Small Business Contest

Could your small business use $5,000?

Enter to Win $5,000 for Your Small Business from BCAA Small Business Insurance

This contest is now closed.

Read About the Most Recent Winner

We’re proud to announce Fat Sisters Vintage and Consignment as this year’s winner of the BCAA Small Business Month Contest and the $5,000 grand prize. This prize is part of BCAA’s commitment to supporting the amazing entrepreneurs in BC communities. In just 10 months, Fat Sisters has become a community hub - a place where people are seen and valued (and can find super fun fits!). As owner Brenna Strohschein says: “All bodies are welcome in our space, our name is about me and my sister - it’s not only for people who are fat and sisters!”

A spotlight on Fat Sisters Plus Size Vintage and Consignment

In early 2024, Brenna and Erika decided to test the market with a pop-up location after launching their online presence in the fall of 2023. Located in a charming brick building on Government Street in Victoria, Fat Sisters is hard to miss. Its bold name, chosen by sisters Brenna and Erika, reclaims a term that historically was tied to shame. Their goal is to provide access to clothing for people who have a hard time shopping in “regular” stores - offering sizes XL - 6X.

Two Sisters of Fat Sisters posing in front of their shop

How it all began

Bodies change. “I wasn’t always fat” shared Brenna - and the change was a challenge for her. As many will experience, bodies will evolve over time and often in unanticipated ways. After having her two children, Brenna’s body changed, and she was not ready for the limited access to clothing that came with being plus size. Anxiety hit when she was invited to an in-person work event and quickly needed professional clothes that fit. She realized that if a body is bigger than a standard size 12, you would find yourself limited to mostly online shopping.

Recognizing she was now a part of an underserved market, she wondered what she could do to change it. At first, it felt impossible, and the reasons why were valid. “I’m too busy, too stressed, I have young kids, I can’t do it alone and I don’t have the money to start” said Brenna – a sentiment many can relate to. But after her business coach encouraged her to “just go for it” (and some stars aligned like her sister Erika moving to Victoria) she knew this was an idea she wouldn’t be able to forget.

^{NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. There is 1 Prize to be won consisting of $5,000. To be eligible, all entries must be received by British Columbia Automobile Association no later than the close of business on October 31, 2024. Winner must answer a skill testing question. Open to residents of British Columbia who are at least nineteen years old. Odds of winning depend on the total number of Eligible Entries received and application of the judging criteria. For more information, visit our Contest Rules}