Since she was 11, Judy wanted to become a fashion designer. She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design  and took a semester abroad at the London College of Fashion. Years of the fast-paced life as a NYC fashion designer and frequent travel to Europe and Asia left Judy feeling tired and empty. In 1992 she took the leap with her husband, Peter Joannou, and settled in Ashton, Ontario and established Judy Joannou Designs. After 26 years of working from their home, Judy opened her first brick and mortar store in scenic Almonte, a tourist destination in the Ottawa area.

"While my business model has changed over the past 28 years one thing has remained consistent, my desire to provide personalized service with the goal of helping women choose styles that will make them look and feel their best."