- Words and Photographs by Lia Crowe

Sitting in The Roxy Cafe next door to in Vernon, and over a turmeric latte, I learn that Amanda has had a varied career that has included working in animation and graphic design. She also lived in several Canadian cities害羞草研究所擵ancouver, Halifax and Ottawa害羞草研究所攂efore opening her businesses in Vernon.

Amanda shows me on Instagram an ethical brand she carries in the store and it害羞草研究所檚 easy to see how much it fires her up to have connections with local, sustainable and ethical companies.

害羞草研究所淚 love sourcing brands, especially when I discover something new and I get to work directly with the maker(s). We have a lot of small-scale Canadian brands with great social missions, and it害羞草研究所檚 thrilling to shine a spotlight on them.害羞草研究所�

Amanda has also recently opened a second shop, , so I ask what quality and practices have led to her success.

害羞草研究所淚 think to be successful, you have to play to your strengths, but also acknowledge your weaknesses. I have a good eye for design, and that害羞草研究所檚 critical when it comes to purchasing for the store. But I害羞草研究所檓 also aware that I害羞草研究所檓 terrible at paperwork, so I have an amazing bookkeeper, who keeps me organized. You can害羞草研究所檛 possibly do it all yourself, so surround yourself with people who are skilled in everything that you害羞草研究所檙e not.害羞草研究所�

Asked what害羞草研究所檚 the best recent life lesson she害羞草研究所檚 recently learned, Amanda says, 害羞草研究所淚f you害羞草研究所檙e not happy doing what you are doing, then change it! I enjoyed graphic design immensely but the grind was getting to me. Now I get to be creative on my own terms and brand my own businesses. I work twice as hard, but I害羞草研究所檓 10 times happier.害羞草研究所�

Amanda describes her personal style as 害羞草研究所渆co-casual害羞草研究所� and a 害羞草研究所渏eans-and-sweater kind of girl,害羞草研究所� and says, 害羞草研究所淔all and winter are really my jam. Bundle me up in a chunky scarf and I害羞草研究所檓 good to go.害羞草研究所�

And what does good style mean to Amanda?

害羞草研究所淕ood style is what you feel good in. People害羞草研究所檚 bodies are so different, and not every fit or trendy style will work for your body type. I have a longer torso, so high-waisted pants are very comfortable for me, but if you have a shorter torso, you害羞草研究所檙e going to want a mid-rise to feel good. And, by the way, don害羞草研究所檛 let anyone tell you that you can害羞草研究所檛 wear skinny jeans if you feel great in them.害羞草研究所�

Style Inspirations & Life

Favourite artist: Jon Klassen.

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Tentree, they legit plant a lot of trees, and also Frank And Oak, which is a new brand for us.

Favourite musician: (Newfoundland).

Era of time that inspires your style: Mid-century modern.

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Mad Men (obvs).

Favourite cocktail or wine: .

Album on current rotation: Joni Mitchell害羞草研究所檚 Blue.

Favourite work tool: iPhone with Adobe Spark.

Favourite flower: Anemones.

Favourite city to visit: Edinburgh.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: Funny memes.

Fashion & Beauty

Uniform: Denim and a modal three-quarter-sleeve top.

All-time favourite piece: The 害羞草研究所淓lise Sheath Dress害羞草研究所� from Kaleco; it looks great and feels like pyjamas.

Currently coveting: Anything from ANI脕N (BC).

Favourite pair of shoes: Blundstone chisel toe.

Favourite day-bag: Maika commuter tote.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: Do I have to pick just one? .

Fashion obsession: Everything eco-friendly or handmade.

Accessory you spend the most money on: Earrings.

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: All-natural face and body products害羞草研究所攄on害羞草研究所檛 settle for less.

Moisturizer: .

Scent: Honey tobacco.

Must-have hair product: Om Hair Mask.

Beauty secret: Always wear sunscreen.

Reading Material

Fave print magazine: Folklife from Vancouver Island; we sell it at Kaleco.

Fave style blog: (art blog).

Book currently reading: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman.

Favourite book of all time: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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