TikTok recognizes London, Ont. LGBTQ+ business as a Canadian favourite
TikTok has recognized London-based LGBTQ+ business, Rainbow Certified, as one of Canada’s favourite brands on the platform for 2022.
The business was created in December 2019, but according to its co-founders, it really became their “lockdown baby” when the COVID-19 pandemic hit a few months later.
They create and ship Pride merchandise, like stickers, pins, shirts and Christmas ornaments.
“Businesses small or large usually carry some kind of Pride merchandise throughout June because it’s Pride month,” explained Sarah Couvillon. “But then those kind of products typically go away throughout the rest of the year.”
Rainbow Certified aims to fill that gap.
“We wanted to create a business that celebrates Pride in our community every single day,” said Rachael Newby.
In the early days, they were excited if they got a single order in a week. These days, however, they’re filling five to 10 orders a day.
“Did we really just get an order from Sri Lanka?” joked Couvillon. “Like how did someone from there hear about us?”
They attribute much of their growth to TikTok, where Rainbow Certified has amassed more than 40,000 followers in the last year.
“It just gives us all a chance to get involved and see what the LGBT community wants, and just celebrate Pride and the aspects of why we do it,” said Newby.
Their entire operation is run out of their London home right now, but they are hoping to eventually have a storefront.
Dozens of retailers across North America, and even a couple in Europe, now carry their merchandise.
Couvillon and Newby haven’t been able to leave their day jobs to fully commit just yet, but the plan is to transition Couvillon to that role sometime in the New Year.
“Definitely been a challenge at times,” said Newby. “But in possibly the best way, because we’ve seen each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
“We’ve been stuck together 24/7 through lockdown, created a business, and we both work from home,” added Couvillon with a chuckle. “I think it’s safe to say our relationship is very solid.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.