Gary and Aiden Francis – Escape Hatch Clothing, Lennox Island First Nation
Gary and Aiden Francis are a father & son duo from Lennox Island First Nation. They have combined their individual passion and skills to create Atlantic Canada’s first apparel and marketing brand dedicated to the region’s blue-collar workers, especially those involved in the fishery.
“Escape Hatch Clothing is more than just a brand; it is a tribute to the hardworking fishermen and blue-collar workers of Atlantic Canada. We are proud to celebrate their resilience and tradition through our apparel.” – Aiden Francis
It all started through a conversation during the drive to Charlottetown to catch a flight. Aiden was driving his father Gary to the airport, and on the trip, he was telling him about the websites he was creating. Gary chimed in to say that he’d always wanted to create a clothing brand. By the time Gary returned from his trip, Aiden had created a website for the new clothing brand. With Aiden’s tech skills and Gary’s business knowledge, they created Escape Hatch Clothing.
The Rural Action Centre in Alberton provided the pair with valuable guidance and resources. Barb MacDonald, the Client Information Officer, referred them to David Gamble, Innovation PEI’s Business Development Officer for Western PEI. He connected them with potential opportunities and provided support that helped them navigate the initial stages of their start-up.
Gary and Aiden have attended several workshops and sessions offered by CBDC Western PEI in partnership with the Rural Action Centre (RAC), both online and in person. These sessions provided them with new insights and strategies to implement in their business. They are pleased to be on Barb’s RAC Email List that keeps them informed about upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities to help their business.
The business owners say having a Rural Action Centre in their region is crucial as it provides local businesses with essential support, resources, and opportunities. It fosters a sense of community and helps local businesses thrive by offering guidance and connecting them with valuable networks.
The Rural Action Centre in Alberton has been a cornerstone in the development of Escape Hatch Clothing. Their guidance and support have been invaluable, helping us navigate the challenges of starting a business and connecting us with opportunities to grow. We are deeply grateful for their assistance and highly recommend their services to other local businesses.
~ Gary and Aiden Francis, Escape Hatch Clothing
PHOTOS: atlantic360photography.ca