I’m not a person who gets dressed up. Rarely do I wear make-up, or heels, and I repeatedly wear my hair in a two styles. Two braids or a lazy up-do. Jeans, t-shirts and trainers were pretty much my uniform. I’m not just talking any old t-shirt and jeans – I had my own ’90’s flavour mixed with minimalist vibes going on! Easy, versatile and I can generally fit into any situation. But when I started to really get into dresses, that’s when I founded KATE&FRANCES. Dresses are my new jeans and tshirts.  But the trainers stay. And one of my favourite dresses is the Emerson Dress.  ..read more

Sustainability and ethical fashion brands : just a marketing ploy or do they stand behind their words with action? So, what is a sustainable and ethical fashion brand? Are there universal criteria for brands to adhere to? Why does one brand state they are sustainable by using recycled materials, but another brand states they are sustainable because they are committed to reducing emissions?  Why does one brand state they are ethical by only using garment factories that adhere to their standards of a safety and do not use child labor, but another brand states they are ethical because th ..read more

I love prints and I love colours! A lot of sustainable brands, use a lot of neutral colours, and I understand that as most days I wear black, but my customers love my prints and bright colours. Oge Ajibe, a Vancouver based fashion designer her self named brand, formerly Fashion Voice, creates styles in sizes XS to 5XL that are size inclusive, sustainable and 100% made in Canada. Originally from Nigeria, Oge immigrated to Canada in 2015 with the intent of studying psychology at Simon Fraser University, but after failing the first semester she tried out communications and technology before r ..read more

Finding your own sense of style can be elusive.  Like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Do they really exist?! Is your one true style, waiting patiently for you to discover it?! Is it hiding out on 5th Avenue, or hidden away in a small online boutique? Is it part boho hippie and part red carpet? Or is it inspired from streetwear or paired back minimalism? But in reality, your signature style is you.  Regardless of what you are wearing. Simple, huh?! It’s your personality, your laughter, that vibe that you put out into this world.  It’s how you carry yourself, it’s your ..read more

“Connection comes from understanding, compassion and care.” Sitting down (via Zoom) to chat with Palesa Koitsioe, an Intuitive Mindset Coach, who launched her business, Imbali Bloom Consulting, in 2020, during the beginnings of the Covid pandemic. “Palesa means flower in Tswana and Imbali is the Zulu version of flowers. If we can bloom as effortlessly as a flower without judgement; without any kind of wanting but blooming, then I would have done my job.” Originally from South Africa, Palesa has lived in Vancouver for 4 years and states, “This is probably the biggest thing I’ve done by mysel ..read more

Over the past 18 months, I’ve dived head first into the world of podcasts. It started as a way to distract myself on my daily walks from the hills and the cold and then I became addicted. I listened as I worked, as I was on transit, as I visited my favourite city on earth, walking the paths around Central Park. I would find myself laughing out loud at anecdotes, cringing as I related to some situations, or wiping away tears as I learnt just how cruel this world can be for some people. I’ve learnt about entrepreneurs who have been making their way, doing what they love and being highly succ ..read more

“Nature allows us to voice our concerns, our doubts and just put it all out there, which helps us to feel better.” Judith Kasiama, Outdoor Enthusiast, Activist, Photographer, Business Woman, Model. “My creativity comes from everything that is around me.  I’m exploring the context of what it means to be a Black woman; a Black woman in Canada, and especially a Black woman in Vancouver. We’re all scattered, we’re all doing our own thing; where do I fit in? “I love photography, I love visual arts, I love fashion.  I love doing all these things and it’s just meeting people who are als ..read more

“When I moved out to Vancouver (from Ontario), I was looking for that music community, I was into Hip Hop and there were like three Black people.  Everyone else was white.  I was like, what’s going on? The beginnings of AfroVanConnect. Whose mission is to empower the voices of African Descent Youth.  With core values to heal our community, to create opportunity and to educate our Youth. I’m chatting with Dae Shields, the  Executive Director and one of the Founders of AfroVanConnect. As well as being a musician, a designer, a Community advocate and a Events Co-Ordinator ..read more

“Anti-Racism is not something you should pat yourself on the back for.  It’s the human thing to do.” Most often it’s the words and phrases that we hear when we are the most relaxed that have the greatest impact. They sink into our souls and make us think. Monique at a BLM protest in Vancouver Make us wonder. Sometimes their meaning doesn’t take effect immediately and they just sit in the back of our minds and simmer. And other times they ring loud, clear and true. And when we hear words that resonate from someone who looks like you, those words can have a heavier impact.  The ..read more

“I’m one of those people that will stand up for anybody; I guess that’s the New Yorker in me. I see something.  I say something.  I’m up in people’s faces.” LaShay Carr. Owner of Hotdogs and Poodles. Creator of handmade accessories, body products and vintage clothing. “I love living here in Vancouver.  Most of my friends here, have never interacted with or have had a Black friend in their entire lives.  Some have never spoken to a Black person before.  And it just opens their eyes.’ Representation matters. “Non-POC friends are finally speaking up about racism.&nb ..read more