Getting Fitted with Co-Owner and Designer of MistR Bear, Jonathan Grandolfo!

March 30, 2023
CASTEL

Meet Jonathan Grandolfo! Co-owner and designer for Montréal-based brand & store for bears, pups, and folks that appreciate well-made garments, MistR Bear. Get into our exclusive interview as he chats about the company's beginnings, the future, and some exciting upcoming Bear events. Follow MistR Bear on Instagram and Jonathan on Instagram.

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A post shared by Jonathan Grandolfo (@joemistrbear)

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A post shared by MistR Bear (@mistrbearmtl)

1. What was the moment you could attribute the direction of MistR Bear?

We had the idea to start a business after a while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Seeing how our clothes would discolor and not keep their shape, we thought to create clothing for all sizes, accessible to all, and made in Montreal. Nothing like deciding to start a business after 3-4 margaritas! I have a strong background in sewing and costume design. I realized there was a lack of plus sizes in our communities. I really wanted to offer locally-made quality products.

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2. It has been five years since you opened your boutique in Montreal. How have you grown with the communities that you cater to?

MistR Bear is in the heart of the village, and we are fortunate to be very close to our clientele and, above all, to listen to them. Our community inspires and challenges us, and it is a massive part of the success of MistR Bear.

3. 2SLGBTQIA+ is a part of your brand. What was the process of choosing to represent Two-Spirit individuals more inclusively, and can you talk about Two-spirit?

Two-spirit people existed long before us; we strongly believe in freedom of expression in one's gender identity. At MistR Bear, our employees represent a range of ages, orientations, creeds, religions, spiritualities, and gender identities. It's important to us that the whole team respect everyone's unique identity.

4. What is Bear Month like in Montreal?

In Montreal, we actually celebrate Bear Week, with all major happenings during the weekend. There are many bars featuring dancers in the evenings, an outing to a sugar shack, other themed events, and the big contest organized by "Bear It" and prizes sponsored by us! Every year many bears and cubs enter the competition to be named Bear of the Year. The organization paused during the pandemic but is now back. The competition will be on April 8th.

5. Besides this interview, how else are you showcasing MistR Bear?

Regarding visibility, MistR Bear has partnerships with many local organizations, and we sponsor many others internationally. We attend certain events in the US, and of course, we have influencers who promote our brand. We're also opening a boutique in Puerto Vallarta in April. If you're on vacation, come and see us!

6. Can you discuss your partnership with Cazden Hunter, Pup Fable?

Pup Fable is one of our best clients. He loves our products and took it upon himself to promote our brand on social media. So, he has become one of our best influencers.

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7. Have you had a moment as a company or brand where you feel you made it?

I would say that one of the things that brings a feeling of accomplishment is when we are approached by new clients looking to add one of our product lines to their boutiques. On a more personal note, I'm very proud of how we kept our heads above water during the pandemic, investing in our website and adapting to this new reality, all while retaining all our staff and increasing sales! More recently, we're all very proud of the opening of our second location in Puerto Vallarta.

8. Congrats, you are opening a store in Puerto Vallarta! How did that happen? When does it open?

Well, since the idea to open the Montreal store came while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta, it only made sense to open one there too! We noticed that demand for plus sizes was strong, but boutiques only held standard sizing. There is also a lack of quality fetish gear, which we'd like to offer. The boutique will also have a section promoting the work of local artisans, giving visibility through an established storefront. So, the boutique will be called MistR Bear & Co!

9. What top novice items from MistR Bear would you suggest to a new Bear or kink explorer on the prowl?

Many items carry the bear logo, but I'd start with neoprene. Not only because we're the only producer of neoprene fetish wear in Canada but because it is a very supple material, comfortable, and easy to maintain. Neoprene looks good on everyone. I'd invite puppies to try our online builder. People can create their hoods/masks and see their modifications made in real-time.

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10. What is the process for marketing when choosing models, items, and creative direction?

I really like our selection process for models. As much as possible, we try to rotate our lineup for every season. There is always a contest, and people send us their applications. The competition allows us to choose from many body representations and gives new people a chance to try modeling. As for my artistic vision, I try to create pieces that fit all body types while following fetish trends. The community inspires me, and I try to be open to customers' suggestions.