Featuring ~ Inside Story

Submitted by: Lida Lisney, owner of Inside Story in Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario

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I was born and raised in Montreal, and moved to Toronto in 1989 to pursue a career working as a flight attendant with Air Canada. With a son to support, I took a part time job on the side (which was made possible by my intermittent schedule as a flight attendant) in the fall of 2002 – at none other than Inside Story Fine Lingerie!

Having developed excellent customer service skills through 15 years at Air Canada, the owners saw potential in me. After an offhanded remark asking the elderly couple about retirement plans, full-fledged negotiations for the purchase of the then modest boutique began. After some triumphs, disappointments, and minor meltdowns, by November 2003 I was the new owner and operator of Inside StoryFine Lingerie!

It did not take long for me to make an impression on the store. From automating transactions, to ripping out old pink carpeting, Inside Story began a new chapter as soon as I took the reins. In 2006, I expanded into the adjacent unit, doubling the floor space, and making the store the size it is today. Inspired by a love of Paris, along with an affinity for art-deco design, I relished the challenges of decorating and furnishing my own store. I wanted to make the store feel as feminine as possible, using the curves inherent of art deco to imitate that of a woman’s body. Now, with the help of suppliers, I have begun to include a store-in-store concept, using supplier specific furniture to showcase different brands in different areas of the store.

In 2011, I took the next step in growing my business, opening Inside Story II in Mississauga’s beautiful and upscale Sherwood Forest Village!

With both locations situated in high income areas, Inside Story benefits from an affluent, but discerning customer base that is willing to spend money on quality. The quality of our offering stems both from the product we carry and an emphasis on superior customer service. I pride myself on carrying only items that offer superior fit and support. Even though a line may be glamorous, and objectively gorgeous, I cannot offer it to my customers if it does not give them the support they deserve. For example, we only carry bra-sized swimwear – anything less would be against our mission.

On top of this, all of our saleswomen are fitting experts, meaning they do not use a measuring tape, and know how to give each type of customer exactly what they need to feel supported! Customers are often surprised at the length our employees go to ensure that their desires are fulfilled. Something little like personally bringing an order to a customer can make all the difference, and make their experience with you that much more memorable.

However, what truly drives me and Inside Story Fine Lingerie is passion. I am passionate about uplifting women, both literally and figuratively, using my expertise to help them to feel amazing about themselves. Customer satisfaction takes on whole new meaning when your products and service have the ability to transform a woman, both inside and out. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have made Inside Story my own!

Inside Story Fine Lingerie is located:
107 Reynolds St, Oakville, ON
1900 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON