Latest news with #ConnieLo
Globe and Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Faster, smarter and bolder: How AI is helping companies to pivot and profit in real time
This past January, Three Ships, a Toronto-based clean beauty brand, identified a spike in domestic sales through its artificial intelligence-enabled performance dashboard. It clearly tracked the growth back to the brand's Canadian identity. The team at Three Ships acted swiftly to update all channels across their marketing universe with made-in-Canada positioning. In the months that followed, they could see the elevated sales trend continuing with a 477 per cent increase in conversions related to the messaging. 'We're all about agility,' says Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships. 'We track our KPIs [key performance indicators] and reporting on a daily basis, so whenever we see any type of fluctuation in the market or within our own performance, we're able to diagnose it.' Since launching in 2017, Three Ships has built a robust e-commerce presence as well as relationships with North American retailers such as Whole Foods, Credo and the Detox Market. Ms. Lo says the company is on track to hit revenues of $16-million to $20-million in 2025. AI has become critical at Three Ships, to synthesize data, support the advertising creative development process, and build custom dashboards without extensive coding investments. In seconds, Three Ships can see how many touchpoints a cohort needs to make a purchase. In a volatile business environment, companies are leaning more on agile analytics and AI to drive quicker and smarter decisions. That's evident in marketing. For years, companies relied on mixed media modelling and consumer research studies for the confidence to spend their campaign budgets. But there's a downside. 'It takes six months to get you a six-month prediction, so it doesn't really help you anymore,' says Winston Li, founder of Toronto-based Arima, a cloud-based consumer insights platform. With Arima, companies can update their models weekly or monthly, which adds real-time relevance to sales forecasting and marketing investments. It's easier to pivot, Mr. Li says. Business leaders need to be technology leaders too, says Bernadette Osmow, president and chief marketing officer of Osmow's Shawarma, headquartered in Mississauga, Ont. The chain started as a mom-and-pop sub shop, and has grown to 203 restaurants. Osmow's has always been an early adopter of new technology, from digital screen menus to point-of-sale systems. They now use an AI-powered fraud-fighting platform that reduces false claims about delivery orders gone awry. AI is also being used to boost digital threat detection, says Palash Thakur, head of data analytics and fraud operations at Interac, the Canadian payments provider. 'The industry requires real-time insights to detect fraud patterns instantly and anticipate fraud attempts before they strike.' He sees generative AI and analytics as a strategic powerhouse, driving both immediate impacts and future readiness. 'We aim to shift from reactive reporting to proactive, anticipatory analytics that foresee client needs in a rapidly evolving financial landscape,' says Mr. Thakur. While Ms. Osmow embraces what AI can offer, she adds that it's not a replacement for team members. 'It's an efficiency piece that allows them to do their jobs faster and more seamlessly. We ask, 'What pain points do you have? What takes you the longest?' And then those are the things we look at in terms of AI.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
11 of the best Asian-Canadian fashion & beauty brands you need to know — Blume, Three Ships, Monos and more
May is Asian Heritage Month. If you're looking to support Canadian Asian beauty and fashion brands, we're here to help. Some of these brands are in the early stages, while others have already carved out a space in their industry. But what unites them all is their bold missions and dedication to sharing their stories with the world. Whether you're looking for a new beauty staple or chic workwear, each brand on our curated list offers something special. Not what you're looking for? Founded in 1999 by four women of South Asian descent, Vasanti Cosmetics was born from a shared struggle — finding products that looked good for their skin tones. They set out to create a beauty brand that embraces all skin colours and types, ensuring representation and inclusiveness for beauty lovers. Recommendation: The Sun's Up! Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is a new SPF launch that works as both a sunscreen and anti-dark spot cream to fade spots overtime. Co-founded by Connie Lo and Laura Burget in 2017, Three Ships is all about keeping things natural. Made with science-backed and sustainably-sourced ingredients, every product is a reflection of the founders' vision for clean, effective and affordable skincare. Plus, it's proudly made in Canada. Recommendation: The Radiance Ultra-Hydrating Cream is lightweight, non-greasy and offers all-day hydration. Sisters Bunny and Taran Ghatrora founded Blume in 2018 because of their personal journeys with acne-prone skin. Their goal? Gentle and effective products to make women young women feel comfortable in their own skin. Recommendation: Blume's most recent launch, the Toffee Tripeptide-1 Lip Tint, delivers all-day hydration with a dash of colour. Lisa Mattam launched Sahajan in 2015 after a moment of clarity: if she wouldn't use harsh ingredients on her daughter's skin, why would she use it on her own? Sahajan blends Ayurvedic beauty principles with modern science using clean, natural ingredients. Recommendation: The Ayurvedic Blend Nourish Crème Riche is a cream that targets dryness and fine lines. It works to nourish the skin while brightening it with triphala. Founded in 2010 by husband-wife duo Arjuna Thiagarajah and Min Kang, Oak + Fort is a minimal fashion brand created with the idea that style doesn't have to come with a steep price. You'll find high-quality, sustainable pieces that are chic and affordable. Recommendation: This timeless cardigan is a great piece for transitional weather. Launched in 2018 by a group of childhood friends who love to travel, Monos is a high-end luggage brand built with mindful travel in mind. They offer sleek, minimal designs that are made to last. Recommendation: The brand's latest addition is the Gesso tote bag made out of 100 per cent cotton canvas. It's spacious and works great as a carry-on travel bag. Two long-time friends came together to create Frank And Oak in 2012, with the goal of creating durable and quality pieces at a fair price point. Unfortunately, the brand recently announced they're closing their doors — but there are still some great deals to snag. Recommendation: The Amelia Balloon Pants are chic and effortless, making them a versatile option to take from meetings to post-work cocktails. When a group of friends from Vancouver found themselves always dealing with wet socks, they were compelled to create Vessi in 2018. The innovative brand features 100 per cent waterproof shoes made from a knit fabric that's soft, flexible and lightweight. Recommendation: The Market Flat is a sleek loafer-style shoe that is fashionable and functional. Silk & Snow, a premium sleep and bedding brand, was started in 2017 by two friends inspired by sustainability and comfort. Recommendation: The Muslin Blankets and Bedding products are gentle and lightweight, making them a great bedding option for summer. This trending beauty brand was founded in 2024 by Matthew Celestial to challenge the busy and burnt out mindset with a moment of self recovery through skincare — all while championing representation for all skin tones and types. Recommendation: The Quantum Mud Mask purifies, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, leaving you with a glowing complexion. Ghlee was created in 2018 when brother and sister duo Varun and Arati Sharma realized how ghee could combat harsh Canadian winters. It's the first ghee-based beauty brand that blends traditional South Asian remedies with a modern approach. Recommendation: This popular lip mask is made from ghee, olive squalane and kahai oil to hydrate and sooth dry, cracked lips.
