As we began planning our S/S '16 collection photo shoot at the Edmonton International Airport, the first thing that jumped to our minds was the styling (after the shoes, of course). Apart from finding a few treasures at vintage shops like Swish, we wanted to use suitcases that we felt matched the Poppy Barley brand: thoughtfully designed, functional, made with beautiful materials. Our co-founder, Kendall, immediately suggested we reach out to Ebby Rane, a line of luxury luggage designed in Toronto. Here, from law to startup biz to InStyle, Ebby Rane founder Sonja Salmon shares her story.
As told to Poppy Barley
Prior to founding Ebby Rane, I practiced as a lawyer and enjoyed a wonderful corporate career as a part of the senior management team at a global financial institution. I started my career as a young lawyer on Bay Street and subsequently moved onto to become in-house legal counsel at a large Canadian bank. Eventually, that led to an exciting time working overseas and leading large diversified multi-disciplinary teams. It was all great training for what I am doing now. Ebby Rane was an idea that was first conceived about six years ago. I had been travelling extensively for work and always found that I was frustrated by the luggage options that were available for businesswomen. I didn't feel that there was anything on the market that was sophisticated, refined and thoughtfully designed for the way that women travelled. I remember asking a number of my friends about their luggage options and came to realize that there was truly a gap in the market. Luggage tended to be either masculine or leisure oriented with bright colours and patterns. No one was designing luggage and travel accessories for business and professional woman.



PACKING TIPS FROM EBBY RANE
Join the movement – Commit to a Carry-on.
Join the growing number of travellers who use carry-on for travel whenever possible. Select a good quality carry-on and enjoy the benefits.... Less fees, more time (no lines and waiting at the baggage carousal) and greater security for your personal items.Pack with the 2 + POP rule.
Build a highly versatile wardrobe when packing a carry-on using the 2 + POP rule. Select clothing in two major neutrals (example: black & white, navy & tan, grey & brown). Add a POP of colour through accessories such as jewellery and scarves to look fresh and to maximize wardrobe options.Make the Investment.
Invest in travel-sized dispensers and personal tools. For example, purchase a mini flat iron, travel perfume dispensers and light weight compressible travel running shoes The investment pays off every time. (My go-to item is the Travelo perfume dispenser that allows me to take my favourite daytime and night-time fragrances in tiny test- tube sized atomizers. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart).Fresh for Arrival.
On long-haul trips, slip on some compression socks on the plane to keep legs looking fresh on arrival and to improve circulation. Add extra eye cream at take off to avoid puffiness and dark circles. Slip on some sunglasses or a cashmere eye mask.Enjoy an in-room Spa.
Mix hair conditioner (usually in your hotel bathroom) with a few packages of granulated sugar from the coffee station for a quick in-room exfoliation in the shower.The key to being an efficient and professional traveller is embracing some new paradigms:
- Buy what you can at your destination (toothpaste/toothbrush/deodorant) and carry what you cannot get (favorite pantyhose, special hair product).
- Use the laundry service for longer trips (5+ days). Use the hotel laundering service rather than move up from a carry-on to a checked bag. It is often more economical than you think and if you follow the other tips on packing, you will never be out of options.