Ainslie Answers
We thought it would be fun to ask Ainslie, the founder of AinslieWear some questions, and share some insights from the woman with a love for combining dancewear and fashion.
What was the first costume you ever made?
At age 17 I made a beautiful dusty mauve dress for a pas de deux. But I had been “re-inventing” my leotards for years before that.
Best tour while a ballet dancer?
Southeast Asia for 6 weeks with Ballet BC. Simply fabulous!
If you could go back and re-live one moment onstage, what would that be?
A great performance of “in the middle somewhat elevated” by William Forsythe. I came off stage after and thought 2 things… “I could do that all over again, it felt so effortless”, and “If I die tomorrow I’d be happy having that as my last performance”. It was just one of those “on” performances where I felt so in the flow.
If you weren’t an entrepreneur you’d be a….
A writer, or concert pianist, or comedic actor.
Three qualities that got you where you are today?
Drive, perseverance, passion. And common sense too.
How did you make your first dollar?
Handing out samples of Doritos at the local grocery store.
Best part-time summer job?
Selling bagels & cream cheese on Wreck Beach in Vancouver, B.C.
Favourite quote?
I have plenty of sticky notes with great quotes posted around my apartment:
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” and “Colour can raise the dead!” by Iris Apfel
First choice for de-stressing?
Going out tango dancing, especially when my favourite dance partners are there.
What 3 things are vital to your day?
Meditation and yoga stretching in the morning, connecting with my family….. (and chocolate).
Greatest weakness?
Shoes.
Success is?
Having a positive inner dialogue, expanding the self, having the love of family and friends.
Best recent laugh?
Convincing way too many friends on Facebook that I actually was laughing in person with George Clooney, when it was really a life size cardboard cut out of him at the wine store. Priceless!!
Three favourite things of summer?
Eating al fresco, wearing light summer dresses and sailing on a sunny windy day!
