Who Made My Clothes? 9 Facts About the Creator of Clothes & Roads

April marks Fashion Revolution Month, a global movement that encourages consumers to ask the question: Who made my clothes? It’s an opportunity to highlight the people and processes behind ethical, transparent, and sustainable fashion. In this spirit, I thought I’d share a few facts about myself so you can get to know the creator behind Clothes & Roads and learn a bit about my slow fashion journey. So here are 9 fun facts about me!

1. I didn’t study fashion

Yep, contrary to what one might think, I never studied fashion design! Everything I know today about designing and manufacturing clothing, I’ve learned on my own. My academic background is quite unconventional: I studied film (photography) at CEGEP, then majored in psychology and minored in Spanish at university. After that, I was trained to be a counselor and worked for several years as a daycare educator. A rather atypical path, but one that has allowed me to dabble in various fields and develop a deep curiosity... In the end, it’s not so surprising that I’m now an entrepreneur as a “jack-of-all-trades”!

2. I started sewing for a very simple reason

During my university studies, I needed new clothes, but my student budget didn’t allow me to refresh my wardrobe as I wanted. Since I’ve always had a creative side, I decided to learn how to make my own clothes. I already had a few basic sewing skills that my mother taught me in childhood. Back then, I didn’t know anything about pattern making, so I improvised. I was drawn to patterned fabrics, and my cuts were often asymmetrical and funky. My style has evolved a lot since then: today, I prefer more minimalist cuts and neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched—basically, the Clothes & Roads style!

I prefer accessorizing my minimalist clothes to create my own style, so I don’t get bored with my pieces too quickly, which used to happen with patterned clothes.

3. I launched my shop after having designed clothes for my own use

The first shirt I designed, which eventually became the first item in my online store, was created because I needed it for a backpacking trip.

That’s how my underwear collection came to life too. I never thought I’d sell underwear, but I ended up creating some because I needed them for myself. I really loved the styles I developed, so I decided to offer them on my store. After all, what’s more essential than comfortable and durable underwear? I felt they fit perfectly in my online shop!

Even today, 7 years since the launch of my brand, the clothes I make for myself end up becoming new items in my store. I really enjoy creating basic, versatile pieces that can be worn with anything and easily styled for different occasions all year long. I love offering you (and myself!) this functional and timeless wardrobe that makes daily life easier.

4. My business started in a tiny apartment

When I first started out, my workshop was set up in a small room in my apartment near Montreal, Canada. I started with a domestic sewing machine, then added a second one... before progressing to industrial sewing machines. At one point, I needed a cutting table, but due to lack of space, I would cut my fabric on my hands and knees on the living room floor! (I managed to convince myself it was yoga, but let’s be honest, it was far from ergonomic.) Over the years, I’ve definitely earned a PhD in Tetris for making the most of small spaces!

5. I literally moved for my business... and for my dog

When we adopted Moana, our dog, our apartment became too small. During the pandemic, we embarked on a house hunt with two key criteria: (1) A fenced yard for Moana; (2) A large basement for my workshop and expansion needs (goodbye Tetris and fake yoga!)

Today, everything is perfect! One half of the basement is my workshop (with all my machines and my three cutting tables lined up), and the other half is my warehouse, where I store my finished products, packing materials, racks for my clothes, lights, and walls for my events.

6. My dog is my assistant

Moana is not only adorable (and chatty in my Stories), she also plays a key role in my life balance. There was a time when, during the production rush of the holiday season, I’d sew until 3 AM. She would come find me and lead me to bed, being the good shepherd dog she is! Today, I have a healthier work rhythm, but she still makes sure I take breaks. We like to spend time outside and stretch our legs on hikes in the woods.

If you follow me on social media, you’ll probably see her taking little nap breaks, never far from me in the workshop. And when she’s not with me, she watches from the window, keeps an eye on passersby, and lets me know when a supplier’s package arrives at the door. A real little assistant!

7. I work while listening to podcasts, music, and Netflix!

I’ve kept my love for psychology, and while my hands are busy in the workshop, my mind enjoys learning. Since sewing has become second nature to me, I like to multitask and use the time to dive into my curiosities, learn, and entertain myself. I enjoy discovering podcasts on psychology, listening to music, or watching a series on Netflix. It helps make my working hours more enjoyable and speeds up the time a little during tasks that are automatic and repetitive.

8. I’m an introvert but my business pushes me to step out of my comfort zone

Running Clothes & Roads means having to make myself visible, especially on social media and at in-person events. This isn’t always easy for me, as I’m an introvert and prefer being behind the camera (a leftover from my film and photography studies!). And yet, I love meeting people! That’s why I participate in several in-person events every year. I enjoy these opportunities to connect with you, showcase my creations in person, and get your feedback on my products. But after an event, I need a lot of rest to recharge my batteries! Simply put, being an introvert means my social battery takes longer to recharge. I’ve learned to accept that and find ways to strike a balance.

For example, I often choose a quiet and peaceful Airbnb and make sure to go to bed early. Once an event day is over, I get some rest. Sometimes, I'd love to go out to a restaurant or network a bit more with my fellow artisans, but my social battery is usually completely drained. Once I'm back home after an event, I always schedule a few days off to rest and recharge. 

At my booth during the Originals Spring Show in Ottawa, April 2025.

9. My workshop takes up a huge part of my life (literally)

My business occupies a large portion of my living space. Whether it was my apartment in Longueuil or the basement of my current home, Clothes & Roads has always taken up a lot of space in my life, both literally and figuratively. When people ask me if my products are really made in Quebec, I can proudly say yes! In my workshop at home! 

Who makes your clothes?

So yes, it’s me, Marie-Eve, the creator of Clothes & Roads, who makes your clothes. But I want to point out that, sometimes, it’s not only me. Depending on the project and the production volume, I sometimes get help from different workshops in Quebec, in the Greater Montreal area: a cutter who cuts my fabric, seamstresses, and workshops. It’s important to me to collaborate with local Canadian professionals and businesses that share the same values of quality, sustainability and fairly paid labor. Together, we work hard to create the pieces that make up the Clothes & Roads collection.

So when you purchase one of my creations, know that it’s not just the result of my work, but the collective effort of a network of passionate people, right here in Canada.

Which of these facts surprised you? Follow me (and Moana) on Instagram and subscribe to my newsletter to stay connected.