Interview with Master Allan, founder of La Suiterie
Today, we introduce you to Alioune Traore, also known as Master Allan, a young Burkinabes located in the Ottawa / Gatineau region. He is the founder of “La Suiterie”, a brand that offers tailor-made clothing.
Who is Master Allan?
I am a young entrepreneur who also practices in the field of clothing, and who has the opportunity to do what he is passionate about. I do not define myself quite as a stylist. I have a passion for clothes, so I decided to venture in that field.
Tell us about the creation of Suiterie
La Suiterie was created in Canada in 2014. I started with the sale of Street Wear clothing that I distributed in Ottawa boutiques under the Billénium brand. Over time, I realized that I had more heart for everything that was formal. So with the profits of the Street Wear, I was able to launch into the production of costumes, specifically, custom clothing (shirts, suites).
Where does the name “Suiterie” come from?
It is a French transformation of the English word “Suite” (costume). Just like a Quebecer would say “poutinerie”, “La Suiterie” is the place where the suites are sold. It’s a word that adapts to the Canadian market, specifically Quebecers and Franco-Ontarians, who have slightly French culture, a Parisian style, which I manage to offer them.
What kind of services does “La Suiterie” currently offer, and how will it evolve?
We offer jackets, shirts and pants, as well as accessories (handkerchiefs, tie). Until now, the offer has not changed too much, however, the quality and style keys have changed. I intend to keep these same products, in order to retain my customers. We expect to offer shoes soon, but under another brand.
“La Suiterie “is the place where the costumes are sold
What do your customers look like?
My clientele is quite varied, there is a strong African concentration, but also people from the islands (Haiti …), and a local clientele (Quebecers and Franco-Ontarian). About 75% of my clients are in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and 25% in Montreal. In regards to their profiles, we address a middle class and rather easy. We also have a high-end clientele, who can get the costumes without difficulty.
Where does this talent for sewing come from?
I took courses, but not institutional. Indeed the knowledge came to me thanks to a book that I bought, and through videos on youtube. Today, production is rather delegated. We do costumes in Hong Kong because they have the expertise and equipment (laser …). In my opinion with the cheaper workmanship, Africa is a exploitable market for our production.
There is a tendency for African stylists to go towards “Wax clothing”, is that something you are considering?
This is something I’m considering, but I intend to do it very discreetly (just a touch). I think that to do it well, it will first be necessary that the brand groes, and becomes a trend reactor, which takes time.
I have a very good and loyal African clientele, and have had more referencing from Africans. So I do not believe in this “myth of African non-solidarity.
How difficult is it to get into Canada, especially when immigrated?
Canada is a welcoming country with a lot of regulation facilities, so it’s possible to start something. Nevertheless there is the clash of cultures that makes things difficult. It is therefore necessary to know how to confront and adapt to different cultures. On the other hand, when the product is good, being an immigrant has little importance.
A message for African entrepreneurs?
My message is to start an activity that is close to your heart. You have to experiment, find your passion, and launch without necessarily looking at the financial side.
In the beginning, talk about your projects only to people who have no interest in what you do. Once the success is achieved, you can share it, because people do not support ideas, but actions.
I have a very good and loyal African clientele, and have had more referencing from Africans. So I do not believe in this “myth of African non-solidarity”.
It is often said that Africans are not solidarity and do not support each other, do you share this?
I do not share it at all. In my opinion, there is strong solidarity among Africans. I think if we do not support another African, it may be because we believe we could find a better product elsewhere. Today my company can even operate without marketing because I have a strong African clientele. Personally, I have a very good and loyal African clientele, and have had more referencing from Africans. So I do not believe in this “myth of African non-solidarity”.
You are going to Africa soon, what are your plans during this trip?
I will explore the opportunities in relation to my company and offer my knowledge. Most certainly I will help people out there with the knowledge I have, so I can export out there what I started here.
What are the upcoming projects?
We work on a shoe brand. This is a long-standing project. By September, we will be able to release the first pair. This will be shoes in leather, some casual with white soles. We will nonetheless remain focused on the high end. We are going to add colors to the shoes, using the patina “(hand-painted shoes), so we will have the opportunity to offer shoes that are out of the ordinary, and rare in the region. So it will be a great innovation: a product that speaks for itself.
How can people contact you?
For the first time, you have to make an appointment online for the measurement. This can be done on the site, , or through social networks (Instagram, Facebook) or there is the ability to call. Once the appointment is made, we can meet either in one of our ephemeral shops (in Montreal on weekends), or according to the clientele, at home (which is like a condo-boutique).
