Check Out Heather Jude’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Jude.

Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always loved that fashion was an extension of self-expression. I love that fashion can shape how you feel and exude confidence. This drew me to the industry. In addition, I love how fashion can be so impactful across multiple channels. It helps narrate the story in a broadway production, or mimic a character’s development in a film, it can catch the judges attention in a dance competition, fashion is truly such a multifaceted industry and I always knew I wanted to be a part of it. During the pandemic I really took my passion for the fashion industry to heart and joined fashion school. I decided to take my hobby and make it my life and I am so glad I did. Where I started to now has been such a journey and I have learned just as much about my self as I have the skills of being a designer.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any path worth taking will be smooth, but it will always be worth it. Along the way, I’ve faced what I thought were missed opportunities by being next in line, and even heard from companies that they saw me as a leader but were concerned I’d be bored in the roles they had available. At first, those moments felt like dead ends and disappointments. But over time, I realized those closed doors weren’t rejections. They were redirections toward something more aligned with who I truly am.

As a designer, I’ve always wanted my work to have meaning. I don’t just want a job. I want to collaborate with people whose values and visions I believe in, people whose dreams I want to support just as much as my own. That kind of alignment isn’t always easy to find. This industry is full of iconic names and structured systems that aren’t always built to take chances on someone new. It’s not personal. It’s logistics, quotas, and layers of decision-making. But what that taught me is that sometimes you have to create your own opportunity.

One of the pivotal moments early in my career was an internship that didn’t align with what I hoped for creatively or professionally. It left me questioning things, but it also pushed me to advocate for myself and seek out environments that support growth. That experience, along with every other setback, helped shape the foundation of Jude Canada. Starting my own label was a leap, but it was the right one.

The biggest challenge as a designer will always be keeping your mindset strong. There are so many voices and opinions in this industry. You have to be your own loudest cheerleader. Facing those challenges has only deepened my commitment to staying grounded, trusting my vision, and never losing sight of why I started.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I design custom women’s event wear and bespoke accessories that turn everyday moments into something extraordinary. My work is known for being well-made, carefully constructed, and deeply personal. I love adding handcrafted elements like handwritten script, embroidery, and hand-painted details; those little things that make a piece feel truly one-of-a-kind. My goal is always to create something meaningful, not just beautiful.

I specialize in creating garments that reflect the wearer’s story, while staying true to my own artistic voice. I’m most proud of how I’ve stayed grounded in who I am as an artist, even when the industry didn’t always make space for it. I’ve been told I was “too creative” for roles, or that I’d be bored in positions that didn’t match my energy. At first, that was hard to hear. But I’ve learned to see those moments as redirection, not rejection. They pushed me to carve out my own path and that’s what led me to start Jude Canada.

What sets me apart is how curious I am. I’m constantly learning, evolving, and trying new things; whether that’s testing new construction methods or exploring how to bring more story and soul into my designs. I don’t let failure get in the way. I see mistakes as part of the process, and I truly love the experimentation that comes with growth. To me, that’s the heart of being a designer: trusting your vision, staying open, and always reaching for the next level.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is challenging myself and continuing to grow as an artist. I never want to stay still creatively. I love learning new techniques, experimenting with fresh ideas, and pushing my work to the next level. Just as important to me is making people feel something. I love when a design makes someone light up or feel truly special. That connection means everything.

I also care deeply about honoring the women who came before me. I often add small, personal details into my work that reflect their influence; whether it’s family, mentors, or icons who shaped me. At the end of the day, I’m trying to spread joy. I love what I do, and when I get to work with someone and that joy becomes something we share, it feels incredibly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.judecanada.com
• Instagram: @judecanada and @heather.styles

Image Credits
Photographer credits: Yvonne Hanson Photography, Carissa Kearney of Through the Blue Photography, and Juniper K. Photography.