#WhyNotMe Entrepreneur Spotlight - Katie Switzer, Founder, Form Era Studio

May 1, 2025

By Neal Lilliott

Bio picture of Katie Switzer, Founder, Form Era Studios

#WhyNotMe GBC Entrepreneur Spotlight: Katie Switzer, Founder, Form Era Studio

This month, as we look forward to greeting you at our Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Showcase (RIES), what better way to prepare than to share the story of an amazing GBC alumni entrepreneur who recently completed a product development research project at the college. The results were so good that a second project is just about to begin with MITACS support.

Meet Katie Switzer, founder of Form Era Studio, a Toronto-based slow fashion brand that produces “Made in Canada” jeans designed especially for the hourglass body type and using premium materials built to last.

We had the good fortune to connect with Katie recently and ask her some questions about her entrepreneurial journey.

About Katie

Katie is a lifelong artist and clothing maker, as well as a wife and mother of two. She has an academic background in fine arts and fashion, and a work background in public administration. She recently received an MBA from Toronto Metropolitan University, through which she engaged in much of the in-depth research and development work necessary to launch her brand, Form Era Studio.

Form Era is a slow fashion brand made in Toronto. Their jeans are designed especially for the hourglass body type, eliminating the "waistband gap" fit problem known to many. They use premium materials to create timeless designs that are both artistic and built to last. All of their designs are made in small batches and are available in waist sizes 24-48.

Academic Background

Diploma Fashion Techniques & Design, GBC School of Fashion 20218

Bachelor of Fine Arts (2014) – OCAD

University; Master of Business Administration (2024) - Toronto Metropolitan University

What made you want to become an entrepreneur?

I have been sewing for my whole life and have been engaged in various entrepreneurial activities related to sewing for just about as long. It has always been both my favourite hobby and biggest passion. I also wanted the freedom to dictate my own schedule, as well as the challenge of setting up and running a business. Truly, there is never a dull moment.

Why did you create your business?

At age 30-something, I found myself working a great job with an amazing team, but a job that was leaving me unfulfilled. I decided at this point to formally start working on an idea I'd had for more than a decade, which would aim to solve a big problem I experienced regularly: the three-inch "waistband gap" I always dealt with when buying jeans that fit my hips. I figured that tackling this problem might make a great business idea and would potentially allow me to turn my biggest passion into my career.

What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?

We recently participated in the One-of-a-Kind Show, which introduced our brand to so many new people, and was the largest event our brand has ever participated in. It was a real blast!

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Just keep going! I have been through countless moments where it would have been easier to turn back, or where a challenge ahead of me felt nearly insurmountable. Through all of these, I am glad I persisted. Sometimes the best course of action is to back away, take a break, and approach the challenge later, with renewed energy.

Any books or podcasts you would recommend?

The Goal - Eliyahu M. Goldratt; Influence - Robert B. Cialdini, PhD.

Anything else you would like to share?

Building up a network of mutual support is the key to success! It's so important to involve others in your journey and to help others when you can. As they say, "A rising tide lifts all boats."