Billie Le Kid: success for these women entrepreneurs

GENEVIÈVE HUCHETTE

Since last September, the children’s boutique Billie Le Kid has been putting smiles on faces in Tremblant’s pedestrian village. Of all the places looked at by owners Ariane Lescop and Julie Parenteau with a view to opening a second store, it is MontTremblant that most charmed them.

“We met friendly, courteous people at the TRA (ed: Tremblant Resort Association). It’s a pleasure to do business when you feel supported,” says Ariane, former psychoeducator and the co-founder, in 2016, of Billie Le Kid.

A number of customers of the first store in Outremont have found this new store in Tremblant and are delighted by the more sports-oriented selection. In addition to sports clothes and accessories, the store has toys for families spending time in restaurants and hotels.

Respect all around

The values of respect and balance are front and centre in this commercial adventure. According to Julie, a fashion marketing specialist, it’s important to select responsible brands and to know where the products come from and how they’re made. On the human resources side, the owners aim to achieve a good work ambience through work-family harmony and work-studies conciliation for their young employees.

Slow growth is key

After an excellent first season in MontTremblant, the future looks bright for Billie Le Kid. Since 2019, the online store has grown, really completing the in-store offering. This click-and-mortar approach is perfect for creating loyalty in customers who discover the company in Tremblant and can then order online once they’re back at home.

Ariane and Julie dream of slowly but surely opening other branches in Canada, and one day even beyond the borders. The best advice Ariane can give a young entrepreneur is to surround herself with good people. “When the team is happy, the business prospers.”