In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to spotlight some amazing women-owned brands to support and get inspired by! Although its important to support women 365 days of the year, there’s no better time than now to put some of these brands on your radar, in case they weren’t already. We all know the obstacles women face on a daily basis, and building a brand as a woman comes with an extra set of challenges – but these gals did the damn thing, and did it well, regardless.
Check out these women-owned brands
Morgane Sézalory – Sézane
The sustainability-focused French fashion brand Sézane was launched in 2023 by its founder, Morgane Sézalory! The brand came from Morgane’s idea to sell vintage clothing items from Paris via her website, Les Composantes. As demand for the unique items grew, she started designing new pieces with a vintage edge, evolving into the brand we know and love today, Sézane!
Laurence Gaudreau-Pépin – SOJA&CO.
Laurence Gaudreau-Pépin created SOJA&CO. in 2018 with a goal to become the go-to destination for candles and wellness products in Canada. With the help of her friend Geneviève, SOJA&CO. has seen great success over the years! The environment and local economy are at the core of the brand’s values, so Laurence partners with professional perfumers to create complex plant-based fragrances free of toxic ingredients.
Elaine Kim Smith & Leslie Hoolaeff – Lover’s Tempo
Lover’s Tempo was founded by Elaine Kim Smith and Leslie Hoolaeff and began as a booth at a Maker’s Market at a local university in Vancouver. Needless to say, Lover’s Tempo has grown exponentially since then! The B Corp-certified brand provides beautifully designed jewellery (by Elaine herself) at accessible price points for everyone to enjoy.
Mikayla Wujec & Naomi Blackman – Alder Apparel
Mikayla Wujec & Naomi Blackman founded Alder Apparel, providing size-inclusive, community-informed design, sustainable and ethical production, and an overall playful brand – contrasting athletic brands that currently dominate the outdoor space today. Specializing in women’s outdoor apparel, Alder enforces a policy with retail partners that they must carry Alder’s entire size range (XS-6X), ensuring their inclusive size range is available across North America. In addition to sizing, Alder works closely with models and creators of all walks of life, prioritizing partnerships with those who are aligned with their mission to redefine who and what is “outdoorsy” no matter their size, physical abilities, or outdoor experience.
Allegra Shaw & Shirin Soltani – Uncle Studios
Co-founded by Allegra Shaw and Shirin Soltani in 2017, Uncle Studios was established with the goal of creating the perfect t-shirt. Since then, the women-owned brand has grown to create all kinds of garments designed to make you feel good. All of its pieces are created to work fluidly with its past, current, and future collections, promoting a “less is more” ethos.
Ariel Kaye – Parachute
Ariel Kaye founded Parachute about 10 years ago, in 2014. Since then, the brand has evolved to have 15 locations in the US and launched in Canada in 2021! What started out as a premium bedding brand, now includes essentials for all rooms in the home. Parachute is also taking steps to address the climate crisis by becoming Climate Neutral Certified and introducing circular programs. We love to see it!
Alicia Keys & Dr. Renée Snyder – Keys Soulcare
We’re sure everyone has heard of Alicia Keys, but have you heard about her skincare line? Keys Soulcare was founded by Alicia Keys and dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder to transform the time we spend caring for our skin into a moment of personal ceremony. The product offerings are paired with one of Alicia’s favourite affirmations. Whether you’re lighting a candle, cleansing your face with intention, or journalling, these are sacred rituals to Alicia Keys and the brand.
Ellie Mae
Ellie Mae was founded by none other than, Ellie Mae herself. The brand Ellie Mae is based right here in Toronto, and every piece is made within its Toronto studio with excellent craftsmanship! The small-batch collections are intentionally designed to celebrate individualism and authenticity – “We strive to create effortless clothes that inspire women to express who they truly are – on any given day”.
Lesley Hampton
Founded in 2016 by Lesley Hampton herself, the self-titled indigenous-owned, size-inclusive clothing and accessory brand based in Toronto is known for its high-quality fashion from athleticwear to eveningwear, and everything in between. Lesley Hampton is an Anishinaabe Artist and Fashion Designer focused on mental health awareness, body positivity, and authentic representation in fashion, film, and media.
Jen Rubio – Away
Jen Rubio is the co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the popular, global lifestyle and travel brand, Away. Under her leadership, Away has been named on Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies,” TIME’s “50 Most Genius Companies,” LinkedIn’s “Top Startups,” and Forbes’ 2018 “Next Billion Dollar Start-Up”. With an impressive resume like that, we wonder what Jen Rubio and Away have in store for the future!
Azar Moayeri – Parissa
Azar Moayeri, the founder of Parissa, was the first female Chemical Engineer to graduate from the University of Edinburgh! After completing her degree, she returned to Iran where she led an all-male team. Later, Azar moved to Vancouver in 1981. Motivated by providing a stable life for her family, Azar was inspired to start a new home-based venture of natural alternatives for hair removal! And so Parissa was born. Parissa became Canada’s first all-natural hair removal product that was sold in local shops, providing people with at-home hair removal, quickly growing across Canada. Now, the brand is celebrating 40 years in business!
Brandi Leifso – Evio Beauty
Brandi Leidso founded Evio Beauty Group while living in a domestic violence shelter at the age of 21 with only $15! The clean beauty brand was founded on a mission to break stigmas with inclusive, good-for-you beauty products. The brand has grown, carving a new sector of clinically proven, impact-led, clean beauty. Evio has even donated more than $510,000 worth of products and funding to 27+ shelters across North America that support survivors of domestic violence.
Salima Visram – SAMARA Bags
Salima Visram founded SAMARA, named after her younger sister, who has since also joined the company, in 2017 with just $500! She started the brand because she couldn’t find a bag that was cruelty-free, simple, and elegant. The sister duo runs the company in memory of their mother and has a goal to create an impact in the world.
Joanna Griffiths – Knix
Joanna Griffiths launched Knix with the goal of transforming an underwear market that had too much frill and not enough function – leading her to create the brand’s famous Leakproof Underwear. Using patented technology, cutting-edge processes, and human-centric design, Knix truly stands out within the undergarment market. Knix has grown into a brand that offers everything from underwear and wireless bras to active and maternity apparel.
Lexi Miles Corrin – WAXON Laser + Waxbar
Lixi Miles founded WAXON Laser + Waxbar back in 2012 with a mission to offer high-end, waxing services at competitive pricing – and she has accomplished that and more! Now WAXON has over 15 locations with more coming! All new stores will be in partnership with an inspiring female entrepreneur through WAXON’s franchise business.
Sonya Gill – THE LNK
THE LNK is a global online marketplace where people come together to make, sell, and buy inspiring fashion items. Founded by the inspiring woman, Sonya Gill. Sonya has been an industry leader and mentor, helping some of the world’s most reputable brands, and her passion eventually led her to build THE LNK. The company curates brands and boutiques to provide its customers with only the best. Prioritizing quality and sustainability.
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Born and raised in Toronto, Desiree Girlato is the utmost definition of a girl boss.
The 28-year-old jewelry designer has been in the fashion business for the last six years, opening her Dundas Street West jewelry store ARMED while in her third year of Humber’s Fashion Management program. The tiny jewelry boutique is nestled along a row of residential houses across from Trinity Bellwoods Park — but don’t let that fool you, because what’s inside is unapologetically bold and unforgettably unique.
“Predictability is the cousin of death [in fashion], you never want to be predictable,” says Girlato, and her jewelry is anything but. From delicate gold chains to rare megalodon shark teeth and brass cuffs adorned with amethyst, Girlato’s collection has something for everyone and is gradually becoming a Toronto jewelry go-to.
Although these pieces may sound extravagant, Girlato doesn’t consider wearing jewelry to only be limited to special occasions. She sees jewelry as necessary accessories that can take someone’s outfit to the next level, and her pieces are ones that redefine personal style.
Image: Toytose Photography
“Jewelry is always seen as an afterthought or a luxury, but what we try to push at the store and what the brand is all about is elevating your everyday, and really putting your best foot forward because you never know what the day has in store,” says Girlato.
The name ARMED is based off the idea that jewelry can be treated like a level of protection: “It’s something that separates you from everyone else, not in a negative way, but in a way that you’re putting on who you want to be for the day.” For Girlato, ARMED is about waking up and owning each day by harnessing the power of style.
“When I first started the brand, our tone was a lot more badass; being you unapologetically — and we still very much are that — but when you wake up in the morning, it’s like you’re getting armed for the day,” says Girlato. “You’re mentally preparing, you’re putting on all your jewelry, your clothes, you’re really prepping yourself to go out and kill it.”
Inside ARMED’s flagship store (Image: Sarah Okafo)
Whether it’s making a plain t-shirt more exciting or giving office attire more attitude, ARMED is about creating jewelry that can be worn over and over again with a variety of different outfits. Girlato says she wants women to feel like they aren’t trying to adhere to mainstream fashion trends, but are rather wearing the jewelry they want to and how they want to simply because they love the piece.
“What makes us different is that our jewelry is not necessarily focused on being trendy, but more focused on being a staple in your wardrobe… Our focus is on dressing women who want to still be feminine but be interesting and kind of badass at the same time,” says Girlato. “I want people to enjoy life through their style and be proud of who they are.”
Image: Toytose Photography
Inside ARMED’s flagship store (Image: Toytose Photography)
But Girlato isn’t all business, the designer values genuine connections and real interaction with those interested in the jewelry over selling to the masses.
“When you go to the store, you meet me, you buy a piece, or maybe you don’t, but at the end of the day you’re going to leave with a good vibe.” And those people will soon be able to experience ARMED in more than one place.
Girlato has opened a pop-up shop in CF Sherway Gardens and it will remain open until the end of December.
“It’s a really big leap to take local talent onto a corporate stage, but I’m really excited for it. I feel more than ever a lot more organized and a lot more prepared. I feel that after six years of running a business, I’m really coming into my own,” says Girlato. She also said this could be the beginning of many new opportunities for ARMED as Cadillac Fairview has been known to groom local talents into much larger businesses — one major example being Oak + Fort.
Inside ARMED’s flagship store (Image: Sarah Okafo)
While jewelry has been a way for Girlato to express herself, it has also provided her a platform to empower local girl bosses and women like herself.
“It’s really important as women and business owners that we come together to support each other because we are all an outlet for help and advice,” says Girlato. “When you start to run your own business, you realize it’s a never ending to-do list… But it’s important for women to [feel] empowered by their business and really embrace the business side of things.”
Whatever the future holds for ARMED, Girlato is ready for it and remains true to the essence of her brand by upholding its sense of originality in everything she does.
“My whole motto is just elevating the everyday because wearing jewelry on a special occasion is so predictable… We’re trying to bring some beauty into the mundane,” said Girlato. “The entire purpose of the brand is to make you’re everyday that much more beautiful, and beautiful is whatever to you.”
To learn more about ARMED, follow the brand on the website, Instagram and Facebook.
Featured Image: Toytose Photography
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When Toronto-based clothing designer and entrepreneur Mary Young first started her clothing line nearly three years ago, she noticed a lack of inclusion and diversity in the fashion industry that just didn’t sit well with her. She saw that there was a “very niche category of who a woman is suppose to be and it [was] not accurate.”
As a strong believer that every woman is the ‘ideal woman,’ Young took it upon herself to work to transform the way women see and feel about their bodies starting at the base level: their lingerie.
“After studying the industry for so long, I realized that there was a gap for lifestyle lingerie that focused on comfort and ease versus show pieces and restructuring of the natural body,” said Young. She said lingerie companies were designing with other people people in mind, those seeing the lingerie in an intimate setting, rather than the women actually wearing them.
Trading thick padding and stiff underwire for nylon mesh and bamboo cotton, Mary Young’s namesake brand was born and has since developed a cult-like following in the city. Being previously called the “anti-thesis of Victoria’s Secret,” the Canadian made lingerie and loungewear line understands the importance of fashionable yet comfortable clothing.
“Everything that we design is really focused on encouraging women to embrace their natural shape and celebrate comfort first.”
“The focus of the brand is about comfort, which is something you don’t often see in women’s wear. A lot of clothing, not just lingerie, but ready-to-wear, everyday garments are really focused on looking tailored, not really focusing on being comfortable,” said Young. “Everything that we design is really focused on encouraging women to embrace their natural shape and celebrate comfort first…from the base layers of lingerie, knowing that these garments can be everyday garments as well as worn in an intimate setting.”
But for Young, it’s not just about making women feel comfortable in their underwear — it’s also about helping instil confidence and positivity within those women when it comes to who they are. Mary Young isn’t just a name or a brand of clothing; it’s a culture and a community.
For Young, it’s not just about making women feel comfortable in their underwear — it’s also about helping instil confidence and positivity within those women when it comes to who they are.
“If you feel more confident in an underwire padded bra then that’s exactly what you should do; however you feel the most confident is what you should celebrate, but always ask why that makes you feel confident. Is it because you’ve been told that’s the right thing to do, or is it because your own soul and your gut is telling you that?” said Young.
Many designers try to sell women on an ideal image of who they should be, but with Young’s line, she wants to focus on enhancing who those women really are. It’s all part of the community she is building with her brand rather than just simply selling clothes.
“When it comes to community building, no matter what we’re doing we want to be celebrating other people as well… We’re building a brand, but we also want to be a part of a bigger community that’s growing together,” she said.
“When it comes to community building, no matter what we’re doing we want to be celebrating other people as well… We’re building a brand, but we also want to be a part of a bigger community that’s growing together.”
In the last three years, the 26-year-old’s clothing company has grown into a full-fledged brand and lifestyle. Young’s designs hang in a variety of storefronts across the country and her social channels have established a cult-like following with over 16,000 followers on Instagram alone.
“Social media has been a really important part of shaping the brand, especially the community and culture of it,” said Young. “Before social media was a thing, you really only got to know brands based on huge marketing campaigns and paid advertisements, not as much honest conversation, authentic imagery and storytelling which is what we do focus on.”
“With social media, you have a voice you have a platform and there’s a lot more you can do with it than just sell products. At the end of the day we are selling garments, but my biggest focus is encouraging women and men to open up, to be more supportive, to be more inclusive and to really just grow in a more positive way, and the way that I’m doing that is encouraging women to challenge what they’ve been told by the industry and by the media their entire lives,” said Young.
“At the end of the day we are selling garments, but my biggest focus is encouraging women and men to open up, to be more supportive, to be more inclusive and to really just grow in a more positive way…”
And it shows. Along with delivering modern yet simple garments that embody the new sexy in a back-to-basics sort of esthetic, Young has developed a platform for self-empowerment. She launched her Self Love Club Talks movement this past April – a series of talks, blog posts, events and social content focusing on celebrating, loving and accepting oneself.
“Buying lingerie is a way to treat yourself, and the way that our [brand] focuses on comfort is a different level of treating yourself than other brands,” said Young. “Women buy our products to wear every single day to feel good in every single day… There is not one ideal woman and we need to start celebrating our differences and actually embracing [them] instead of trying to fit into a very thin checklist of what we are suppose to be.”
You could consider it as being in the right place and the right time, but Young sees it as aligning herself with the right movements; movements that matter to not only her, but to her customers and followers as well.
“I just want to focus on helping women feel better, feel more positive in themselves and learn who they are versus who they’ve been told to be.”
All images by Sarah May
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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably binge watched Girlboss on Netflix by now. And if you haven’t, you totally should. The show is based on the rise of Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, who went from dumpster diver to eBay extraordinaire to owner of the fastest growing company in 2012. While Nasty Gal hit a rough patch late last year, they’ve since been acquired and will continue to outfit cool girls for time to come.
Amoruso’s story is just one of many that retailers can relate to. The industry has its ups and downs, but one of the biggest challenges, by far, is just getting a business off the ground. While Amoruso favoured eBay, many makers today turn to Etsy, a marketplace where shoppers can support global and local entrepreneurs, finding whatever their heart desires.
To create an e-comm store is simple, but to make it stand out in an oversaturated online world is a totally different story. We spoke to 10 strong Etsy sellers for their advice on how to build a successful online store. Take a look at what they had to say below and get ready to embrace your entrepreneurial side.
On SEO and making your shop stand out…
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Name: Allie Croza
Specialty: Concrete home decor
Etsy store: Your Pal, Al
“It’s really important that you use as many tags (key words when someone is searching for a product) as you can when creating a new Etsy listing. Always include what material your product is, and your business name, plus anything from the colour, the technique or the style. This will allow your product to be seen by more people.
You also want your Etsy page to look clean and visually appealing. When a customer clicks on your shop, you really only have a few seconds to catch their attention. It’s like when someone walks into a brick and mortar store, this is your (online) store.”[/column]
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[column size=one_half position=last]Name: Anna Eidt
Specialty: Turning dusty old china into wall decor with sass
Etsy Store: Lou Brown Vintage
“Spend some time every month reviewing your stats. See which tags/listings are searched out most frequently and use that to guide your future listing descriptions and tags. You also want customers who click on one of your items to visit your entire shop and get lost there for awhile. To achieve this, try to establish a unified look. If someone clicks on your shop because they loved your ‘boho lace shawl,’ only to find a bunch of mid century modern lamps, they’ll be confused. Stick to a theme. Curate a cohesive collection.” [/column]
On pricing…
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Name: Lisa M. Terry
Specialty: Exotic wood home décor and macramé
Etsy store: Lisa Terry
“Setting cost is a tricky one! I did find a great tool on launchgrowjoy.com that calculates your time/labour and materials, and gives you an idea of what your wholesale and retail costs should be.” [/column]
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Name: Jordan de Ruiter
Specialty: Handmade dresses and lingerie
Etsy Store: Jordan de Ruiter
“Underpricing your products can be as detrimental as over pricing them. Your pricing should reflect the work and value of what you’re selling. If you price your items too low it may actual turn off potential buyers because they wonder what’s ‘wrong’ with your item. Don’t just ballpark your pricing! Do the math. I have an excel spreadsheet that I can just plug numbers into (labour costs, material costs, etc) and easily and quickly get my wholesale and retail pricing.”[/column]
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[column size=one_half position=last]Name: Paweena Amarin
Specialty: Modern leather and canvas wallets, passport holders, and pouches
Etsy Store: Amarin Collection
“Market research is a crucial factor in determining good target pricing. Research will allow you to adjust the price accordingly to be more competitive with similar products. I also found it important to keep my pricing consistent throughout various platforms (online, direct market sales and retailers), so customers never felt discouraged about my pricing wherever they found my handmade items on sale.” [/column]
On photography…
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Names: Claire and Mike Clarke
Speciality: Timeless woodwork and home decor
Etsy Store: Hook & Stem Co.
“Photography is the single most important part of any online business, It’s the only visual representation of what you’re selling. Customers have no way of seeing your product in person before buying, so the photos have to be extremely well presented. Bright, clean, clutter-free photos will help your business tremendously. We try to have one or two photos of the product by itself as well as a few lifestyle photos to show how the product is used in daily life. This lifestyle photo allows your audience to see how the product looks in a home or work setting that they can relate to.”[/column]
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Name: Jolynn Vandam
Speciality: Handmade fibre art and macramé (see top featured image)
Etsy Store: Saige and Skye
“Good natural lighting is everything. You don’t need fancy equipment either. I personally use my iPhone for everything. A quick edit always helps but don’t over edit!” [/column]
On promotion…
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Name: Lichia Liu
Specialty: Sweet cards and prints, punny Asian food illustrations
Etsy Store: Gotamago
“Every time that you sell and ship a product is an opportunity to promote your shop! When we package an order, we always include a hand-written thank-you note and a little bonus gift, so that the experience of receiving the package becomes special in itself. It’s easier to get a past customer to make a second purchase than to acquire a new customer, and making a great first impression with your packaging is a smart (not to mention economical) way to convince your customer to return.” [/column]
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Name: Anita Bezanson
Specialty: Quirky cute cards and pins
Etsy Shop: Rhubarb Paper Co.
“It goes without saying that social media is one of the best tools small business owners have. You don’t have to be good at every social media platform, but do pick one that you feel has your target customer base & you’re the most comfortable using. Keep your social media offerings consistent with how you edit your photos & the content you post. Get to know your followers, be genuinely interested in their lives & foster connections & friendships that go beyond your business!”[/column]
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Name: Malika Pannek
Specialty: Playful hand-painted stationery & gifts
Etsy Shop: Made in Brockton Village
“Cross-promote your shop: When you do shows in the real world, let people know about your shop and before the shows, list them on your Etsy shop.
Share your work and your world on social media: People like to get an insight into how things are made and learn about the maker, so sharing work in progress, inspirations and interesting details about your work, workspace and yourself can help build your following.”[/column]
Do you have any tips for building a successful online store? Share them with us in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@saigeandskye
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Our next Style Spotlight is best known for getting the party started.
Allow us to introduce you to Conor Cutz.
The Toronto-based DJ can do more than just play music. He’s able to read any crowd and turn it into a you should have been there-type of party. In the past, he’s had the pleasure of working with the world’s biggest brands, including Versace, Cadillac and Red Bull, headlined one of Canada’s largest cultural festivals on behalf of Toronto Dominion Bank, and holds residencies at a number of notable Toronto establishments.
We had the opportunity to chat with him about his favourite shops, why he rarely shops online, and his advice for owning your personal style.
Define your style in 3 words.
Classic clean cuts
What are some of your own style ‘rules’ that you like to live by?
Do not overthink it, do what feels right, and keep it simple.
What are your ‘go-to’ shopping destinations?
GOTSTYLE, Park & Province, Frank & Oak
Do you have any favourite local designers?
KOTN for basics, Vitaly Design for accessories
Where do you currently shop online?
To be honest, I rarely shop online. I like to browse and get inspired and see what I can find outside.
If you could give style advice to your followers, what would it be?
I definitely learned this the long (and expensive) way, but try to strategically think of your wardrobe staple items first and build from there to define your style. Find the perfect basics that you love and throw in some cool accessories or other pieces to really make your outfit pop and define your own personal style.
To keep up with Conor Cutz, follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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In lieu of #InternationalWomensDay, we thought it best to feature a bada** career lady.
Allow us to introduce you to Monica Gomez, President and Founder of The Concierge Club.
Mother, entrepreneur and businesswoman, it’s safe to say Monica Gomez keeps a busy schedule. She launched The Concierge Club, an events and staffing agency, in 2011 and has quickly launched into success. With a client roster that includes high-profile brands like Ciroc, GUESS, Guerlain, Rockstar Energy, and more, there’s no denying that her energy, passion, no-nonsense management style, and outspoken zeal have made her a champion in her field.
We had the opportunity to speak with Monica about her style, why she only wears Louboutins to dinner, and her favourite things about Toronto.
Photo by Danny Cana — © www.dannycana.com
Define your style in three words.
Sophisticated. Contemporary. Casual-chic.
What are some of your own style ‘rules’ that you live by?
– Personally, I always wear white after Labour Day.
– I only wear Louboutins to dinner since walking more than 5 feet in those heels is a struggle.
– I abide by the golden rule of fashion – legs or cleavage, but never both.
If you could implement one change in Toronto, what would it be?
I would love it if Torontonians could have a casual drink in the streets, a la Mexico. I think we could all benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere.
List the top five things about Toronto that you love!
1. I love the diversity Toronto has to offer. There’s such an interesting mix of people with so many untold stories waiting to be discovered.
2. I love the hustle and energy people have
3. There’s so many fun and new events that happen throughout the year. There’s never a dull moment.
4. One of the defining things about Toronto is the restaurant scene. There’s such an eclectic mix of places to try its hard not to go out for dinner.
5. If I’m in the mood to shop, Queen Street is my go-to spot. I can’t get enough of the boutiques.
To keep up with Monica Gomez, follow The Concierge Club on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Featured Image: Photo by Danny Cana — © www.dannycana.com
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If you’re looking for the total package, our next Style Spotlight it is.
Allow us to introduce you to Jessi Cruickshank.
You may recognize her from your days of binge watching The Hills: The After Show and The City: After Show but the Canadian TV personality is so much more than that.
Jessi has always known how to make a big entrance. She was born in an A&W restaurant in Calgary, Alberta and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Talent runs through her blood. Her mother was once a host on CBC and her older sister works as a reporter in Seattle.
And the girl’s got jokes. Before making her big debut on MTV Canada, Jessi was part of a school’s all-male improv comedy group alongside Seth Rogen.
She’s smart, too. She graduated from University of Toronto with a degree in English and Drama.
We caught up with Jessi to find out how she defines her style, her favourite things about Toronto and more. Read our interview below.
Tell us about you and what you do!
I host the prime time competition series Canada’s Smartest Person, which just finished its 3rd season and The Goods weekdays at 2pm on CBC! I was born in an A&W restaurant in Calgary, Alberta so I guess you could say I was classy from birth.
Define your style in three words.
Big, Bold, Fun.
What are some of your own style ‘rules’ that you like to live by?
I think mixing and matching is the key to owning your own personal style. I would never wear one designer head to toe – I love mixing new with vintage, designer pieces with things I found at a thrift store, bold prints with big patterns, new clothes with old shoes. I like to know that if I wear something out in my life or on my shows, no one else will be wearing it quite like me.
If you could implement one change in your city, what would it be?
I live part time in LA and part-time in Toronto – safe to say there are a lot of things I would change about LA and America in general right now. Toronto is one of my favourite cities on planet earth, but I will always advocate for more arts funding, more affordable real estate and I would definitely implement more veggie dogs at street meat stands.
List the top five things about Toronto that you love!
1. It’s a big city that can feel like a small town- you can bump into friends wherever you go.
2. The restaurants are some of the best in the world – it seems like a new cool spot pops up all the time. I could spend a year just eating and drinking my way through this city.
3. Kensington Market. I love vintage shopping and I’ve found some of my most prized possessions digging through shops in Kensington. I also love that no matter how much time passes, the eclectic vibe and cross-cultural energy of this neighbourhood always stays the same.
4. The beards. Only after spending some time away, did I develop a deep appreciation for this city’s facial hair. Toronto has a high volume of dudes with spectacular beards.
5. The creativity in this city is infectious. People who want to get into film or television, to make music or art – this is where they come. Meeting the next generation of creative brains is always inspiring to me.
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