About Us
Our Story
Linda Spence Watson is a Salmon Arm-based entrepreneur whose artistic talent and love of history, theatre, romantic clothes, and vintage lace set the stage for her collection of Victorian-inspired nightwear and clothing. A creative and innovative designer, she works under her own label, Suspence Designs—a play on words which incorporates her maiden name, Spence.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, an only girl with four brothers, Linda followed the lead of her siblings and relocated to British Columbia. As a self-taught artist, she decided to pursue a home-based business so she could raise a family, while securing her financial future, and, in 1982, Suspence Designs was born!
Over the years, the business grew beyond its humble beginnings, eventually supplying over 120 stores and employing an in-house seamstress and several stay-at-home mothers. Key to Linda’s success is her commitment to quality and comfort and her careful attention to detail. Every charming piece of apparel she creates is an investment that will last for years.
Suspence Designs was put on hold five years ago when Linda and her husband retired and relocated to Salmon Arm. Now the business is returning to basics—operating on a smaller scale, with Linda as the sole designer and creator. Today you’ll find her wearing all the hats of a busy entrepreneur. . . and loving every minute of it!
