refined design, innovative manufacturing, and reduced ecological footprint. With passion and vision, Ilse Jacobsen transformed her love for Scandinavian design and nature into an iconic brand. She proved that it is possible to combine style and functionality without compromising on comfort and eco-responsibility. Her entrepreneurial journey testifies to a strong will: to offer women pieces that are both elegant and adapted to the realities of a certain climate. Today, every product signed Ilse Jacobsen reflects her commitment to celebrating nature, innovation, and timeless elegance.
Celebrating Women Who Move the Industry
Whether through their creativity, commitment to sustainable values, or desire to offer products that meet the needs of today's women, Jak’s, Saute-Mouton, and Ilse Jacobsen are more than just brands: they embody the talent and determination of visionary women entrepreneurs. In honor of International Women's Day, let's take a moment to celebrate those who innovate, create, and inspire.