Olivia Wein is a graduating BCom student with a concentration in entrepreneurship. She is originally from Pender Island, BC. She discovered a passion for creating and innovating at the Gustavson School of Business. Collaborating with mentors gave her the confidence to turn her ideas into reality. During her studies, she founded the UVic Fashion Society and launched her own sleepwear brand Isla Lune.
What moment stands out most from your time here?
Hosting the university’s first-ever fashion show was a highlight of my time at UVic. The event was organized by the UVic Fashion Society, which I founded in my second year. I led a team of more than 100 volunteers to create a space for students to feel at home and express who they are. We partnered with thrift stores across Victoria and made sure everyone could find and choose pieces that represented them. It was a great way to support both UVic students and local businesses.
Where did you love to study, hang out or unwind on campus?
The Tek Booths in the library are quiet, practical and perfect for getting work done or holding meetings. They’re easy to book and you can charge your laptop and your phone. You can even borrow chargers from the Ask Us Desk, which I only learned about in my fourth year. It’s one of the most useful spaces on campus and definitely became my go-to.
Was there a course or instructor who had a positive impact on you?
ENT 410: New Venture Marketing taught by Brock Smith. As part of the course, he brought in a sales expert whose insights transformed how I think about communication and selling as a founder. Smith was also my mentor during the Gustavson Startup Competition. His teaching style and mentorship helped me refine my company’s positioning and believe in what I was building.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
Building my sleepwear brand through the UVic Innovation Centre with mentorship from Tyler West. I also met Rob Fraser, founder of Outway, at the UVic Workplace Skills Conference in my third year. His ongoing guidance throughout the rest of the program helped shape my confidence and growth as a founder.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m grateful to have received several awards that supported my entrepreneurship journey. I received funding from the Gustavson Startup Competition and the SEELF Entrepreneurial Work Term Wage Subsidy. I was also honoured to receive the Graeme Jackson Award. With this generous support, I’ve been able to launch my company and continue building momentum. I’ve also applied to the Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur program to scale the business even further.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship and what is your advice for future students?
I’ve always loved creating something from nothing. The BCom entrepreneurship program gave me the freedom and resources to turn my ideas into real ventures. This led to the creation of Isla Lune, a brand centered on ritual and self-care. My experience reaffirmed that entrepreneurship is exactly where I’m meant to be.
For students: Network as much as you can, always follow up and be persistent. Show up, ask questions and deliver what you say you will. Hard work is a universal language. Every business owner understands and respects it. If you keep showing up, the right people will notice.
How would you describe your time at UVic in one word?
Transformative.
