Grace and Evelyn are the backbone of Shepherd’s Fashions. Grace came to Ottawa 22 years ago as nanny for Marlene Shepherd’s children. Once they outgrew her services, Marlene took the Hong Kong native into the business. “I’m Marlene’s right hand,” says Grace, who worked in a large company in Hong Kong and was familiar with many of Shepherd’s U.S. suppliers. “I control inventory, do payroll, oversee distribution, trouble shoot. I love it.” Evelyn is equally enthusiastic. “The clothes come in from all over the world, they’re out of this world, the jewellery is fantastic,” she bubbles. “And I get to open the boxes!”