GIBSONS (NEWS1130) – A BC business owner is not only surviving these tough economic times, but she’s thriving by reaching out to new clients on the Internet and making enough to pay it forward.

Sandy Russell runs Designer Direct Network, a clothing store in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.

Sandy specializes in bringing you designer brands for a lot less than retail. “So if Michael Kors or Ralph Lauren has an overstock of clothing we buy it and we can bring that to the public generally at wholesale or sometimes even below.”

But like many others, Sandy has felt the recent squeeze. “Business has been very hard for everybody over the last few years and as women, we have so many other aspects of our life that are time consuming.”

She has recently branched out, taking her merchandise online and now she plans to bring her best fashions to women on the Lower Mainland and at the same time, help the charity Dress For Success.

Sandy says it’s an amazing charity that helps women get back into the workforce and she will be donating about $20,000 worth of merchandise during her sale at Vancouver’s Empire Landmark Hotel.

You are invited to her big event September 21st and 22nd from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. where you will find brands from Coach, Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Born and also be able to able to support women who want to get back on their feet.