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  • Writer's pictureInnovative Minds Queen's

We’ve Got You Covered with Oh So Wild

Updated: Nov 9, 2018



Chances are that your phone is something you use the most throughout the day, so naturally it's something you want to protect carefully. Guess what - you’re in luck! 3rd year commerce student Danika Bertrand, the founder of Oh So Wild, has you covered (or your phone). Her beautiful hand-drawn designs on leather and wood cases will take your mirror-selfie game to the next level. Danika shared her story of combining her passion for creativity with becoming an entrepreneur.



Q: Tell us a little about your background

My name is Danika Bertrand, I am a third-year commerce student at Queen’s University and I have a really big passion for creativity. I was born and raised in Aurora, Ontario which is where I had the opportunity to do various activities such as soccer, painting, dancing, and so forth. My first language is French, which is from mom’s side of the family. Creativity is the biggest aspect of my life and it finds a way to integrate itself into everything I do.


Q: Can you introduce us to Oh So Wild?

I founded Oh So Wild in the spring of 2018, and later received a grant from the Ontario government. Prior to launching this business, I did some laser engraving through another venture with my older brother, Nicholas. This helped inspire the laser engraving on the iPhone cases.


My mission with Oh So Wild is simple: To create unique wooden and leather iPhone cases with hand drawn designs. I draw all the designs myself on my iPad, which I then laser engrave onto the cases. Each design is inspired by something that has touched me throughout my life. There is a small section under each design found on my website that explains the meaning behind each design. I recently had the chance to collaborate with another artist, who is a childhood friend of mine. She drew the design Patience, which is now available for sale on my website. In the future, I hope to work with more creative people and do more collaborations with artists.

Q: How did you find your suppliers?

Prior to launching the company, I did lots of product research. I ordered cases from various suppliers and tested them for durability and how they engrave. By this, I mean how the designs look on the wood cases. From there, I had to ensure the manufacturer that I chose not only had a great product, but also a great relationship could be built between us.


Q: How do you engage with your customers?

I focus my main marketing efforts towards Instagram because I enjoy posting pictures of the creative process, the product, various events, and more. Doing this allows my followers to stay in the loop with what is happening at Oh So Wild. Also, my target market is mainly young girls around the age of 20. These girls tend to already have Instagram and love following companies and brands that are aesthetic. This is really at the heart of my Instagram and marketing campaigns.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about Oh So Wild?

My favorite aspect of running Oh So Wild is definitely the creative aspect. I am not one for the finance or accounting, but this is obviously an essential element of running a business. So, throughout my weeks I have to find time to do these things. I love focusing on photography of products, creating the graphic designs, and running the website. I am fortunate to get to meet amazing people at the different events I run. Here, I get the opportunity to talk to them and understand what they hope to get from my company. Another great element of running Oh So Wild is collaborating with Instagram bloggers and seeing where they can take my company.


Q: What is the secret of managing the business while still at school?

I have always been involved with many extracurriculars, and other social commitments on top of school. I really think this is something I thrive off of. Oh So Wild has also become second nature to my everyday life; running the Instagram, posting photos, answering my DM’s (Direct Messages) and emails happens between day-to-day life.


I also have a great support system at home from my parents, my brother, and friends. These people are there to help me when my life gets a little too crazy for me to handle. I often go home on weekends to work on my company. For example, this past weekend I went to Aurora to launch a popup shop at one of the malls near my house.


Running Oh So Wild means I have to prioritize elements of my life and find a balance. Balance is something I want to highlight, as it is really important to be able to do everything that you want; this means not just doing Oh So Wild or only school. I strongly believe in making sure you are in-tuned with your mental health along the process.



Q: Last, what would you say to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

I am sure you already heard this, but my best advice is to just go for it – just do it. There is really no time like the present to take the risk of launching a company. I really believe it is important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Being a part of the government grant provided me with the opportunity to meet other young entrepreneurs. I still keep in contact with a few of them and help each other throughout the process of developing our own companies.


Reaching out to people who inspire you is key – don’t be afraid of doing this because they truly are just ordinary people who know who you are and once went through the same thing as you. They will find the time to share their story and how they became who they are today. This is something that has personally helped me launch Oh So Wild and learn about being an entrepreneur.



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