Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Johal.
Hi Mandy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey as a creative entrepreneur with a deep passion for fashion and storytelling. Growing up in Vancouver, I immersed myself in design while studying Fashion Marketing locally, simultaneously building hands-on experience through collaborations with local designers, photographers, and models. This early exposure taught me the power of collaboration and how design can impact community.
To expand my creative and technical expertise, I moved to Los Angeles to study Digital Marketing at FIDM, where I honed my skills in design, branding, and storytelling. Alongside my studies, I gained invaluable international editorial experience through internships in London at Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and KCD, applying my skills in real-world editorial and production settings. Professional experience at Cartier further strengthened my ability to combine precision, luxury craftsmanship, and creative vision.
When I founded Trend With MJ (TWMJ), I knew I wanted to build collections with meaningful names that reflect personal experiences, stories, and mindfulness, while also spreading positivity through each garment. I translate personal experience, mindfulness, and collaboration into clothing that is both expressive and purposeful. The Sunday Sweater, for example, was a Vancouver-based project that raised funds for BC Children’s Hospital, reflecting how I intertwine creativity with social impact.
Today, TWMJ is recognized internationally for its storytelling approach, collaborative projects, and commitment to meaningful design. Every garment I create is informed by my education, professional experiences, and the belief that fashion is a medium for narrative, creativity, and community impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been anything but smooth, and that’s been a crucial part of my growth. As a young designer, gaining recognition internationally while building a brand from Vancouver required navigating limited local opportunities, tight budgets, and the challenge of establishing credibility in a highly competitive industry.
Moving to Los Angeles to continue my studies and refine my craft came with its own set of challenges — balancing formal education, internships, and launching collections simultaneously demanded intense focus, discipline, and resilience. Breaking into the international fashion scene through editorial internships in London also required persistence, adaptability, and the ability to prove my creative vision in highly competitive environments.
Even projects like the Sunday Sweater, which combined design with social impact, required careful coordination, collaboration, and problem-solving to bring the idea to life while ensuring meaningful results. Each obstacle taught me how to turn challenges into opportunities, sharpen my creative decision-making, and strengthen the systems behind my brand.
These experiences have reinforced my belief that fashion is not just about creating garments; it’s about storytelling, collaboration, and impact.
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 garments that tell stories and create impact. As Founder and Creative Director of TWMJ, I specialize in purpose-driven fashion that blends mindfulness, personal experience, and collaboration.
I’m proud of the experiences that have shaped my brand and the intentional path I’ve taken, which continues to refine my creative vision. What sets me apart is my purpose-driven approach — each project is crafted with meaning. For example, The Living Collection embodies mindfulness and presence, showing how fashion can inspire and convey thoughtful narratives.
TWMJ has been recognized internationally, with work featured in Fashion Bomb Daily, Cityline, and 7News. It’s deeply rewarding to see that when you dedicate yourself to honing your craft, your work resonates and is recognized across communities.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as taking a leap of faith, putting in the work, and learning from mentors and experiences. Success isn’t always measured in numbers, it’s about valuing your work and making an impact. When I look back on my life, I hope to see that I pursued my vision fully, created meaningful work, and contributed positively through my craft.
Pricing:
- 35.00
- $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trendwithmj.con
- Instagram: @trendwithmj
Image Credits
@elissacrowe
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