OUR HISTORY
APTOELLA was started by Barbara Mervin in 2012. Her vision was to create a women’s rugby apparel line that would empower female athletes to perform their best, achieve their goals, and realize their potential. Since then, Barbara has used her experience as an international 15s and 7s rugby player and worked with many other amazing female athletes to design products that fit women’s bodies and cater to their unique needs.
Barbara’s vision continues to be at the centre of our company, and every member of our team is an athlete who understands the needs of our customers. We hand-make each custom order in the APTOELLA Design House in Victoria, BC, Canada, with the care and attention it deserves. We hope you enjoy our products as much as we love making them!
OUR INSPIRATION
From the women who fought to get us on the pitch to the young girls who have big dreams, we are inspired by every girl brave enough to put on cleats.
OUR VISION
To inspire, celebrate, and empower female athletes around the world to aim higher and surpass limitations.
TRUST APTOELLA
With a team of passionate, hard-working experts, we are confident that we can exceed your expectations.
OUR MISSION
Our goal is to create beautiful, Canadian-made performance apparel that allows female athletes to feel comfortable and confident playing the sport they love. We believe in social responsibility: “Those to whom much is given, much is expected.”
HEALTH & SAFETY
When we buy Canadian products, we know that they have met Canada’s health and safety standards. The manufacturing industry in Canada is highly regulated, from factories’ environmental emissions to quality assurance practices to the materials used and beyond. These safety measures sometimes mean an increase in the retail price, but all things considered, isn’t it a small price to pay for peace of mind? Buying products made in Canada keeps us safer!
THE ECONOMY
When we buy Canadian, we directly impact our economy in positive ways. Every dollar we spend in Canada has a ripple effect that far exceeds that of simple profits made by the businesses that take our money in exchange for goods or services. Regardless of the sectors and industries in which we work, we are all part of this cycle. We are securing jobs and helping to create new ones. Let’s not forget that when Canadian businesses are successful, they are in a position to give back to the communities they serve by supporting local charities, cultural associations, etc. Successfully employed Canadians and successful businesses also mean larger tax revenues for government programs. Buying products made in Canada makes sense!
THE ENVIRONMENT
When we buy Canadian, we reduce our carbon footprint, as products made closer to home require much less transportation. For example, did you know that a piece of clothing designed, manufactured, and sold in BC requires 25 times less transportation than a similar product made in the Far East. Buying products made by APTOELLA makes our planet greener!
LABOUR STANDARDS
When we buy Canadian, we can rest assured that the people who make the products are treated fairly, working in safe & sanitary conditions. We’ve all heard the horror stories of sweatshops in foreign countries, using children and adults as disposable labour. It is important to know that the companies we support are responsible employers; Buying products made in Canada makes us feel good!
COMMUNITY
When we buy Canadian, we contribute to our communities’ enrichment. It systematically makes us a part of something greater than ourselves and our immediate (material) needs… Here at APTOELLA, we are committed to taking an active role in our community! In addition to running kids’ camps, we have our Senior Women’s team, the APTOELLA ANGELS, which is full of outstanding female athletes who dedicate their lives to growing and enriching women’s rugby. Buying products made in Canada supports our communities!
PATRIOTISM
Historically, Canadians have been quietly patriotic. If there’s one thing the world noticed during the Vancouver Olympics, we’re a proud bunch, and perhaps now (post record-breaking Olympics), we won’t be so quiet anymore. Our love for our Country shouldn’t stop at flying a flag or wearing red and white. We have every reason to be proud of our country, including the wonderful products we make here. We see a “Made in Canada” label as a badge of honour; one we’re proud to contribute to and want others to know about. Buying products made in Canada makes us proud!