MESHIA, FOUNDER OF GOALS A.F.

Describe yourself and your designs to us?

My name is Meshia and I’m the Founder and owner of Goals A.F. My brand was born when I could not find an A5 agenda that was luxurious yet minimal style, but affordable.

I have always loved planning and staying organised, but in establishing Goals A.F, it was very important to me that it represented more than just a brand and selling products. I wanted to connect with other females on another level. Goals A.F is a lifestyle.

My purpose is to encourage, motivate and build a community of ambitious females all over the world by enabling women to connect, build relationships and network. So, I decided to create a line of luxury organizers, stationery and leather goods to help ambitious females to feel amazing, while assisting them to reach their goals.

What inspires and drives you?

Seeing other ambitious females going after what they're passionate about and not stoping until they’ve achieve what it. What drives me is my family, team and supporters, they keep me going because the love and energy I receive on a daily basis is such an amazing feeling.

What is one of your proudest moments in your career?

One of the proudest moments in my career was when our first collection sold out twice over. I still can't believe it happened! I am so happy and humbled to have such amazing customers supporting my brand, it means so much to me.

What is a CHALLENGE YOU FACED in shaping Goals A.F?

The hardest challenge was when we were transitioning to in-house manufacturing. In Toronto, there are not many manufacturers who would take on my work as creating agendas are such a complex task.

So, even though there were times that I was a little bit discouraged, I was determined to find someone who would bring my design to life (which I finally did after two months of searching!) This obstacle that I faced has taught me how much I can endure and what I am capable of when my options are slim. 

What do you love to do to recharge?

I love to relax with my family at home and do absolutely nothing but binge watch on television shows, movies accompanied by some lovely food! Or discover a new restaurant in the city.

What advice do you have for emerging designers?

My advice for emerging artists and designers is to be true to who you are, be a trendsetter and to think outside the box. Always take the time in perfecting your craft and continue to educate yourself in the industry. People gravitate towards originality so never lose sight of why you started in the first place, and ALWAYS be consistent.