BC Business
Like how she fared as a fruit picker.
Originally from the U.K., Wendy Youds has worked and lived around the globe for some of the world’s most admired brands.
That’s meant everything from in her home country managing products for storied companies like Dr. Martens and Next, as well as stints in places like Hong Kong, Monaco and Cape Town.
In 2012, she found herself in Vancouver and has been here ever since. She’s also been attached to some big names in the city, having spent five years as director of product development at Lululemon Athletica before logging three years as senior director of product design and production at MEC.
Her newest gig takes her to one of the province’s fastest growing outfits, the Strathcona-based furniture e-tailer Article (and its awesome office). She became the company’s vice-president, product and merchandising, earlier this month.
Here are some things you (probably) didn’t know about her.
What is your favourite spot in B.C.?
Eagle Island, B.C. I paddleboard around it in the summer.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Polignano a Mare, Italy.
Favourite restaurant/bar?
Farina a Legna—a new Italian restaurant on the North Shore.
What is your most memorable podcast, film or book?
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje. I try and read it every year.
What is your morning routine?
I’m on the pool deck at 6 a.m. with my daughter, who’s a swimmer. Otherwise, I’m up early to prepare lunches and get the kids out the door.
Hobby?
Painting, cooking and restoring furniture.
Best advice ever received?
“Measure twice. Cut once.” —My father, a shoemaker.
Your worst job ever?
My first job was fruit picking. It was physically tolling—I was sunburnt, scratched and sick to my stomach from eating so much fruit. I did it for one day and never went back.
What is your favourite quote?
“Do the right thing, not the easy thing.”
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Tiger. It’s my Chinese zodiac sign. It tells me that I can be brave, competitive, resilient and confident, sometimes stubborn. But also charming and friendly with a sense of humour. I like to think it was written for me.