Growing up in a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada - owner Candace Pretto dreamt of living in a big city. After high school she decided to move to Toronto to study Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and live out that dream. After completing her diploma, Candace moved into a merchandising position at a major retail giant. She developed merchandising guidelines for the company and helped open up stores across the country. But after 8 years she decided to pause for a "gap year" that she never took after school. She had her sight set on Australia and ending up falling in love in Townsville- the city and a man.

Knowing what she knew about retail giants, Candace knew any career in fashion would require her to carve her own path. After a year of planning and sourcing Candace opened Hazel Mai in 2015 in the Townsville CDB, keen to change the retail landscape of the city that was now her home.

With a focus on relaxed and honest service, Hazel Mai's quality and versatile styles honor a 'day-to-night' approach that help shape a woman's wardrobe with ease.