Monthly Mains: March 2021

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).

Last month I talked about pandemic fatigue, the world burning (literally and figuratively) and a few issues that needed some more attention. And this month, the fatigue remains, the world is still burning and there are a lot of things going on that we need to be talking about. 

I realize these are heavy topics to kick off a blog post that's supposed to be light-hearted and fun. But I can't ignore what's going on in the world, and I think the only way to bring positive change and find solutions is to educate ourselves (and one another) about different issues - no matter how heavy or uncomfortable they make us feel.  

So, just like last month, before I share the three fantastic finds made by incredible local creators, here are two things that deserve more of our attention:

1. Ten years of war in Syria: March 2021 marks the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 shutting down Canada and much of the western world. It also marks 10 years of war in Syria. There are some estimates that the war has cost more than half a million lives, and UNICEF says almost 12,000 children have been killed or injured in the last decade (that's one estimate - others believe the death toll for children is much higher). Despite the ongoing conflict, deteriorating economy, millions of people displaced and hundreds of thousands of lives lost, we rarely hear about the conflict anymore. That needs to change. Here are some resources to learn more about the situation in Syria and how you can help: 

• Syria’s war at 10: Does anyone care?
• Syria's war is 10 years old. It's the only life its children know
• Why has the Syrian war lasted 10 years?
• Syria's civil war started a decade ago. Here's where it stands.
• How does Toronto compare to Aleppo?
• Syria crisis and refugee crisis
• 15 ways you can step up to help Syrian refugees now
• Syrian refugee crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
• UNHCR - Syria emergency
  
  

2. Violence against women: Women have been subject to violence for centuries. But this March, the month in which we celebrate International Women's Day and which is known as Women's History Month, we saw (once again) stories of this violence and the struggles and inequity women experience daily. 

Whether it was news about Sarah Everard following all the precautions but still not being safe walking alone at night, women being hit the hardest during the pandemic, college women's basketball players having a vastly different weight room than their male colleagues, a lack of justice for Breaonna Taylor one year after her murder, or hearing the murders of six women (the majority of whom were Asian) being written off as the murderer "having a bad day", it was a harsh reminder that despite how far we've come, there is still so much further to go when it comes to women's rights. 

Here is more background on each of the stories mentioned above, as well as resources to help women: 

• Sarah Everard case prompts outpouring from women sharing stories of abuse and harassment
• The murder Of Sarah Everard hits home for All women. Here’s why
• Breonna Taylor: What happened on the night of her death?
• Breonna Taylor and the struggle for meaningful police reform
• Women are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, health unit numbers show
  
• Pandemic will ‘Take our women 10 years back’ in the workplace
• 'I assumed they were treating us fairly:' Why can't NCAA get women's basketball right?
• 8 dead in Atlanta spa shootings, with fears of anti-Asian bias
• Officer who cited spa shooting suspect’s ‘bad day’ has history of anti-Asian posts
• 7 tips for men who want to support equality
• How women can support other women at work
• Canadian Women's Foundation - Support Services
  
  

Now that you're slightly more informed about two (of many) important things going on in the world, here are three things that made my March better: 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I've admitted to having a candle problem (but I'm not highlighting any candles this month so I think that counts as growth) but it's not the only problem I have. I also really, really like necklaces, and own quite a few. (Not nearly as many necklaces as candles though, so is it really a problem?). Technically they're all my favourite, but this necklace from Calgary-based Tish Jewelry was on high rotation this past month. 

I actually had my eye on this piece for a few months, and was super concerned it would sell out before I was able to grab one. I even reached out to the shop owner, Lateisha, who, along with being super speedy at responding and very kind, assured me there would be one for me when I was done my month and a bit of no spending.

She was right, and I am so glad. The gold chain carries a gold crown, and inside the crown is a small jewel. It's a super cute, delicate piece that's easy to wear on its own or layer with other pieces. At the moment, this piece is no longer available, but Tish offers a variety of versatile pieces. Visit the website to see all the pieces up for grabs.  

Illustration by Len Kurosaki
Inspired by Kiran Rai

The farmers' protests (you can find more information and resources on this in my last post) continue in India and internationally. Since they began in November 2020, 302 protestors have lost their lives (as of March 16, 2021). 

I was looking for a way to support the cause, and Calgary artist KRAI (formed from her name, Kiran Rai), provided one. Kiran used her talent to increase awareness on the issue. She created multiple designs depicting the protestors - some based on images from international protests - and put them on hoodies with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards Khalsa Aid. Buying one not only supported farmers, but also a local, South Asian artist - making it a very easy purchase for me. 

There were a number of different options to choose from, and after narrowing my selections down to two, I finally ended up choosing this one (which is based on this photo) in black and white. The hoodie is high-quality, warm, and very soft. The print on the back not only looks good, but it's also good quality (I know because I've washed the hoodie a few times and it still looks good as new). 

Kiran did two rounds of sales, raising a total of $1715.00 for the cause. But that wasn't the only way her art made an impact. One of her designs was also projected on a building in downtown Calgary during Chinook Blast, an outdoor winter art festival that ran for a few weekends in February.  

These hoodies are currently not available, but Kiran could decide to do another round, so make sure to follow her on Instagram for updates, as well as to support a talented artist. To learn more about the farmers' protests and how to support farmers, visit the Kissan Ekta Collective's website.

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

What's better than the first cup of coffee in the morning? Well, a cup of chai, preferably made by my mom, but you get what I mean. That first hit of caffeine is a great way to kick off the day (and let's be real for some of us it's basically a necessity to make it through the day). There is one thing that makes that first cup better, and that's the cup itself. At least, it is for me when I use one of my swear mugs from Wheelhouse Studio. 

Yes, "one of" does mean that I have multiple mugs from this shop. Four, to be exact. Considering the fact that there are dozens of sassy/passive-aggressive/honest/hilarious options to choose from, I feel four is not that extreme. If I had more room in my cupboards, I would fill the space with more of these mugs. That's how much I love them. 

The witty hand stamped sayings, while a major sell for me, are not the only thing that make these mugs so great. The porcelain, handmade mugs are HUGE. As in, two and a half cups of coffee with room for milk huge. They're also microwave safe, so when I don't manage to finish that two and a half cups of coffee plus milk mix before it gets cold, I can warm it up without fear of ruining the vessel it's in. And if I'm not feeling hot coffee (or chai), these mugs are great for cold drinks too (hello versatility!). 

The swear mugs are one of a few different designs and sizes available to choose from. All of the mugs from Wheelhouse Studio are made to order, so they take a little longer to get to you. Trust me though, the wait is worth it. Pre-orders are currently closed, but you can follow Wheelhouse Studio on Instagram for updates on order dates and to see a full catalogue of the mugs available.  

PS - Not that anyone asked, but the four I have say: 
- Speak moistly to me; 

- What in the actual fuck; 

- Are you fucking kidding me?; and, 

- I pretend coffee helps but I'm still a bitch

Seriously. You may not need four, but you need at least one of these mugs in your life. 

 Side dishes 

Podcast: 

Down the Hill: The Delphi Murders

Quote: 

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corner of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

– Unknown

Read: 
The inevitable rise and untimely disappearance of Fawad Khan
– The Juggernaut

Song:
I stand on that – E-40, Joyner Lucas, T.I.

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

Monthly Mains: October 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).

October is basically the height of fall (in my opinion) – the leaves change colour and begin to drop from tree branches, pumpkin spice lattes are available and being ordered in full force at coffee shops everywhere, and the oversized scarves are around everyone’s necks. If you’re in Calgary, you’ll probably also have asked yourself why Fall only lasts two weeks in this city as you shoveled snow and scraped frost off your windshield at least once within the first week.

Along with experiencing the usual October/Fall routines (especially the last part), this month I was really loving these three things: 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

I have a candle problem. And that problem became VERY apparent back in April when I found myself looking at (and buying) candles from small businesses across Canada. I’ve accumulated quite a few candles, but it was a more recent purchase that was lit almost all month: The Made of Magick candle by Land of Daughters.

The scent features notes of pumpkin, mahogany and cream, which already screams Fall, but the smell is not overwhelming or fake. Light this candle and the entire room will have the soft, slightly sweet smell that’s reminiscent of walking on a tree-lined path with a latte in your coziest sweater on a crisp Fall afternoon. And since it feels like the majority of the month I’ve spent more time shoveling my driveway than walking on pathways, it’s been a perfect thing to have lit in my living room while I work.

The candle is limited edition, and when I spoke with Paige (the owner of Land of Daughters) she said she wasn’t sure if she'd bring it back once it sold out. Basically what I’m saying is… head over to the Land of Daughters website and grab yours now. 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki

As a born and raised Calgarian, there was always one city I could just never like: Edmonton. But in recent years, Alberta’s capital doesn’t seem nearly as bad as I once believed. I mean, don’t get me wrong; it’s not Calgary. But it’s got great people and great local businesses, including Awake Coffee House.
 
The coffee shop itself is located in the northwest community of Twin Brooks. It’s a modern, sleek space (which it shares with a pharmacy) and offers baked goods, fresh juice, and of course, delicious made-to-order caffeinated drinks.

I enjoyed my experience at the café so much that I bought a bag of the Awake blend. The beans are roasted by B.C.-based Drumroaster Coffee, and the flavour profile includes chocolate, caramel and cherry. It’s been my go-to coffee this month – it’s smooth, sweet, mellow and not bitter – making it very easy to drink early in the morning and throughout the day.

If you’re ever in Edmonton, I would highly recommend stopping by, ordering a drink (and maybe a sweet or savoury waffle) and spending some time looking at the collection of specialty coffees and teas you can take with you and enjoy at home. 

 

Illustration by Len Kurosaki
Inspired by Khalid Albaih

"Style is a way to show who you are without having to speak."
– Rachel Zoe, American fashion designer. 

I'm definitely not a fashion expert, but I am someone who will purchase a piece of clothing or an accessory that shows a little bit of my personality and/or beliefs. That's exactly why I I bought this red sweatshirt: it's a comfy piece of clothing that can be worn daily - but more importantly - it shares an important message that I very strongly believe in.

The original design for this sweatshirt was created in 2016 by artist Khalid Albaih. It shows former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling with his afro in the shape of a fist. The illustration went viral for its creative use of art to highlight and support all that was happening at the time surrounding Kaepernick, his kneeling during the U.S. national anthem as a form of protest, and the issue he was bringing attention to through his actions: police brutality towards the Black community. 

In 2016, I wasn’t an online shopper, so I didn't end up buying a sweatshirt before they quickly sold out. But I never stopped wanting one, and I would often go back to Albaih's social pages to see if he had decided to put the item up for sale again.  

We are still dealing with the same issues Kaepernick was protesting in 2016, which were not new at that time either. After George Floyd’s murder in June 2020 brought the Black Lives Matter movement into the spotlight around the world, Albaih teamed up with Manhattan-based private arts club ArtX NYC to raise awareness and funds for civil rights issues. The Kaepernick illustration was printed on t-shirts and sweatshirts to be sold – with all profits being split between Know Your Rights Camp legal and Sadagaat-USA. 

This time around, buying the sweatshirt was a no-brainer, and it's been a staple in my October wardrobe. Besides supporting great causes and raising awareness on issues and the inequality that certain groups of people face on a daily basis, it’s also a well-made, good quality piece of clothing.   

It doesn’t appear that the items are still available for sale (there ARE copycat pieces out there - but they don't support the original artist). The good news though, is that more than $2500 US was raised through the collaboration. 

Black lives matter. Today and every day. Head to this webpage to learn more about the movement and find out how you can help. If you're in Canada,  check out this Huffington Post list of local organizations you can support as well. 

 Side dishes 

Podcast:
To Live and Die in LA

Quote: 
“Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; twas not given for thee alone, pass it on; let it travel down the years, let it wipe another’s tears, till in heaven the deed appears—pass it on. You can’t light a candle to show others the way, without feeling the warmth of that bright little ray; and you can’t give a rose all the fragrance with dew, without some of its sweetness remaining with you.”
– Henry Burton 

Read:
The Truth About Aaron: My Journey to Understand My Brother
– Jonathan Hernandez

Song:
Sink – Maya B, SAINt JHN

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.