- 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鈥擵ancouver, Halifax and Ottawa鈥攂efore opening her businesses in Vernon.

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

鈥淚 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鈥檚 thrilling to shine a spotlight on them.鈥�

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

鈥淚 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鈥檚 critical when it comes to purchasing for the store. But I鈥檓 also aware that I鈥檓 terrible at paperwork, so I have an amazing bookkeeper, who keeps me organized. You can鈥檛 possibly do it all yourself, so surround yourself with people who are skilled in everything that you鈥檙e not.鈥�

Asked what鈥檚 the best recent life lesson she鈥檚 recently learned, Amanda says, 鈥淚f you鈥檙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鈥檓 10 times happier.鈥�

Amanda describes her personal style as 鈥渆co-casual鈥� and a 鈥渏eans-and-sweater kind of girl,鈥� and says, 鈥淔all and winter are really my jam. Bundle me up in a chunky scarf and I鈥檓 good to go.鈥�

And what does good style mean to Amanda?

鈥淕ood style is what you feel good in. People鈥檚 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鈥檙e going to want a mid-rise to feel good. And, by the way, don鈥檛 let anyone tell you that you can鈥檛 wear skinny jeans if you feel great in them.鈥�

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鈥檚 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 鈥淓lise Sheath Dress鈥� 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鈥攄on鈥檛 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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