Thank you, Mom! - Vespucci & VSP High-End Luxury Consignment Stores

Writer: Jasmin Tameta - Editor: Trinh Dong

Like Mother, Like Daughters

Opened in 1986 by Dianne Rawlinson, Vespucci - a Calgary-based high-end luxury consignment store was sparked out of a problem that needed a solution. One day, Dianne realized that she had too many shoes and even with the new closet that her husband built for her, there was still not enough space. She thought there must have been a place to sell such high-class items, and voila - that is where it all started. 

From a small 500-square-foot space in the strip mall behind her house, now Vespucci has expanded to three different locations across Canada, including Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton. For over 30 years, the family-owned store has now become an industry leader among high-end luxury consignment stores in Canada, gaining a cult following among fashion collectors nationally and internationally. 

Follow Instagram: Vespucci and VSP

Dianne has now “gone backstage”, letting her daughters, Blake Rawlinson and Britt Rawlinson, take over the business. Blake is currently the owner of Vespucci in Calgary and Britt is the owner of VSP in Toronto.

Vespucci Consignment: 8244 Elbow Dr. S.W, Calgary, AB

VSP Consignment: 1410 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y3

On the occasion of Mother’s Day, The Issue Magazine sat down with Blake and Britt to learn more about the mother-and-daughter-owned businesses, Vespucci and VSP.

(From left to right) Dianne, Blake, Britt. Blake in her grad dress purchased from Vespucci in 2003 and Britt carrying a classic Fendi Baguette Bag.

The Issue Magazine: Hi Britt and Blake, first of all - congratulations! We heard the news that recently, VSP carried the Emmy-nominated Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creeks’ closet that contained over 800 pieces worn by the Rose family. Tell us more about it? 

Britt: That was definitely a huge achievement for the entire team! We loved every second of that experience. It really tested all of our resources and skillsets to launch a project of that size but I’ve never been more proud of my team. Every single one of them stepped up tremendously and worked together seamlessly to execute our vision. It happened pretty organically with a conversation and some ideas of how we could work together and in the end, I feel very fortunate that they trusted us with the magic that was Schitt’s Creek.

Miss Moço as Moira Rose From Schitt’s Creek - Image from VSP’s website

The Issue Magazine: Both of you grew up at your mother’s shop, Vespucci consignment. What were your earliest memories when your mother first opened her business?

Blake: I was probably around two when my mom first opened the business. My earliest memory was working the fitting rooms at our Mount Royal Village location. The fitting rooms had floor-to-ceiling mirrors and it always reminded me of a funhouse, I was probably under 10. Also, my sister and I used to pose in the store windows pretending to be mannequins hoping no one would see us. 

Britt “modelling” in the original Vespucci in 1991

The Issue Magazine: From your experience growing up to expanding your family-owned store, what challenges did you have when VSP was open in Toronto?

 Britt: Challenges were probably much like most people starting up a new venture I suspect. In the way that you have a vision and you just hope that it resonates and connects with others. I had many great mentors previously that taught me the importance of customer service in retail and what to prioritize. I feel lucky that we kept at it and had consistent growth within our customer base but also our team members. 

Each new stage of growth happened at the right time for us. I’m a firm believer in fate to a certain degree. Staying true to yourself and your own vision is key. Also, try not to pay attention to what others are doing because that can often cloud your personal judgment. 

The Issue Magazine: Your mother is the mastermind behind Vespucci. What inspired her to open Vespucci?

Britt: What I’ve always admired in my mom is that her drive and passion come from simply enjoying what she does on a day-to-day basis. I think other people also recognize her passion and kind nature which has in turn helped with the success and growth over the years.

Blake with her daughters Marlowe and Shay and Dianne in Vespucci.

The Issue Magazine: Tell us more about your mother.

Blake: My mom is the most caring person I know. She is so generous and constantly goes out of her way to put others first. Always looking to help people, staff, family, friends, [and] customers, she treats everyone equally and like family.

The Issue Magazine: What do you love the most about working with your mother?

Blake: She’s an inspiration, she works so hard six/seven days a week from open to close. She’s always upbeat and in a good mood, I think she truly loves doing what she does. She still gets so excited when new clothes or accessories come in and thinks ’this is the best’.

The Issue Magazine: What is it like working alongside your mother and sister?

Britt: I feel so fortunate every day that I get to work alongside both of them. Obviously, it doesn’t come without its challenges but we all have a similar vision and drive, so in the end, we are further ahead because of the variety of opinions and ideas. Myself, Blake and our mom speak on the phone more times in a day than we can count! Often just quick touch bases but having this business to work on and grow together has made our relationships extremely strong. Also being able to learn from how my mother grew her business and watch her interact with her team and clients taught Blake and me a lot about what’s important on a day-to-day basis. 

Britt with her twin boys Max and Ira

The Issue Magazine: What is the best piece of advice your mom has given you in terms of managing your businesses?

Blake: Make sure you have parking and your open sign is on (*laughs*).

The Issue Magazine: What was one article of clothing or accessory you recall your mom cannot leave the house without?

Blake: My mom does not leave the house without sunglasses no matter the season. 

The Issue Magazine: Is there anything you want to say to your mother on Mother’s Day?

Blake: I hope I have the same energy and passion my mom does 30 years from now, so I can pass along my love and work ethic to my two girls the same way she passed it along to me.

The Issue Magazine: Thank you, Blake and Britt!

On behalf of The Issue Magazine, we want to send the best wishes to all mothers - our superwomen. We thank you for all you have done. The sacrifices you have made and the challenges you have faced will forever be remembered along with the unconditional love you have given us. 

Happy Mother’s Day!