Meet Sade Babatunde, the passionate owner of Knit Me Up, a personal styling business that’s redefining how clients look and feel about their wardrobes. Sade’s journey as an entrepreneur is one marked by determination, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel confident in their own skin. After years of juggling a corporate job with her side hustle, she took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, bringing her vision to life with Knit Me Up. Today, Sade offers a highly personalized and transformative styling experience, catering to each client’s unique style, needs, and lifestyle. Let’s dive into her story.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what motivated you to start Knit Me Up?
Sade: My journey into entrepreneurship has always been part of me. Initially, I studied entrepreneurship in university, but my dad suggested I pursue marketing because it felt like a more practical path. I loved it, and marketing became my full degree. After I graduated, the job market was tough, so I decided to take a different route. A friend encouraged me to start sharing my outfit photos on Instagram, but I realized I enjoyed shopping with people and helping them find clothes that suited them. I started doing it for friends and family, and the entrepreneur in me kicked in – I built a website, got on social media, and really went for it. By 2016, I was in full swing, and the business grew, especially during the pandemic when people’s bodies and lifestyles had changed, and they needed wardrobe advice. In 2024, I was laid off from my full-time job. It was the perfect storm I needed because the entrepreneur in me was itching to break through, and that’s when I took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship and everything fell into place. My family’s support and my faith have been huge motivators for me. It was the perfect time to focus on what I’d been building.
Q: What exactly do you offer at Knit Me Up, and what sets you apart from other stylists?
Sade: At its core, I’m a personal stylist. But it’s more than just clothes and accessories – it’s about personal branding and confidence-building. During a styling session, I help clients express their true selves through their wardrobe. We focus on how to reflect their personality and lifestyle in a way that makes them feel empowered. What sets us apart is the deeply personalized approach we take. We discuss everything from hobbies and music taste to body shape and colour preferences, which makes each experience unique. We also shop outside of Calgary, offering a much wider range of options and sizes, including international brands from places like the UK and Spain. This allows us to give clients something truly unique, making them feel special in a way that they can’t find anywhere else. It’s not just about looking good – it’s about feeling good and wearing clothes that truly reflect who they are. Additionally, we bring all of these wonderful options to our clients’ homes, providing added flexibility and comfort during each session. We’ll also return any items they don’t want, making the experience completely hassle-free.
Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner?
Sade: Like most entrepreneurs, I often find myself juggling many roles. It’s overwhelming at times because no matter what I complete, there’s always something new that needs attention. As the business grows, it’s a challenge to manage that growth without compromising quality or burning out. I’ve seen other startups move too fast and stumble, so I’m focused on pacing myself and making sure the operations are sustainable. One of the big challenges is ensuring that my marketing continues to grow with the business. Getting people to find me on Google has been key. That’s something I’m always working on. It’s also important to me to build those lasting relationships and find ways to serve my clients continuously, whether through subscription services or other creative channels.
Q: How did you first come across Business Link, and how has your experience been so far?
Sade: I discovered Business Link through a Google search. I was at a point in my business where I wanted to figure out how to manage debt and grow my business sustainably. That led me to sign up for newsletters, and I ended up joining the Peerpreneur sessions. It was the perfect timing because I was just transitioning out of my corporate job, and meeting other entrepreneurs was really inspiring. The Business Advisor I met during the Peerpreneur sessions became a huge resource for me, providing links and advice on grants and resources to help fund my growth. I also had the chance to tap into Business Link’s market research, which has been incredibly valuable for planning my next steps. It’s been great to work with a team that genuinely cares about supporting entrepreneurs.
Q: What’s next for Knit Me Up?
Sade: In the short term, I’m focused on maintaining strong relationships with my current clients and encouraging repeat business. I’ve noticed that more clients are returning, which is exciting. I want to build on that momentum and continue offering personalized, high-quality service. Long term, I’d love to expand outside of Calgary. I’ve been looking into ways to scale my business, including using technology to streamline services and possibly introduce a platform for clients to book regular styling sessions. I’m also exploring the idea of targeting professionals in industries like law, healthcare, and oil and gas. Once I’ve nailed the Calgary market, I’ll look into taking the brand to other cities.
Q: Is there any advice you’d like to offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds?
Sade: My advice is simple: don’t let being black or from an underrepresented background hold you back. There are always going to be barriers, but they shouldn’t define you or limit your opportunities. If one door is closed, find another path. I’ve learned that if you don’t fit into one mold, you can create your own path. Stay confident and keep pushing forward, because there’s always a way to make things work, no matter the challenges.
Get Support on Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Sade’s story is an inspiring example of following your passion and building a business that reflects who you truly are. If you’re a small business owner in Alberta looking for guidance, resources, or just a bit of encouragement, Business Link is here to help. Like Sade, you can check out our market research resources and the Peerpreneur program for more support. Book a consultation with one of our advisors today to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey!
Website: https://www.knitmeupstyle.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knitmeup.style/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knitmeupsade
Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/knitmeupstyle/
