Pop-up shop will return March 25
Brandon University’s inaugural Confidence Closet has demonstrated the power of community partnership in supporting student confidence, access, and sustainability in career preparation.
Delivered as a collaboration between the BU Co-op Program and the Faculty of Education Field Experience Office, the pop-up shopping experience provided students with access to professional attire in a welcoming, low-barrier environment while promoting reuse and responsible consumption. Over the course of the event, students took home hundreds of professional clothing items, each carefully chosen to support upcoming interviews, work terms, field experiences, and professional opportunities.
Beyond immediate access, the initiative emphasized sustainability by extending the life of quality clothing and encouraging thoughtful selection. Students were guided by the principle ‘take what you need and wear what you take,’ reinforcing both confidence and environmental responsibility.
“What stood out wasn’t just how many pieces moved, but how intentionally students engaged with the experience,” said Shawna Philpott of the Faculty of Education Field Experience Office. “The BU Confidence Closet brings together sustainability, equity, and student success. By reimagining how we share resources, we’re reducing waste while helping students feel prepared and confident as they step into professional spaces.”
The initiative also reflects broader institutional values.
“Sometimes we all need a boost — whether that’s a well-fitted blazer, a reassuring word, or someone else seeing potential in us before we fully see it ourselves,” wrote BU President Christine Bovis-Cnossen in a supportive email to campus. “The Confidence Closet does that in a very tangible way, reflecting the quiet quality, care, and preparation that define the Brandon University experience.”
Bovis-Cnossen had contributed from her own household closets to help stock the shelves and racks at the Confidence Closet, which relied on similar generosity from campus and community partners, clothing donors, and volunteers.
“We couldn’t have done this without a wide network of support, and we were truly grateful how many people saw both the value in and the need for paying it forward through quality clothing,” said Cora Dupuis, Director of BU’s Co-op Program. “Our students, our staff and faculty, our alumni, and our partners in Brandon and Westman show that the fabric of community ties us together and can provide important support.”
Special thanks are extended to the Faculty of Education Field Experience Office, the BU Co-op Program, Shae Worthington of Hippie Thrift for serving as an on-site fashion consultant, and the student volunteers who supported set-up and operations.
The event also received strong media attention, with coverage by the Brandon Sun and CBC Manitoba, highlighting the relevance of initiatives that reduce barriers for students while strengthening campus-community connections.
Encouraged by the response and supported by remaining inventory, Brandon University is pleased to announce a second Confidence Closet Shopping Experience, open to all BU students:
- Wednesday, March 25
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Education Building, Room 107
The Confidence Closet reflects Brandon University’s ongoing commitment to student success, sustainability, and collaboration, and demonstrates how small, intentional initiatives can create meaningful impact.
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
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Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.