What is your name and position? Susan Drysdale. Owner, Drysdale & Co.
What was your first job? At a bakery in Midland, ON when I was 14.
What were you doing before you opened your business? I did a bunch of different things after university, always with small companies and start-ups: Production manager at a company that made cassettes and CDs. Retail startup for a cosmetics manufacturer. Account rep. at a marketing company. And a few retail jobs here and there over the years.
How long has your business been operating in the Danforth area? Since 2003. The first 4 years we were Wash Up & Brush Co., then we changed the name to DRYSDALE & CO. in 2008.
Why did you open your business? Always wanted to do my own thing. Finally had the opportunity.
Why did you pick the Danforth area? I researched locations all over the city but I kept feeling drawn to Danforth /Riverdale. I love the diversity of this community. It seemed like there was a great untapped potential in this neighbourood - and I still think that is the case.
As a child, what did you think you'd be doing right now? Editor of Vogue.
Most interesting thing you've ever witnessed in the Danforth area? The around-the-corner line ups for Arcade Fire shows at The Danforth Music Hall. The first time they played there in ’05 I had no idea who they were.
Other than your own business, what is your next favourite business in the Danforth area? El Pipil is my favourite for clothing. And the Old Nick for Friday night pints.
What has changed about your business since you opened? Almost everything - from the name of the shop to what we do and sell. We keep evolving and moving forward.
What do you enjoy most about your business?That we get to meet people from near and far and that so many of them tell us how much they enjoy what we do .
Do you play music during business hours? Amy is really into music so she has the run of the stereo. She keeps me up on what’s new and helps me fight my tendency to just settle into my old faves. It’s all over the map but never boring. Shoppers are often asking “who’s this?” Sometimes we send people next door to Mike’s Music with note of artist/album name in hand.
What are you currently reading? Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud : A Memoir by Dr. Cornel West.
Who is the most inspiring person to you, living or dead? Inspiration comes from so many people, places, things and events. I can’t single out any one person.
Who are your heroes of fiction/non-fiction? Stephen Colbert – he’s kinda fiction and non-fiction at the same time. He is so funny and clever. No matter how bad my day is he can make me howl. Anyone who can do that has to be my hero!
Do you live in the neighbourhood? Yes. My commute to work is about 4 minutes. Everything I need is right here in this one block!
Do you Facebook, Twitter or blog?Yes, all of the above. drysdaleandco.blogspot.com facebook.com/drysdaleandco twitter: @drysdaleandco Contests, discount offers, product updates, insights and more. Get social with us!
If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for? Peace, Love and Understanding.
What do you like to do when you're not at work? Watch documentaries. Relax at my house with friends. And whenever possible travel.
Any exciting news or events happening at your business? DRYSDALE & CO is in the CRAVE guide Toronto that launched this spring featuring a range of women-owned businesses in the city. You can enter our contest to win a copy on our website, http://drysdaleandco.com.
I'm a Member what's new?
What is your name and position? Susan Drysdale. Owner, Drysdale & Co. 
