Monthly Mains: December 2020

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I'm a big fan of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and giving my money to companies that give back to the community and do good. I also have spent my time in quarantine doing a lot of online shopping and needed something to help me justify all my purchases. And so I bring you Monthly Mains, a series where I’ll highlight three things that have made my life better (and will probably make yours better, too).

We are so, so, SO close to wrapping up the wild, challenging, eye-opening year that 2020 has been. And while I am part of the majority that is happy to see it end, I also am aware that as we head into 2021, things won't magically change overnight or go "back to normal". We are still going to be in quarantine (at least here in Canada), we are still going to see more stress on our healthcare system, and we are still going to be trying to figure out and adjust to what exactly our "new normal" is. 

As cliché as it sounds, I've been doing a lot of reflecting recently, and I really do realize how fortunate I am and have been this year, despite it not going anything at all as planned. There is a lot that I can change personally, and a lot that I feel the world can do better with, but overall, I have been very lucky in 2020 and am grateful for the people in my life and all the opportunities I've received to learn and grow this year. 

Another thing I've become very, very thankful for is online shopping, which I may have turned to a little too often this year. But it brought me joy and helped me survive nine months of a global pandemic, so it's fine (right?). Here are three things I found online that helped make the last month of 2020 better for me: 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

All the extra hand washing and sanitizing I've been doing in 2020 has taken a toll on my hands. Luckily, Calgary-based skincare and makeup brand Ellie Bianca created a hand sanitizer spray that's strong enough to kill bacteria and keep your hands clean, but also contains ingredients that help retain much-needed moisture. 

The sanitizer is unscented (although there is a grapefruit scented option available as well) and approved by Health Canada. It contains 62 per cent food grade ethyl alcohol, which is what kills the bacteria, as well as aloe vera leave juice, which helps calm and soften skin rather than leaving it dried out like many other hand sanitizers.  

Besides offering great products (the hand sanitizer is part of a larger line of cruelty-free, all-natural, ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable items), Ellie Bianca also aims to create connections and positive change. A major focus for the company is on female empowerment through business and fair trade. Ellie Bianca  and even offers a scholarship to single mothers looking to to enroll in and graduate from post-secondary programs. 

To order your own hand sanitizer or any other skincare products, or to learn more about how the company gives back to the community, visit Ellie Bianca's website. 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I decided to try to take a break from buying candles. It didn't work very well, and along with the fantastic few I picked up from Field Kit (which I would highly recommend), I also grabbed some (as in, all three available scents) cone incense - which ended up being a fantastic decision.  

The cones are super easy to use and don't require any extra or special equipment (unlike more traditional incense sticks). All you need to do is flip the tin's lid, place the cone on top, light it for about 15 seconds, blow it out, and voila: the room will be filled with a pleasant, light scent for at least a few hours. The cone isn't overly large and doesn't give off a lot of actual smoke, which is an added bonus. 

Field Kit is another company that you can feel good about purchasing from, as it gives back to the community in a number of ways. Every Field Kit product sold has an impact, with a certain amount from each good sold being donated to a different community organization. As for the incense cones, 100 per cent of proceeds from each tin sold going to the Calgary Black Empowerment Fund.  

You can find the incense cones, and the full list of wonderfully scented, community supporting products on Field Kit's website. 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I don't think I was the only one who needed a sign/reminder/inspiration from the universe to make it through this year. Luckily for me, the universe seemed to answer often enough, including by ensuring this ring popped up on my Instagram feed at one of my low points.   

According to the item description, the STRONG ring is meant to "inspire you to take a few deep breaths, give your amazing self a hug, and remind yourself how STRONG and BEAUTIFUL and LOVED you are!!!!" After buying it a few months ago and wearing it more regularly in December, I can definitely say it reminds me that no matter what challenges come my way, I can handle them. 

Jules Sontag, the artist behind this ring and a number of other beautiful pieces of jewelry, is a true gem herself (pun INTENDED). It's very clear how much thought she puts into all of her pieces, along with the time, effort and care. All of her pieces are made to order, and if you follow her on Instagram, you'll get a small glimpse of the behind the scenes work she puts into each item. On top of her great work, she's also a good human, and continually uses her platform to highlight social issues as well as resources to help resolve them. Basically, like the others on this list, Jules is a Calgary-based small business owner you can feel good about supporting. I know I do. 

To get your own STRONG ring or other piece of handmade jewelry, visit Jules' website. 

 Side dishes 

Podcast: 

Sprawlcast (Carving out space for stories of hope) 

Quote: 

"I am still learning how to go back and reread my own chapters without feeling like I want to set all of my pages on fire."
– E.V. Rogina

Read: 

What DIY couldn't do for me 
– The Walrus

Song:
FOOL'S GOLD - Aries 

Monthly Mains: November 2020

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I’m a big fan of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and giving my money to companies that give back to the community and do good. I also have spent my time in quarantine doing a lot of online shopping and needed something to help me justify all my purchases. And so I bring you Monthly Mains, a series where I’ll highlight three things that have made my life better (and will probably make yours better, too).

Normally, November isn't a month that stands out for me. This year though, it's been different - and not for many good reasons. The second wave of COVID-19 and the higher case numbers and death count its caused in Alberta have left me feeling more anxious and stressed than normal. 

So, November has been a month focused on self care. For me, that means doing what needs to be done to make sure I'm as healthy as can be, mentally and physically, in the current situation. This includes a lot of mundane things - eating greens, making sure I take my asthma meds when I'm supposed to, asking for help when I need it, etc.

My main act of self care this month (and for many months now) has been consistent therapy. No matter how uncomfortable it can sometimes be, I truly believe speaking with a professional about my mental health - and really just my thoughts and concerns in general - has helped immensely. There are a number of resources online for anyone looking for mental health support - whether COVID-related or not - including information on how to find a psychologist and different services available.  

There is also the "treat yo' self" side of self care, which I happily took part in this month. For me, that was in the form of retail therapy. Here are three things I've purchased that have helped make my November suck a little less:

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I never thought I would ever be excited about a bar of soap, but then I found Skwiik's Juice bar. Skwiik (pronounced 'squeak') is a Calgary-based skincare company that's focused on ethically-sourced and sustainable products that are good for you and the community. Along with soap, Skwiik offers creams, bath bombs, face masks, and more. As an added bonus, 15 per cent of every online sale goes to the Say Her Name campaign, and the company also openly supports other BLM and BIPOC-focused organizations.

I've liked every Skwiik product I've tried, but this bar is one of the best things I've ever bought for my skin. It's helped my parched, sensitive, scaly skin become soft, smooth and nourished. The bar smells fresh, lathers well, lasts for weeks, leaves me feeling clean without the tightness or dryness some soaps can cause. It also gives my skin moisture without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy. 

If you want to take your skincare game up a level, the Juice bar will definitely help. You can find it, and a number of other great products, on Skwiik's website. 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

Some people may say the amount of candles I have in my house is excessive. They are correct. I fully admit I have a candle problem, and it is something I am trying to fix. But when Milk Jar Candle Co. comes out with a new candle, I consider it an exception to my "don't buy any more candles" rule. And that's exactly why Aurora ended up in my ever-growing candle collection.

Milk Jar is another Calgary company that supports the community. It gives $1 from every candle sold to a local non-profit that supports children with special needs, and this past summer began working with Gateway Association and Inclusion Alberta to become an inclusive employer. There has also not been a Milk Jar candle scent I haven't liked. So there's that.

Aurora is a blend of teakwood, mahogany and aspen, and when you light it, you can expect the room to be filled with a masculine, woodsy, cologne-like smell. It burns evenly, you get the crackling of the wood wick, and it looks sleek AF in its glass jar with its black wax and clean label. Trust me, you need this candle in your life. Head to Milk Jar's website to get yours. 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

Sometimes you just need something that tells people what you're thinking without you having to even say anything at all. This bracelet does exactly that.

It took approximately 45 seconds for me to add this to an online cart and hit buy after I first saw it on Ninth and Brick's Instagram page. The piece is by Maureen Elizabeth Designs, which has a number of cheeky and fun bracelets, as well as other great pieces of jewelry, available for purchase. Not only does this bracelet help me share a message I would normally think but not say out loud (at least, not nearly as directly), it also gives to a good cause (common theme with this post, if you didn't notice). All proceeds on this piece are donated to Action Dignity's B.L.A.C.K (Becoming Leaders Acquiring Critical Knowledge) PROJECT, which helps empower Black youth in the community. 

This bracelet sells out quite quickly, but does get restocked. You can find it on Ninth and Brick's online shop. For other hilarious, equally as straightforward pieces of jewelry, visit Maureen Elizabeth Design's website.

 Side dishes 

Podcast: 
Song Exploder (Semisonic - Closing time)

Quote:
"It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world." 

– Mary Oliver, Invitation

Read:

Masks work. Really. We'll show you how.

– The New York Times 

Song: 
Paradise - MEDUZA, Dermot Kennedy

Profile: Alayne Lebsack (Apostle Boutique & Cover Story Styling)

Take a stroll down Marda Loop, a southwest neighbourhood in Calgary, and you’ll quickly realize it’s a trendy spot for people of all ages looking to shop, eat, grab dessert or relax at the spa. It’s also home to Distilled Beauty Bar, a popular spot for Alayne Lebsack to meet with clients. Alayne runs Apostle Boutique, an online store that features a curated collection of jewellery that can be paired with any outfit.

Apostle Boutique is an online jewellery
 store owned by Alayne Lebsack. 
Photo: Substance YYC.

“I want people to also invest in pieces that they can wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a cocktail dress or a wedding dress if they really want,” says Alayne, who launched Apostle in the summer of 2015.

The idea didn’t come together right away, but it came from a significant experience following the birth of Alayne’s second child.

“I had my second son and had postpartum depression,” she says. “Once that finally lifted, I decided I needed to do something for me – my own thing.”

At the time, she didn’t know what that thing was. She knew she loved fashion and style, and she had experience in helping others with both. It wasn’t until she was online shopping herself that the idea dawned on her.

“I’ve always had the mindset that if I want something, I can do it myself. So I just self-taught and figured it out and went from there.”

“I was looking for a certain pair of earrings, and all the online shops I found were terrible. They didn’t seem legit; I wasn’t sure if I was going to get what I wanted or if I was going to get anything at all. I didn’t trust them,” Alayne says.

An online jewellery store was the perfect fit: Alayne would be able to use her passion for fashion and seven years of styling experience, she’d be able to help people find pieces that reflect their own unique style, in turn helping them feel more confident and beautiful, and she could do it all without leaving home.

Going from an idea to an actual business came with a lot of learning experiences for Alayne. For example, when she first started, Alayne had pieces from 19 different designers, most of whom were Canadian. Looking back, she says having that many designers at once wasn’t the best way to run her business, but it was still a helpful experience for her.

"That was partially inexperience and partly because I wanted to see where my clients’ interests grew and what styles and aesthetic they had,” she says. Over the last four years, she’s streamlined and now offers pieces from a select eight designers, the majority of which are still Canadian.

Despite curating from different designers with a number of different pieces, Alayne still found there were some styles she wanted to offer her customers that she couldn’t find.

Alayne turned to designers and YouTube
to learn how to create her own line of jewellery.
Photo: Greg Lily Photography

Alayne turned to some of the designers she carried for help. They shared tips about materials and where to source them from. She also relied on YouTube tutorials and trial and error during the jewellery-making process. All of this led to the creation of the Apostle In House Collection.

Alayne puts a lot of thought into her decisions, and nothing is done without intention, including every aspect of Apostle – right down to what it’s called. She wants the name of her business to reflect the feelings that come with having your own individual style and living it every day.

“Everyone has their own unique style and I want them to own it and believe in it. An apostle of your own style,” Alayne says. “I have my thing, this is my vibe and I’m going to believe in it. I’m going to own it, because it’s who I am. And I’m not going to be ashamed in it; I’m confident in it and I’m just going to run with it."

Along with the name, the designers she works with and the pieces she carries, Alayne is very intentional when it comes to giving back. Doing so goes with one of Apostle’s mission statements: Do good. Feel good. Look good. For every purchase made through Apostle, a portion goes to a specific charity. Alayne switches the charity that will be receiving a donation every six months, and the causes and locations vary every time. 

For Alayne, Apostle comes with a lot of positives. She gets to be her own boss, pick her own hours, work from home and, most importantly to her, gets to have one-on-one interactions with her clients. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Even doing what she loves comes with its challenges.

“The hardest thing would be time-management,” Alayne admits. “I work from home, and I do have the kids, and they can be distracting. I just am always juggling everything, and that is difficult.”

Alayne with her husband and two sons. 
Photo: Greg Lily Photography

“I have come to realize that balance doesn’t exist - at least not for me. There’s no way I can give equal time, attention and care to my businesses and my family. It all comes in ebbs and flows, and I have had to learn to accept that this kind of schedule is how my life is. In realizing and accepting that, I have found a lot of freedom. There is major pressures on working women, and working moms in particular, but I think the real beauty comes in when you release yourself of any of those outside pressures.”

Another difficult part of the job, but one that has gotten easier over the years, is finding support within the community. Alayne says when she started, she experienced moments of “deep loneliness” where she “felt lost,” because she didn’t know any other entrepreneurs who were in the same boat as her. But as her business has grown, she’s managed to find people who understand her successes and struggles and can offer informed insight and advice when needed.

Alayne has come a long way from when she first started Apostle, and now, she’s expanding her portfolio. She’s started a second venture that revolves around her first love of fashion and styling and that works hand-in-hand with Apostle. It’s called Cover Story.

“It’s always been in the back of my head to do something like this, but I've dealt with a lot of self-doubt,” she says. “When I think of a stylist, I think high-end and high-fashion; stiletto boots and like leather; the ultra fashionista. And that’s not me. But I really want to help everybody be smart, intentional and conscious when putting together their wardrobe.”

That’s where Cover Story comes in. Alayne says her new venture is about relatable, functional and personalized style. Cover Story will involve a “closet edit,” where Alayne will go through clients’ closets with them and get rid of anything that doesn’t fit, doesn’t suit their lifestyle or that they don’t wear. Another option, which can be combined with the first, is to have Alayne either take the clients shopping or pick out some staple pieces to bring directly to them.

Alayne's newest venture, Cover Story, will help
people create a personalized, functional wardrobe. 
Photo: Substance YYC.

“It’s about developing a very personalized wardrobe that is unique and effective for both your style and your lifestyle. And we’ll work together in figuring it all out together.”

While this new endeavour is exciting, it also means Alayne will have more on her already quite full plate. Of course, as someone who puts a lot of time and thought into her decisions, she’s already got a plan in place for that.

“But all good plans do change. So, we’ll see,” she laughs. “For now, I have certain days a week that will be dedicated Cover Story, and then the rest of the days will be dedicated to Apostle. I am also being more intentional on using weekends as my time with my family.”

When asked if she had any advice to share to others hoping to start their own businesses, Alayne paused, clearly thinking about her answer. The one she gave, via e-mail later that day, was, like most things in Alayne’s life, well thought out.  

“I would say do your research and try to have some idea of what you're getting into,” she suggests. “But really, just do it! You'll never feel completely ready and it will never be the perfect time. But instead of thinking ‘not now’ change the thought to ‘why not now?’ and go for it!”

You can find more about Apostle Boutique offers on the website. You can also get updates on new pieces and restocks on Instagram.

If you’re looking for Alayne’s help with all your styling needs, head over to the Cover Story website and follow the Instagram page.