The release of Birthday Cake Sparkle inspired us to talk to someone who knows their way around a beautiful dessert. Enter Venessa Liang, a pharmacist and dessert creator who appeared on The Food Network’s Great Chocolate Showdown. We talked to Venessa about the importance of family, culture, community, and balance in her life. This is one of our sweetest profiles yet. You’re going to want to get to know her.
What inspired you to have a blended career as a pharmacist and also a dessert creator?
It sort of just happened that way! I never planned to become a pharmacist when I was younger and I definitely never envisioned creating cakes and chocolate the way I do now. Although, I must say, I’ve truly found two amazing passions that I can’t live without. I would never give one up for the other because I want my cake and to eat it too!How long does it take you to create a cake?
This one definitely depends on what kind of cake I am making but in a simple answer - it takes days!! From creating fillings, buttercream and cakes to designing and decorating - it is a serious juggle to finish everything in a timely manner AFTER working a 40 hour week.
How do you balance all the aspects of your life; your two careers, your family, and your social life?
There’s a reason why my husband calls me HURRICANE VENESSA. I don’t think I’m that perfect overachiever that has everything balanced. If anything, I’ve learned that trying to do everything, accomplish everything and be happy with everything is NOT sustainable long term. It can take a strain on both your physical and mental health and then permanently break that “balance” we’re all trying to achieve. Lately, I’ve tried to focus on being content with “smaller” goals within each pillar that is important to me. So instead of trying to attain perfection in every aspect of my life (which yes, I can’t believe I’ve tried to do this for so long), I focus on being proud of the small wins! Putting less pressure on myself to reach my own expectations is a huge part of being content with where I am in all the aspects of my life.
“Putting less pressure on myself to reach my own expectations is a huge part of being content with where I am in all the aspects of my life.”
We love how much you feature your family on your Instagram! Why are weekly family dinners so important to you?
Our Chinese culture’s love language is and has always been food! While saying “I love you” and showing emotion to each other as a family was NOT a norm in our day to day, dinner together was always a must. No matter what happened, we always sat down to eat together at the end of the day. Now that we are separated into different towns and cities, we set aside our Mondays once a week to spend that quality time together. Many people may think we put too much effort into our food life but enjoying scrumptious Chinese food is something that we all relate to and enjoy immensely. Furthermore, sharing my culture and our food with society was never something that I did - for fear of judgement and frankly, racism. Since it’s 2022, I believe that there is no room for discrimination and no one should feel embarrassed by what they are eating - especially when what we’re eating is SO DELICIOUS! I find joy in sharing and providing education about my culture, and I hope to inspire others to be more open and adventurous when they think of Asian cuisine.
Tell us about a woman who has inspired you, or does inspire you?
One of my greatest inspirations is my grandma! Or, “a poa” as we call her. She is one of the strongest women I know and has been a constant throughout my life. While she may be tiny and adorable, she brings forth an energy so strong that she is a force to be reckoned with. She reminds me that any problems I come to face in my day to day are nothing compared to what she has gone through to make it to today. If grandma can do it, I can do it too.If you could choose one word to describe yourself, what would you choose and why?
Extravagant. Life is too short to choose the safe and boring option.
“Life is too short to choose the safe and boring option.”
You appeared on The Food Network’s Great Chocolate Showdown. Can you tell us how this came about and what the experience was like on the show?
This one definitely happened out of the blue! You wouldn’t believe it but a casting director messaged me on Instagram and the rest is basically history! The experience was definitely unlike anything I have ever done. It was exhausting, thrilling, fun and debilitating all at the same time. I made great, life long baker friends and I learned SO much about chocolate that put me onto the path I am on today.
Do you have any tips for staying calm while under pressure?
Deep breaths and ramen noodles.What advice do you have for anyone who is an amateur baker who wants to take their baking to the next level?
1. Practice, practice, practice! Accept that failure is a reality and learn from those mistakes to make yourself better at your craft. I definitely did not become who I am overnight and I have my fair share of failures under my belt too! Was I upset about them at the time? Yes. Am I better at what I do now because of it? Absolutely.
2. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! The “next level” may seem unattainable at the time but sometimes, it just takes a leap outside of your comfort zone to really up your game.
“Accept that failure is a reality and learn from those mistakes to make yourself better at your craft.”
If you were a Sparkle colour, what colour would you be?
Gold! For too long, I hated on anything resembling yellow or gold because it attached me to my race as a Chinese person. Today, I am proud to represent my culture and my ethnicity as I am. I want to be able to show younger generations of myself that our culture is beautiful and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. It’s bold, beautiful and “worth its weight in gold”
“I want to be able to show younger generations of myself that our culture is beautiful and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.”
Amy Robichaud is the Chair of the Dress for Success Canada Foundation and the Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver. She spoke with us about her organization’s beneficial programs and world-class stylists. She also talked about the psychological power of fashion, community, and how she found advocacy and activism at a very young age. You’re going to want to get to know her.Could you talk a little bit about what Dress for Success in Canada is all about?
Our goal at Dress for Success in Canada is to empower women into good jobs, financial independence, and personal success. Our most well-known flagship services are our dressing services—we get women the attire they need for interviews and work. But we also provide free 1-on-1 career coaching for women who are looking for work and need help preparing for interviews, or want to build a better CV, or improve their linkedin profile, or who are trying to access government services. You name it. We also provide free mental health counseling with clinical practitioners for women who need that. We do workshops on everything from financial literacy, to managing your mental health, to balancing family and work, to heart health and taking care of yourself. We also do leadership programs and provide women who have found work with professional development guidance for up to one year free of charge.We’re working to democratize networking so that the women who come to Dress for Success in Canada have an equal opportunity to build the same professional, business, and peer networks that we all rely on and credit our success to.
“Our goal at Dress for Success in Canada is to empower women into good jobs, financial independence, and personal success.”
Why do you believe in partnerships between nonprofits and brands like H&B? What are some of the benefits of these kinds of relationships?
There is a very strict definition of what charity is, which is important, but there is also a broader concept of just doing good—being a good citizen and showing up for your community. We all have the responsibility to do that. So partnerships like the one Dress for Success Canada has with Hillberg and Berk are important because we work together to broaden the idea of a product. We try to create something that emphasizes what a product can do for a community, and for the people in that community. We work together to help make this concept of “doing good” a more accessible, attainable thing. Being part of a community means you have a responsibility to and for each other. Our partnership with H&B exemplifies that. We take care of each other. That’s community. And when you find the right partnership, it’s like finding the right outfit. It all comes together.
“Being part of a community means you have a responsibility to and for each other. Our partnership with H&B exemplifies that. We take care of each other. That’s community. And when you find the right partnership, it’s like finding the right outfit. It all comes together.”
Has this kind of advocacy work always been something you envisioned yourself doing?
The advocacy that I do for economic inclusion for women, and equity in general, is deeply personal. I grew up with a lot of privilege in some ways, but in other ways, I experienced just how difficult it was for women to succeed. My mother is the strongest, most amazing woman I know. She was our family’s breadwinner for most of my childhood. She had to be a bulldozer. I grew up with a very powerful and present example of what it meant to be a woman who was struggling to provide for her family and succeed in the economy. She did what she needed to do, but it shouldn’t have been so hard for her.Were there any moments earlier in life that you look back on now as indications you’d be well-suited to this kind of work?
I gave my first advocacy speech before I had words. I stood on the hearth in a nightgown and impassionately intoned something to my family for several minutes. It’s a pretty straight line in my brain from that moment to lecturing adults for littering at age seven, to joining the debate team at 12, to going to university for public policy and political theory. I was raised in a family that made a point of talking about what was going on in the world. A lot of families say that politics and religion are things you should keep away from the dinner table, but that was our dinner table. Those conversations gave me the ability to see injustices and to decide to care about them.
Who are some of your role models?
My mom is always at the top of my list. There’s a lot of women, or people, in their thirties who wake up one day, look in the mirror, and say: “Oh my god I look like my parents.” For me it’s like, “Yup, there’s my mom.” And that’s a great feeling because I admire her and she’s taught me a ton.
Also, Roberta Bondar. I spent a lot of my childhood wanting to be an astronaut before I realized that math was not a strong suit for me. Roberta broke barriers and, while she did, talked about being a woman in a place where it wasn’t considered normal. I saw her doing something that women weren’t doing with grace and determination, and she always spoke about it with eloquence while advocating for other women to get involved. I actually got to meet her as an adult. She was the most gracious human. So that was pretty phenomenal.
“There’s a lot of women, or people, in their thirties who wake up one day, look in the mirror, and say: “Oh my god I look like my parents.” For me it’s like, “Yup, there’s my mom.” And that’s a great feeling because I admire her and she’s taught me a ton.”
Could you share a Dress for Success Vancouver story that has been especially important to you?
A client came in last year who was looking for a second job to cover the cost of school supplies for her kids, and she ended up going through the dressing service process. During the process, she shared her story of becoming a refugee—how she fled her home country to ensure the safety of her children because her husband had broken both of her legs. She told us all this information while trying to find shoes that wouldn’t hurt her, because she never healed properly. It feels like such a small thing for us to be able to say: “We have shoes that will fit and feel great.” That’s such a small thing for us, but for her it was the first time shoes hadn’t hurt her feet in years, and she left feeling confident about getting a second job to help her kids.
We had another client who’d been unemployed since before the pandemic. She’d worked in the tech sector and hadn’t found work in a long time. Ageism was a huge part of her situation. She’s smart and educated and has held senior roles, but after 3 years she was feeling so beaten down with “no’s” (and a global crisis) that she’d completely lost her sense of self. No one had helped her. She was referred to us and we offered her counseling with a clinical psychologist so she could have someone to talk to. After that, she came in for a dressing service, and again, for the first time in years, this was the place where people saw her, acknowledged her, helped her, and believed in her. So, those are two very different clients, but it is as meaningful for both of them to be able to access our services.
“When a client leaves, she leaves with a bag full of new-to-her clothing and a literal arsenal of tools and resources to help her feel better.”
Given that you typically try on clothes with a friend or family member, does the dressing service create a unique intimacy and opportunity to talk about physical and mental health?
There’s this sort of innate trust and vulnerability that comes with trying on clothes and being in a changeroom with other women. Our stylists do so much more than put them in beautiful, confidence-building attire. They listen, they offer other services we have, they commiserate, and empathize. They share their own experiences and they build trust and, when a client leaves, she leaves with a bag full of new-to-her clothing and a literal arsenal of tools and resources to help her feel better.Styling revolves around the psychological concept of enclothed cognition, which is the meaning and symbolism that we give to clothing. For example, we associate a doctor’s white coat with authority and intelligence. Studies have shown we’ll actually give more trust to somebody in a lab coat than someone who is not. But we also do that with ourselves. We all have a version of our own power suit—the jeans that make us feel the best, the shirt that we stand tallest in, and the shoes that we stand straighter in. It’s hard to pinpoint what it is, but something happens when we style people—the clothes allow their natural confidence to shine through, and it becomes more about the woman than the clothes we put her in. It becomes about how she feels in her body and not her body itself.
“Something happens when we style people—the clothes allow their natural confidence to shine through, and it becomes more about the woman than the clothes we put her in. It becomes about how she feels in her body and not her body itself.”
At H&B we like to talk about women “rising together”. Can you tell us about some of the relationships you’ve formed with other women through this work? How important are those relationships to your outlook and general wellbeing?
In our community at Dress for Success Canada we always talk about “lifting as we rise” and I think that’s one of the reasons our partnership with Hillberg & Berk is such a good fit. There’s a definitive brand alignment there. This organization is the only place I’ve worked in gender advocacy where it’s impossible to tell the clients, volunteers, and staff apart. Part of the reason that’s so difficult is because we have clients who have become volunteers, volunteers who have become clients, clients who have become staff, and staff who have accessed our services. Every last one of us has some way they can learn, be lifted, or rise, and we all have the ability to do that for someone else.
I know it’s really frowned upon in business literature to talk about your staff as a family, but it’s so hard for me not to feel that way with the people I work with because there is this sense of holistic community to what we do. What I felt from the very beginning through Hillberg & Berk and through the branding, through the jewellery, through Share Your Sparkle, was this alignment with Rachel’s vision. She’s built a team that doesn't just talk about this idea of “helping people rise,” but who believe it themselves. This true values alignment made all our conversations about creating and building a partnership publicly as easy as breathing. There’s a magic in it that I don’t know how to describe otherwise.
“Every last one of us has some way they can learn, be lifted, or rise, and we all have the ability to do that for someone else.”
Can you talk a little bit about the styling process at Dress for Success in Vancouver? Have you seen any great looks that you’d like to share?
Some of the best celebrity stylists are located in Vancouver and many of them choose to give their time back to our organization. It’s pretty amazing how someone who has just finished dressing people for the Golden Globes will be here the next day helping style a woman who is trying to get a second job. You see the difference in someone who professionally knows how to build confidence in someone and find pieces that are appropriate for their body and match their personality. Our stylists always show me what a powerful form of self-expression clothing can be. It’s nice to be able to see people receive that gift.It seems like it would be important to feel confident and ready for anything while doing this crucial advocacy work. Is there any jewellery that helps you feel this way?
I have a gold locket that’s been with my family for generations that my great aunt gave to me. That’s a piece that helps me do this work because I put it on and I feel like I have this lineage of women with me. I also have an M necklace with diamonds in it. Both my mother and grandmother have the same one because we all share the same middle name. We call ourselves the 3 Marlenes. So, when I wear that it makes me feel deeply connected to them and I know they’re with me. There’s something about when I put those pieces on—there’s extra power in it.Ok, I promise I’m not just saying this because we’re having this conversation for Hillberg & Berk, but I bought the Leopard print Sparkle Balls™ as soon as they came out, and they’ve landed as part of my wardrobe on the regular. They’re fun. They’re fierce. They’re a little edgy, but they also go with everything and I get compliments on them all the time. They’ve become part of that enclothed cognition where if I need a little extra help one day, one of my family necklaces and the Sparkle Balls™ are going on.
Writing: Carter Selinger
The Dress for Success Ambassador Program is a diverse and inclusive skill development program that creates leadership opportunities for its participants. By sharing their stories during workshops and events, former clients become volunteers and representatives of Dress for Success Vancouver. It’s a way for community members to continue learning while giving back. Let’s meet some Dress for Success ambassadors!
Silvia
A glass ceiling represents a barrier that women experience in the workplace and prohibits them from success. How have you shattered glass ceilings?
I work in a male-dominated field. It’s changing little by little. More women are working in logistics, but very few have moved into leadership positions. I do my best at work and encourage other women to do the same. We have to support each other. The Vice President of our company is a woman, and she is an inspiration to me.
In what ways has Dress for Success made an impact on your life and why did you choose to be an ambassador?
Dress for Success always welcomes and supports women with respect no matter where they are in life. It’s been four years now since I went for my first fitting appointment. Since then, I have had many other opportunities through Dress for Success: I received valuable networking opportunities with the Professional Women’s Group, I’ve attended professional workshops and been given immeasurable support. This organization gave me an opportunity to truly connect with other professional women, listen to their life stories, and also share mine. I’m a proud Dress for Success Vancouver Ambassador and I want to give back to this community.
“Confidence is believing that you’re able to do whatever you want. It’s the knowledge that you have the tools, the ability and power, and the infinite capacity to learn.”
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence is believing that you’re able to do whatever you want. It’s the knowledge that you have the tools, the ability and power, and the infinite capacity to learn. But it’s easy to forget those things. That’s why being surrounded by trusting people who encourage and remind you of what you can do is so priceless.
Sanam
A glass ceiling represents a barrier that women experience in the workplace/in their careers. How have you shattered glass ceilings?
I shattered the glass ceiling by speaking out and expressing what I needed. I remember situations in the past where I tried to follow my goal while ignoring these barriers, but that approach required so much extra effort.
“I shattered the glass ceiling by speaking out and expressing what I needed.”
In what ways has Dress for Success made an impact on your life and why did you choose to be an ambassador?
I feel more energetic and powerful in so many different situations. The Professional Women’s Group taught me that when I encounter a problem, the first thing I should do is draw up a plan and then take action. I chose to be an ambassador to keep in touch with the amazing people I’ve met through Dress For Success, and to create more networking opportunities.
Who or what inspires you everyday to step outside of your comfort zone
Both my manager and mentor at Dress for Success are sources of inspiration. I’m inspired by people who are excited to communicate and learn new things.
Tracy
A glass ceiling represents a barrier that women experience in the workplace and prohibits them from success. How have you shattered glass ceilings?
I have done this several times in my journey both as a student and during my career. I became the first female Secretary General of my student union in a highly competitive election. Despite my colleagues thinking it would be impossible, I received a commonwealth scholarship for my MSc while heavily pregnant with my daughter. In my career I was able to broker a peaceful resolution with local communities, government, and oil companies on issues surrounding oil exploitation. I developed the first-ever multi-stakeholder mechanism, an act that most of my colleagues had given up on.
“It’s helpful for women, especially immigrant women and women from minority groups, to hear stories like mine as they continue on their journeys.”
In what ways has Dress for Success made an impact on your life and why did you choose to be an ambassador?
The knowledge I gained from their workshops and the amazing network of women I’ve met through this organization have been invaluable. That’s why I contribute to the growth of Dress for Success. It’s helpful for women, especially immigrant women and women from minority groups, to hear stories like mine as they continue on their journeys.Why is giving back so important to you?
It allows me to build relationships with people in my local community and learn about different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. And, most importantly, it helps my mental health. I feel happy knowing I’m giving back to society.
Marie
A glass ceiling represents a barrier that women experience in the workplace and prohibits them from success. How have you shattered glass ceilings?
I’ve been involved in many positions in my professional career where I've been asked to contribute ideas for women’s empowerment initiatives, but the lack of actual support at these organizations caused me to struggle to achieve my career goals. It wasn’t until I joined the Professional Women’s Group—after partaking in the mentorship program and curated workshops—that I achieved a longstanding career goal. The Professional Women’s Group mentorship program empowered me to take action and shatter my career barriers. It rebuilt my persistence and tenacity—critical traits that helped me overcome barriers and pivot into a better-fitting job that aligned with my personal values.
“The impact has been profoundly positive and nudged me towards wanting to be an Ambassador as a way to give back to the community and help other women shatter the barriers in their lives.”
In what ways has Dress for Success made an impact on your life and why did you choose to be an ambassador?
Dress For Success has not only introduced me to a network of women that support and nurture me, it has also equipped me with practical life lessons that transformed my personal and professional life. The impact has been profoundly positive and nudged me towards wanting to be an Ambassador as a way to give back to the community and help other women shatter the barriers in their lives. I’m excited to begin the next chapter with Dress For Success as an ambassador, and to impart my newfound knowledge and confidence to help others succeed on their Dress For Success journeys.
What motivates you to be a changemaker?
The need and desire to make a difference drives me to be a changemaker. I believe a small change can go a long way, and that’s what motivates me to get involved and participate in my community as a changemaker.
H&B at Dress for Success Vancouver, participating in Ambassador Suiting Programs, Winter 2022
Writing: Carter Selinger
Hailing from Saskatchewan, Kiteen Marie is a small town fashion blogger who has cultivated an amazing online community. She spoke with us about how her blog helped her rediscover her personal taste—an aspect of her identity briefly lost during her experiences with early motherhood. It’s easy to see why so many moms across the globe have connected with Kiteen’s personal story, and her earnest excitement for motherhood, fashion, and self-love.
How did you start your career as a digital creator?
I started a blog (formerly known as Kiteen’s Closet) shortly after giving birth to my firstborn, Violet. I remember feeling like I couldn’t remember who I was or what I liked to do before becoming a Mom. Kiteen’s Closet started as a hobby and as a way for me to find joy & passion in something again outside of being a Mother. It became a career when I realized the impact sharing my everyday life and desires for confidence & self-love was having on Mom’s across the globe who were feeling exactly like I was.
“I realized the impact sharing my everyday life and desires for confidence & self-love was having on Mom’s across the globe who were feeling exactly like I was.”
As a lifestyle blogger a lot of people look to you for influence and inspiration, who do you look to for inspiration?
Other lifestyle bloggers, mainly! One of my biggest inspirations for starting my own blog was because I would regularly read fashion posts from people like Jillian Harris, Loverly Grey, and Cara Loren.
How do you balance all the aspects of your life; your self care, fashion, your career, and young kids and family?
I try my best to set aside specific chunks of time in the day for all the tasks/roles I have. It definitely is a balancing act, and one that I have yet to master! However, I have found that making a priority list in the evening for what I need to achieve the next day has helped me tremendously with time management.
How do you want people to feel when they visit your digital channels, like your Instagram or blog?
I want them to feel inspired. I want women (and in particular other Mom’s) to see a photo of me and think to themselves “Hey – I kinda look like her! Maybe I could wear that too.” I want women to feel confident in who they are and confident in the body they are in. I hope to inspire the same type of self-love & acceptance that I have for myself in other women.
“I want women to feel confident in who they are and confident in the body they are in. I hope to inspire the same type of self-love & acceptance that I have for myself in other women.”
You have an extensive background in Agriculture, are there any misconceptions about the industry?
Yes, but gosh – where do I start?! Lol. There are many misconceptions in regards to Agriculture and Farming. It seems people still have an image of a man in overalls, holding a pitchfork with a piece of straw between his teeth when they hear the term “Farmer”. Farmers (and people in the Agriculture Industry as a whole) are businessmen and women. Some of the smartest people I have ever met work in Agriculture! I wish there was more appreciation and knowledge of the technological advances and evolvement within the Agriculture Industry.
How would you describe your personal style?
Feminine, affordable, mom-friendly.
Living in a small town, do you shop more online or locally? What are your top online shopping tips?
I definitely shop more online, but do think it’s important to also shop local when possible! One of the reasons I love online shopping is because it is easier to make conscious purchase decisions online. For example, if I really, really think I want/need something – I will put it in my online shopping cart for a few days while I ponder the pros and cons of purchasing that item. I also always try to wait for a sale when I’m shopping online – most retailers seem to set their sales to go live on the weekends!
What is your favourite Hillberg & Berk jewellery piece?
It’s so hard to pick just one! I have accumulated quite a collection of Hillberg & Berk pieces over the years that I feel are timeless and that I wear regularly. I think Sparkle Balls™ are so iconic to the Hillberg & Berk brand and will forever be a favourite of mine. I also really love the new “Designed By You” Charm Necklace!
What are some of your favourite ways to style camo, and incorporate this trend into other styles and fashion? Do you have any favourite camo pieces?
My favourite way to incorporate camo is in subtle ways – like my jewelry! The new Camo Sparkle collection is the perfect way to integrate this trend as the neutral, natural-toned print is easy to pair with a variety of looks.
“The new Camo Sparkle collection is the perfect way to integrate this trend as the neutral, natural-toned print is easy to pair with a variety of looks.”
What social causes are you passionate about and why?
I’m passionate about doing my part to end world hunger - especially in children. Being a Mom from a farming family drives my desire to help ensure healthy foods are available to those that currently don’t have access to it.
What makes you feel most empowered and why?Seeing women like me (stay at home Mom’s, women in their 30’s) live out their dreams and follow their passions!
Meet Jess Moskaluke—internationally celebrated, award-winning country music star and collaborator behind our newest Handpicked by Jess box with her other H&B must-haves. In this edition of Know Her, we chatted with Jess about her style, accomplishments, inspirations, and some of the important causes she works to support.
"Inspiration can strike from anywhere at any time. It’s about knowing when to catch it and how to turn it into something beautiful.”
What are your sources of inspiration for writing songs?
Usually it’s life experience, but I’ve also used situations friends were going through, book and movie quotes, and even Twitter parody pages for inspiration in the past. It really varies—inspiration can strike from anywhere at any time. It’s about knowing when to catch it and how to turn it into something beautiful.
How would you describe your style?
I’m a bit of a chameleon, I suppose. On stage I like to have tons of sparkle and edge. But on red carpets I like to be really polished and glam. When I’m at home, I’m definitely the girl next door and as comfortable as possible.
“When I’m at home, I’m definitely the girl next door and as comfortable as possible.”
What's your biggest, boldest ambition for the future?
I’d love to do my own headlining tour in the future. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
What social causes are you passionate about?
I love to support the MS Society of Canada. I lost my dad to Multiple Sclerosis just after my 16th birthday, so I’ve always done what I can to direct money and awareness their way. I’m also a huge supporter of animal rescues. Not one in particular—I love to spread the love and have adopted dogs from 3 different organizations over the past 10 years.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Honestly this is such a tough one. Professionally, I’m proud of being the first woman in Canadian country music to have a platinum selling single since Shania Twain. I also can’t believe I have multiple CCMA awards and even a Juno. But, on a more personal level, I’m most proud of writing the song “Mapdot." I think that song resonates with a lot of small town people, from hometowns like mine, and makes them feel proud of where they’re from.
"I’m most proud of writing the song “Mapdot." I think that song resonates with a lot of small town people, from hometowns like mine, and makes them feel proud of where they’re from.”
Do you have a favourite Hillberg & Berk jewellery piece?
How do you pick just one? No, really. The one I’ve been wearing the most lately is the rose gold Mary Toggle Bracelet. I love anything dainty that levels up your wardrobe. I also love stacking hoop earrings since I have my ears double pierced.
What is your favourite thing about your career?
Performing! My love and passion for singing and performing is what got me into this career. It’s what I look forward to the most, it’s what I miss when I’m not doing it, and it’s what gets me through the peaks and valleys of a music career. There are hundreds of benefits and other parts of this gig that I love, but to strip it all down, it’s the singing.
Who is the woman (or one of the women) who most inspires you, and makes you feel empowered?
There are so many amazing women that I work with every day that help keep my career on the rails. You all know who you are. But I’m so proud to be a woman in a male-dominated business, working alongside other women who are just as hardworking and badass as every other person in this business.
“I’m so proud to be a woman in a male-dominated business, working alongside other women who are just as hardworking and badass as every other person in this business.”
What is the best thing about where you grew up?
Small town people prepared me for my career in so many ways. I was lucky enough to dip my foot into band class, choir, and even a bit of musical theatre. I was happy to find the music industry to be like one big small town in a lot of ways. Everybody knows everybody. Everyone’s worked with someone at some point, or heard about them. So that feels very comforting to me.
Why did you want to partner with H&B?
I LOVE supporting and partnering with local businesses. I was a fan of H&B products even before I knew they’d started locally in Saskatchewan. After hearing how Rachel got her start, and how she continues to grow her business and give back as much as she does, I knew our brands aligned, and that this was a company I could gladly stand behind. After working with them a few times over the last year, I can’t imagine a better, more inspiring, encouraging, fun, and beautiful partnership.
Writing: Carter Selinger
We spoke with Canadian artist, Angela Morgan, about jewellery, colour, inspiration, her creative process, and her recent collaboration with H&B. Morgan comments on how she gets intense joy from human interactions, and then paints that joy. At H&B, we feel connected to the boldness, confidence, and vibrancy of Angela’s art, and were excited to work with her on the design of Debut Sparkle. Above all, we hope this new Debut Collection brightens your day.
“There can be a lot of dark days for people and if we can bring something into the world that makes people happy or brings some joy—that’s what I’m trying to do with my work. I love beautiful things. That’s what I endeavour to paint.”
If you could pick one work to describe yourself, what would it be and why?
The painting we did to complement the collection is 100% me. My inner goddess definitely has fiery orange hair and a big hat. I think I missed my century. I belong in an era where you dress up for dinner and wear gloves. That painting captures how I often feel. I might not always look that fabulous, but I aspire to exude that type of energy.
Tell us about your creative process. Do you have a daily routine?
When I’m at home and in my studio in Fernie, it’s rare for me to take a day off. I’m very fortunate to have a career that doesn’t feel like work. Most days I try to paint in 3 hour blocks—one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and, if I can, an evening session. I’m usually working on 20 to 30 paintings at any given time. My favourite part of the creative process is the beginning—that initial mark-making, the gestures, and brushstrokes that get onto the canvas. It’s exciting. There’s no mistakes. You’re free with your ideas and not married to any one outcome. But beginning a painting often requires a lot of energy so that’s usually a morning session. Evenings are reserved for more thoughtful work—now I’m done 90% of this painting and I’m trying to give it the focussed attention it needs.
How long does it take you to paint a piece?
A 3x3 foot painting takes me between 8-10 hours. But that 8-10 hours varies depending on the composition. A painting with a single figure in it is simpler. You’re not working through as many problems as you are with a painting that has a group of people. When I first started painting, a 3x3 foot painting would have taken about 25 hours. I’ve been painting full-time for 20 years now and you start to get better technically with colour mixing. You get a better eye and you know a bit more about your own vision. What’s in my head comes out a lot quicker than it did 20 years ago.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Or any young women starting their professional or artistic career?
Don’t despair and be kind to yourself. It’s really easy to be disappointed with yourself. I had moments where I thought “Oh, this painting is no good,” but there was always something good in it. You just had to look harder sometimes. I was probably overly dramatic about what I perceived to be failures. Those “failures” were never the huge setbacks I thought they were at the time. I take comfort in knowing that creating art and putting it out into the world is hopefully a lifelong pursuit. At twenty I thought, “Oh, I’m never going to make it,” but eventually if you do enough of something you’re going to get it right. So just keep going. I hope when I’m 80 or 90 I’m going to be producing my best work. And why not? At that time I’ll have a lifetime of experiences behind me. Don’t despair. Keep going. Drink more wine, relax, and just enjoy what you do (laughs).
"So just keep going. I hope when I’m 80 or 90 I’m going to be producing my best work. And why not? At that time I’ll have a lifetime of experiences behind me. Don’t despair. Keep going. Drink more wine, relax, and just enjoy what you do."
Why did you want to collaborate with H&B?
I grew up in Saskatchewan and have known of Rachel for quite a while because she was a collector of my works. So that was very fortunate. Hillberg and Berk is a jewelry company but it’s also so much more. H&B aligns itself with a really positive existence. There can be a lot of dark days for people and if we can bring something into the world that makes people happy or brings some joy—that’s what I’m trying to do with my work. I love beautiful things. That’s what I endeavour to paint. When Rachel first approached me, she said, “Can we work a painting into a collection?” And I was like “Yeah! What colours are you thinking?” Having her team lay out what their colour vision was and using it as a jumping off point to create something—that was incredibly exciting for me. The whole experience felt aligned with my creative process.
Tell us about the painting you’ve done for this H&B collection?
There was a lot of thought that went into the composition and ideology around this debut. We chose one woman to be front and center with the idea that she was sort of coming out of the canvas and stepping into the real world.
What do you hope our customers will feel wearing this Debut collection?
I hope they feel...I might say fabulous, and like the world is a great place. With the exception of everything going on, I hope they find they can put on these gorgeous colours and be like, “I’m wearing this piece because it reminds me I’m a vibrant person, and I deserve things that make me feel wonderful.”
“I hope they find they can put on these gorgeous colours and be like, “I’m wearing this piece because it reminds me I’m a vibrant person, and I deserve things that make me feel wonderful.”
Can you talk about why it’s important for you to have joy as a central theme in your art? And how figurative painting allows you to do this?
What’s important in my life is my connections with people—my family, my children, my friends. I get intense joy from human interactions. I try to paint that joy. It’s not as if my garden isn’t inspiring. But I’ll paint my garden and then I’ll look at the painting and say: “I love how the geraniums melded in with the petunias, and then I’m like “ehh, this is kinda boring. This needs a person!” 99.9% of my work is grounded in some physical form. I would like to be a lot more brooding and contemporary and edgy. But then I’m like, “Well maybe just one more polka dot, maybe a pink polka dot, maybe some yellow, and oh we need blue now!” And I’ll get up in the morning and be like, “That’s just another happy painting.” And then I’m like “Screw it. I guess this is just what I do.” When I look at a painting or art I generally just want to feel good, and that’s what I’ve tried to generate in my work for 20 years. A positive emotion that just makes me happy.
Do you find yourself considering the inner lives of these figures you paint?
Sometimes. I might get a painting with four or five women and I’m like “Oh my god, she’s the bossy one. Look at her gestures! There’s a small narrative that goes on in my head, which makes painting fun. I’m trying to capture a moment in time. While I paint, I’ll often find myself reflecting on memories. I’ll be like “Oh wasn’t that a wonderful moment at my friend’s wedding when the groom looked back at his mom and his mom was like “Yes! Get on with it. Say I do.” I’m not necessarily painting specific people, but these kinds of memories fuel my inspiration. But I do want to leave it up to the viewer. Most people usually identify with a character in the work because it reminds them of their aunt, their grandma, or themselves when they were little. So I don’t try to be too specific and go, “Hey, this is mom and daughter.” Hopefully when people view my work it triggers a memory for them that’s different from mine but just as meaningful.
Do you have a favourite Hillberg & Berk jewellery piece?
I probably have about eight pairs of Sparkle Balls™. They’re just iconic. Six of the pairs have been given to me as gifts. People will say, “I just saw this colour and it made me think of you, which I think is really interesting.” I also have a gorgeous necklace with these beautiful jewel tones with gold in it, and it’s very special. I throw a lot of dinner parties and like to have a small dress code when you’re invited to my house. Obviously, I’m not going to impose, but I have a great closet and some gorgeous jewels, and that necklace is one piece that is always a go-to if my friends come over and want to bump up their outfit.
Often the faces of the people (or figures) in your work are obscured by large, fun hats. Can you talk about why this is a recurring theme for you?
I started to struggle painting eyes in my work maybe 11 or 12 years ago, and I just didn’t like them anymore. And I thought, “Well, what if I just tilted that hat a little bit?” So I did a couple of paintings and realized that obscuring the eyes wasn’t taking anything away from the painting for me. I started to put them out there and the feedback was interesting because most people didn’t notice. Maybe there was a presence in the figure that stood true, even without the eyes. And my sense with the eyes was—if I didn’t get them right—the painting was ruined. Hiding the eyes got to be really fun. It’s just something that I was technically having trouble with so I found a different solution that I really enjoyed. And, now I’m painting a few more eyes too, so, here we go. (laughs).
"What’s important in my life is my connections with people—my family, my children, my friends. I get intense joy from human interactions. I try to paint that joy."
Tell us about a woman who has inspired you or does inspire you?
I guess I always look close to home for my inspiration. Personal interaction is very important to me. I’ve been blessed with many wise people that I consider mentors, or inspirations. Off the top of my head, my grandma. She lived to be 100 years old—and I might cry here—but she was just such a lovely woman. She was the matriarch of our family. She gave love every day. She created beautiful things in her kitchen and did these beautiful little landscape paintings. She was steadfast in her creation of community and love.
Writing: Carter Selinger
In this edition of The Look, we talked with Cassandra and Stefanie Lepp about the agriculture industry, fashion, farming, family, and flowers. These sisters are filled with unique insights about individuality, life, style, and pursuing your passions. Though admittedly “chaotic,” Cass and Stef are living undeniably compelling lives.
"We wanted to change the conversation. Why do farmers have to look a certain way? Why do we as a society so often stereotype people based on the way they look?"
What inspired you to start the Instagram page @thetulepps?
We started our Instagram page @thetulepps in the spring of 2018. We were the marketing team for Springland Manufacturing’s UTL truck loading augers. We travelled to trade shows across Canada and the US selling them, and it was at these shows we noticed an underlying current of sexism in the Agriculture (Ag) community. Some men wouldn’t want to speak to us, others were blatantly rude because we were young women. Certain companies at the shows wouldn’t approach us when we walked through a booth. They didn’t think we were farmers because of our gender and the way we look. In those years, we were running all the equipment and taking on more responsibility at our Dad’s farm. Growing up our parents were often asked if they wish they had boys to take over the family businesses. We wanted to change the conversation. Why do farmers have to look a certain way? Why do we as a society so often stereotype people based on the way they look?
Our second major reason was to share our story. The Ag community is filled with incredibly diverse, multitalented, kind, hard working and humble people. We are feeding the world and the media often portrays us in a different way. We thought by combining our love of fashion and our careers as farmers our page would allow us to speak to a broader demographic. Urban and rural individuals follow us now and that was our goal from the start! Working with Hillberg & Berk is one way this dream has come to fruition. It’s incredible for us to see where this page has taken us and the support we’ve received is truly humbling.
"When we started The Tulepps we wanted it to be a safe space for anyone and everyone that celebrated breaking social norms and stereotypes. We love meeting people who are unapologetic and confident in who they are."
How do you balance both fashion and farming?
Balancing fashion and farming is hectic. For our IG shoots we try to batch shoot photos but it becomes difficult in the summer months when we have so much to do at Rivers Air and the farm. [The Lepps run air business based in Rivers, MB. Cass and Stef work as the grounds crew.] Last week we went to the combines in nice outfits while our dad was in line at the elevator. We had filled the bins at home and new we had an extra 30 minutes to spare so we made use of it. Then we changed in the truck and went back to work. When shooting with H&B we got up, shot the campaign, and then ran to the airport because—as the grounds crew—we had to help our dad get some custom spraying done with his AT-802F spray plane.
We love the juxtaposition of our life. When we’re at work we wear tough, durable clothing. When we’re out for an evening, we explore fashion and make our outfits interesting. We have the same value in both settings and that’s something we really want to portray to young girls. You shouldn’t be treated differently based on the way you look, which is why we often show up on our page with no filters, no makeup, just us. The next generation needs that more than ever. Balance is difficult. Our life is chaotic and most of the time we love that. Life is short and we’re trying to cram in as many experiences as we can so balance sometimes flies out the window during busy seasons like harvest.
What do you wish more people knew about women in agriculture?
Women are running farms; we just aren’t talking about it. If you don’t know about the Tractorettes, do some research! These women went to classes and learned how to run the farms when the men went off to war. Without them so many people would have starved. Just under 30% of farm operators in Canada today are women. It turns out we do look like farmers! Women have been doing incredible things for a long time. Another one to research is the Night Witches of WWII.
We wish more people knew that a farm wife (or farm husband) is the glue of many farm operations. Whether you’re trying to get the crop in, or harvesting in the fall, you are bound to have breakdowns. You don’t have time to eat and nothing matters but getting things at the farm wrapped up before a storm rolls in or a deadline rolls by. Farm wives are often the ones picking up the pieces; they’re the ones that hold the farm together—bringing suppers, running for parts and taking care of the house. It’s crucial. In our case it’s our mom, my husband, and Stef’s fiancé at times.
There are also many, many women in Ag that aren’t the farmer but are crucial to the Ag community. Agronomists, seed reps, equipment sales, and so many more jobs are filled by women.
"Women are running farms; we just aren’t talking about it."
What is it like running a business as a sister duo?
Running businesses as a sister duo with our dad is amazing. No one else would support us the way we support each other. We are 100% committed to making the businesses run smoothly and that’s a really incredible environment to work in. There are struggles. Separating work life from family time is hard. We need to find more balance there. We have misunderstandings and things get personal in the business because we are family. When I (Cass) was taking my business degree they focused on family businesses being some of the hardest. I definitely agree. But at the end of the day, we’re constantly working on being better communicators, and we get to spend our days working beside our dad and sometimes our mom. It’s really special.
What are your tips to styling jewellery?
When styling jewellery we like to mix chunky chains with smaller chains and differing lengths. We like pieces that tell a story. We prefer gold but we sometimes throw some silver in the mix too! Your style should reflect who you are. We also make sure we shop consciously. Supporting local brands that focus on sustainability and quality is very important to us. If we buy something we want to be able to wear it for years not just a season or two.
Where do you find inspiration for fashion?
We are currently doing a series where we style our outfits around our equipment which has been fun! Inspiration for our fashion often comes from @tezza.barton and @kyliekatich—we adore them and their art. Locally, we often ask our friend @jilliannesbitt to style our shoots if we have special projects we’re working on. It’s nice to have an outside perspective. She’s so creative and the best hype girl/friend we could ask for! We are hoarders when it comes to our closets so we enjoy mixing older pieces with trends to add interest. Fashion should make you feel good. Wear whatever you want and rock it! We adore seeing people embracing their individuality.
"Fashion should make you feel good. Wear whatever you want and rock it! We adore seeing people embracing their individuality."
If you were a flower, what type of flower would you be? A tulip, a sunflower, a daisy, or something else?
(Cass) I think I would be a wildflower. Maybe a tiger lily. A tough little flower that can bloom in the ditch.
(Stef) I’d like to think I’d be a wildflower too. Growing in the wild wherever I please, maybe a lady slipper. Fancy but still in the ditch.
What social causes are you passionate about, and why?
We are passionate about anything that helps people celebrate their individuality and makes them feel like they belong. When we started The Tulepps we wanted it to be a safe space for anyone and everyone that celebrated breaking social norms and stereotypes. We love meeting people who are unapologetic and confident in who they are. Imagine if the entire world was more encouraging of celebrating our differences. We would all learn more, we would all benefit, we would all feel safe.
"You shouldn’t be treated differently based on the way you look, which is why we often show up on our page with no filters, no makeup, just us. The next generation needs that more than ever."
What makes you feel empowered?
We feel empowered when we are independent, when we learn something new, when moms tell us we made a difference for them or their little girl, when we see someone thriving, when we help someone else, when we fix something at the farm without asking for help. When we help another woman feel confident in her own skin. Society really is so damn hard on women and we should be each other’s biggest fans.
Writing: Carter Selinger
Influenced by the lives and styles of women we admire, The Look was created to celebrate what the incredible women in our community are thinking, doing, and wearing. This week on The Look, we’re featuring mother-daughter duo, Paula Collins and Jasmyn Pingue. We chatted with Paula and Jasmyn about their modelling agency, Masala Model & Talent, their personal style, as well as their advocacy for racial equality. They inspire us with their authenticity, bold sense of style and passion for uplifting young women and girls.
"We’re strongly passionate about developing our talent to bring out their best qualities and managing their careers on a local, national and international level."
What interested you in owning a model agency?
PAULA: My modelling agent moved from Saskatoon, SK to Whiterock, BC to expand her agency. There was a lot of projects left in Saskatoon that needed talent for bookings. I wanted to continue a legacy that was established in our province and beyond.
What advice would you give to women wanting to start their own journey with entrepreneurship?
PAULA: Always follow your dreams, research, be bold in taking a leap. Not everyone will support you so be ready to take on tasks alone and continue to believe in yourself. Be ready for disappointments, keep going, you got this!
JASMYN: Start with what brings you joy, passion, and fulfilment. Having a great support system for encouragement and advice is wonderful to have. It’s extremely important if you are proceeding alone, and never stop rooting for yourself. Everyone deserves a life that brings you success. You’re special and amazing!
"Stand proud of your accomplishments no matter how big or small they may seem."
What’s it like running a business as a mother/daughter duo?
PAULA/JASMYN: We enjoy working together and we have a great relationship. At times we need space from each other to decompress; then we come back more rejuvenated. Having the creative freedom to express ourselves and cohesively work in the fashion, fine arts, and entertainment industry with endless opportunities is truly phenomenal! We’re strongly passionate about developing our talent to bring out their best qualities and managing their careers on a local, national and international level.
Not only are we like-minded, but we also share the same birthday!
How would you describe your personal style?
PAULA: For work, stylish coordinates that have some colour and accent my curves. For casual, anything that flows.
JASMYN: My style consists of a variety of eclectic styles with a creative personal touch. I love a great statement shoe!
We both love freedom and comfort that is fashionable. It’s important to be your own individual outside of following trends.
"I believe jewellery is a creative reflection of your personal style."
Why do you think jewellery is important in completing an outfit?
PAULA: Jewellery always brings life to an outfit. It makes a statement that is personal to you that can be memorable and timeless.
JASMYN: I believe jewellery is a creative reflection of your personal style. Simple as styling a black dress instantly enhances and boots your self-esteem.
What fashion advice would you give to your younger self and why?
PAULA: Always start with the basics then add on pieces to expand your wardrobe. You are fierce and amazing, be your authentic self, because there is no one like you.
JASMYN: The best fashion advice I’ve been given is: “dress the way you want to be addressed." Confidence is key! You can quickly lose your poise if you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing; the right clothing or garments can lend you the right attitude. The rest has to come within.
What life advice would you give to your younger self and why?
PAULA: Believe in yourself! This advice is from my parents and still holds true today for me: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. PROVERBS 3: 5-6. This advice is life!
JASMYN: This has always been applied throughout my life…you are worthy, unique and loved. Always believe in yourself, never give up, you can achieve anything your hearts desire. You deserve it! Stand proud of your accomplishments no matter how big or small they may seem. No matter what others say, stand true to your morals and ethics.
"As Black women, we have a responsibility to speak up for racism, injustice and inequality."
What social causes are you passionate about, and why?
PAULA/JASMYN: We are both passionate about building our community, Black Lives Matter and mentoring youth and young adults to strengthen their mental health and well being. We want a strong and unified community that brings people from all walks of life together in harmony. As Black women, we have a responsibility to speak up for racism, injustice and inequality. The youth and young adults need a safe environment and support without the stigmas of race, gender, bullying and abuse.
"We are both passionate about building our community, Black Lives Matter and mentoring youth and young adults to strengthen their mental health and well being."
What makes you feel empowered?
PAULA/JASMYN: Having a supportive family and knowing the hard work and dedication to the causes we’ve served have been rewarding. Giving gratitude each day and give thanks, to the most high. Without God, we would not be here to share this. Share your gift and true passions with the world, as you were put on this earth to make a difference. Lastly, be intentional and have control over what you do and stand for.
Click here to shop The Look.
@masalamodeltalent@jasmyn.naomirunwayWardrobe by Klassique Designs Snakeskin Sandals: Traxx Footwear
Writing: Carter Selinger
"Getting involved in this role was inspired by community members and the desire to take on a challenge where I’d be refocusing an organization to be the national youth-led 2SLGBTQ organization many young queer and trans people need."
We talked to Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah about her work as an Executive Director with the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD), some key moments in her childhood and adolescence that led her down this path of advocacy and activism, her time as a rugby player, and her earring-making hobby during the pandemic.
Has this kind of advocacy and activism work always been something you envisioned yourself doing?
Yes. Recently, I was sitting on a panel for Carleton university (where I did both my undergrad and my masters) and the panel was on alternative careers outside of academia. I told them the reason I moved to Ottawa at 18 years old was to get into a career where I was involved in advocacy and activism. Both from a public policy approach (like foreign affairs) but also feminist activism. I knew I needed to be in close proximity to where those decisions were happening. So that kind of inspired my academic journey and career trajectory. I moved here from the Toronto area so, it was a bit of a sacrifice (laughs) for the better of what I want to do. I’ve always been that teenage feminist. I was pretty outspoken in undergrad. I pushed where I could in a Catholic school in Brampton, Ontario. I think my rugby coaches and my teachers knew I’d probably be at the forefront of future protests. And they weren’t wrong. It’s always something I thought I’d be doing and it’s something I’m happy to be involved in now.
Were there any moments in childhood or adolescence that you look back on now as indications you’d be well-suited to this kind of work?
I developed really early. I got my period in grade 4, and I knew what had happened, but my mom’s immediate reaction was “Don’t tell anyone.” So I felt that periods were a shameful thing, and this was the complete opposite experience of my best friend at the time who grew up in a single-parent home and was the child of a feminist lesbian Latina woman from El Salvador. My friend’s first period was celebrated. She got roses and Oreo cookies. I’ll never forget that. It was such a stark contrast between her household and mine. I remember confronting my mom about (her reaction to my first period) after my first year of university and she was like, “I was just afraid that if you told people that they would harm you.” This was a reflection of how she grew up in western Africa where those moments—those physical changes in your body—are supposed to signify a coming of age and it meant something completely different. I look back on that time and it’s no surprise I ended up working at the women’s center during my undergrad, hosting feminist consciousness-raising groups and talks with people about alternative mentrual products to use. So if there was one moment that I think really marks that change for me, it was that.
"I knew what feminist leadership should look like—having been fortunate enough to work in organizations that had really good feminist leadership."
What about in terms of protesting? Did you have any moments related to that growing up?
I went to a Catholic school in Brampton where they made us wear uniforms. I think we were in grade 10 or 11. With this Catholic school once a month they had dress-down days—you could come to school and wear whatever you wanted. And Halloween, my favourite holiday, happened to land on the Friday we had dress-down day. The administration felt it would be appropriate to ban us from wearing halloween costumes because they were afraid of how rowdy we’d get. So I actually helped lead a protest with a bunch highschool students where we came into school wearing our Halloween costumes. I remember I was dressed as a vampire. I had contacts, fangs, and long nails. I’ll never forget it. It was almost like a badge of honour to be kicked out of class. We got CP24 (a local news network) to come in and interview students about it. I got kicked out of class because I pushed against what I felt was a foolish idea. After that, I think a lot of people were like, “Ok, this girl’s going to be doing something. Speaking truth to power, or engaging in some kind of civil disobedience.”
Could you tell me about how you got involved with the Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity? What kind of work do you do on a daily basis?
I saw the job posting and had a conversation with my partner about it. She was really encouraging. I know what this organization has meant to people I share community with, and people I consider friends here in Ottawa. I thought, “This organization is going to require someone who can really bring it forward.” I applied not knowing what was going to come of it, but it happened. I became an Executive Director at 28 years old, and it was an opportunity for me to package skills I’ve learned—from school where I was studying foreign policy, to my undergrad in women’s studies, to my political activism and my community care work. That experience helped me bring thoughtful leadership into this role. Getting involved in this role was inspired by community members and the desire to take on a challenge where I’d be refocusing an organization to be the national youth-led 2SLGBTQ organization many young queer and trans people need.
My day-to-day work is focussed on organizational change. Everything I do—whether it’s finance related, fundraising, day-to-day management with staff, being the spokesperson for the organization—all of it is centred on organizational change. This organization had the same leader for the last fifteen years before I came in. So I knew I was coming in with a very different set of expectations and understandings, and I knew what feminist leadership should look like—having been fortunate enough to work in organizations that had really good feminist leadership.
"A lot of queer folks have been using the term possibility model—a model of what is possible for you."
Intersectional feminism is one of the guiding principles of the CCGSD. Can you talk about the importance of intersectional feminism in your own life and why it’s so important to the CCGSD?
Whenever I have a conversation about intersectional feminism I have to remind people that intersectionality is a framework, and the term was coined by Black women and Black feminists. Historically, intersectionality was centred on naming the experiences of Black women who were navigating sexism, racism, and sometimes classism at the same time. As a framework, intersectionality is liberating for me because it allows me to analyse how the rest of the world impacts me—the vulnerabilities it might put me in—that might be different from a white woman, for example. As someone navigating homophobia, racism, sexism, and classism at the same time, I’ve had to think about decisions I’ve made differently and intersectionality allowed me to name that experience.
When it comes to our work at CCGSD, I like to say, oppression doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Homophobia is happening at the same time as Islamophobia and colonialism. In our work it would be a disservice to only name homophobia and transphobia while ignoring other different ways in which oppression impacts other 2SLGBTQ communities. The homophobia I’m going to experience is very much shouldered in being a Black person. I’ve heard things like, “Black people are more homophobic than anyone else.” If you apply an intersectional lens to a statement like that you end up finding out how convenient it is for white supremacy to talk about our people this way, and to position itself as inherently progressive. It was white supremacist colonialism that introduced very homophobic laws that are archaic and still practiced even in my own country. You have to name the different ways that oppression operates even in the 2SLGBTQ community; if you don’t, you risk further isolating community members who aren’t the more mainstream white, cisgender, gay, queer man.
You were a very accomplished rugby player in university. Did playing that tough sport prepare you in any unexpected ways for the work you do now?
Yes. If you speak to any person in women’s rugby (highschool, club, university etc.) they’ll all talk about how rugby is such an empowering sport in terms of how different body types are able to find a space (in the different positions). In other sports sometimes it doesn’t really translate the same way. I think for people who are socialized to not be rough, or to be ladylike, there is a joy that a rough sport like rugby can bring out for folks that is beautiful. I’ve made so many awesome connections and lifelong friendships because of this sport. It’s also made me a better leader. My first leadership opportunities were through rugby. I was the captain of the rugby team in high school. It taught me what it was like to represent a group of people, to be the person who is at the forefront of making sure collaboration is happening, and being the person who is cheerleading. I bring that same skillset with me today as someone who is leading an organization. I have to ensure we’re all on the same page, respect all the different skill sets we have, and cheer us on when we’re exhausted or going through a really rough time. Rugby has definitely helped me grow more confident, be a better leader, and be a better feminist.
"Rugby has definitely helped me grow more confident, be a better leader, and be a better feminist."
Who are some of your role models?
A lot of queer folks have been using the term possibility model—a model of what is possible for you. Laverne Cox talks about possibility models a lot specifically for young trans folks. For me, it’s important to find other Black women, but also women who are specifically from Ghana. Women who understand the challenges that come from a somewhat socially-conservative community that is entrenched in tradition. Being feminist or queer is sometimes frowned upon by our communities and elders. When I discovered Phyll Opoku-Gyimah—the executive director of Kaleidoscope UK and director of UK Black pride—I saw her name and I was like “That’s specifically our tribe. That’s an Akan name.” She’s a queer woman and significantly older than me and I was like, “Holy crap. This is what I wanted to see.” I wanted to see what I could possibly look like in 20 years. An example of how I could rock it with such beautiful fierceness. She’s the definition of a badass. Just like myself, she’s proud to be Ghanian, proud to be queer, and proud to be a lesbian. We actually connected because she shared a picture of a traditional Ghanian wedding, but it was a lesbian wedding. I commented on her Instagram and was like, “As a queer Ghanian this just makes me so happy to see.” We ended up following each other on Instagram. Then, through this role, last month a full circle moment happened—I was able to sit on a panel with her. I was fangirling her for years and then here I am sharing space with her as a Black women leader working on 2SLGBTQ rights. It was pretty awesome.
A lot of what you do seems to be in the spirit of empowering others. What does empowerment mean to you?
I know some people have feelings about the word empowerment. Empowerment is so much based on the individual. I can’t hold your hand and empower you. But I think you can play a role in fighting to change the conditions around someone that will allow them to be empowered. Also, if people look at me and see a potential possibility model and that empowers them, that’s something that I find really cool. Empowerment to me means being able to achieve a goal, or engage in an activity you may have originally thought you couldn’t do, but through the process—whether it’s accessing information, education, knowledge sharing—you are compelled to actually do that thing. You’re like, “You know what? I can do this. I shouldn’t have imposter syndrome. There’s no barrier in my way.”
"Empowerment to me means being able to achieve a goal, or engage in an activity you may have originally thought you couldn’t do."
The weather is getting nicer. Vaccines are rolling out. Are there any looks, outfits, or pieces of jewellery you’re looking forward to showing off when we’re officially allowed to start socializing again?
Yes I am! Lesbian earrings. It turns out Queer women and lesbians have somehow gravitated towards this trend of making earrings out of anything. It’s like this weird form of coding for your queer life. I have miniature ketchup earrings, mini pencils, miniature shopping cart earrings. Through quarantine and the pandemic I have just been making earrings. I have like over 300 different pairs of earrings that I’ve either purchased or made myself. They’re a great way to express my style while working remotely, and I always have a fun time when I see people’s reactions to my earrings. Our lockdown in Ontario has been especially hard and long so I’m really excited to show off my collection of earrings.
Writing: Carter Selinger
