Welcome to our 2021 holiday gift guide, featuring a curated selection of local small businesses we love — and you will too!
We’ve been supporting small businesses more than ever this past year, in particular those that are local and run by women. This year, it felt natural to get back to our roots with a holiday gift guide dedicated to supporting local brands, products and services.
You’ll find plenty of thoughtful gifts for everyone in your life throughout the season. You might even just find something special for yourself in here too (you deserve it!)
Happy shopping, happy giving, and happy celebrating!
For your little:
Simple Littles ––Slow and simple living with your littles and the earth in mind.
Petits Villains ––Special clothing for little villains, designed and made with care in Canada.
For your closet:
Ocin ––A lifestyle collective connecting us to our most limitless selves, to care for each other + our planet.
Harly Jae ––A Canadian slow fashion house, designed and made in Vancouver.
A Bronze Age ––A contemporary lifestyle brand that is fuelled by intention and committed to local manufacturing and timeless, seasonal pieces.
For your belly:
Yoggu ––Thick, creamy and super probiotic alt-yogurt - all crafted with simple, real food ingredients.
Kokomo ––A 100% plant-focused cafe inspired by the sun. Located in beautiful Vancouver, BC.
Turf ––A fitness studio, shop, mostly plant-based kitchen, vegan bakery + coffee bar in Kits and Downtown.
For your home:
Joy Kinna ––Joy Kinna is a freelance artist living and working just outside of Vancouver, BC.
Hudson and Oak ––Products that celebrate those slow moments at home. Owned and operated by women doing what we love every single day.
Sundays Company ––On a mission to transform the traditional furniture shopping experience and your home, making it feel like a Sunday morning—relaxed, easy, and full of good vibes.
MINCA ––MINCA is a line of premium, luxury blankets made with natural fibres and designed in Vancouver, BC.
For yourself:
Well Kept ––Sustainable safety razors & other refined women's essentials to make your self-care routine more intentional for both your body and mind.
Fig Face ––Offering 30 minute, high tech facials + injectables. Plus, a curated selection of ingredient-led skincare brands we love.
Kilig Candle Co. ––Eco-friendly, sustainable, and vegan candles handmade and hand-poured in Vancouver, BC.
The Nest Clinic ––Wellness retreat in the heart of Gastown. A collective of like minded health professionals with an emphasis on holistic care. Book an acupuncture session or shop their thoughtfully curated skincare products.
Did we miss something sweet? Share your favourite small businesses with us in the comments below, near or far.
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Written by: Brette Little
Photography by: Krissy Gallacher, Tyler Dunn
I first met Janine at University when we were 18 years old and living on our own for the first time. While my room was decorated with the typical embarrassing of-the-moment band posters, Janine had carefully curated her drawings and magazine cutout collages, and transformed her bleak dorm into something Avante Garde and dare I say..cool? It didn't surprise me that she thrived in art school. Janine's talent and unique approach to fashion has always been distinctive. With time her skills and style has evolved, but no matter which way she flows, the girl can never blend in! I'm one of Janine's biggest fans, so I was excited to sit down with her to talk design, inspiration and to find out what the hell “prairie grunge” is all about?!
Current Location: Gibsons, BC
Occupation: Graphic Designer and Artist
At-home style in three words: Sculptural sexy farmhouse
Coffee style & ritual: Hot water, then a French press coffee with cream
What is your ethos behind style and living?
Over the years I have become a huge believer in home-/farm-centered living: moving towards self-sufficiency and sustainability, growing and cooking foods from scratch, all the while (trying to, at least) make it chic. I am obsessed with creating beautiful things—after all, I am a graphic designer by trade—this has influenced me a lot in the design, materials and textures I choose. But, my true desire to create a loving home is my family—I live with my husband Tyler and my little 1.5-year-old daughter Valentine.
What was your approach to decorating this home and how has it evolved?
Since moving to a rural area of Gibsons 5 years ago (my husband and I run a farm here called Sunnycoast Farm that grows produce and microgreens), I have slowly collected my style over time. I am all about putting more patina into the home, which is a cute little farmhouse, but without much remarkable character. My decor started out a lot more 70’s lounge but has morphed into what I call ‘sculptural farmhouse’: rustic and imperfect, informed by modern art and interesting shapes.
How would you describe the spaces, and how you arrange them?
My approach is defined by clearing space, with distinct clusters of collected treasures and mementos from our lives. Everything in my house is special to me; I won’t let anything in my home that I don’t find pleasing, haha! I love surroundings that invite comfort and serenity—so everything needs to feel very cozy and soft to the touch, with lovely lighting. As you can tell in the photos, I prefer warm colours like brown, cream, vanilla, and pure or warm white.
Where do you find key pieces in your home, and what are some favourites?
95% of my stuff is second-hand, vintage, or from friends; I find my most unique, showstopping pieces this way. Some favourites include a hand-carved folk-art chair from craigslist, our dining room pendant (free) from the Sechelt landfill, and an old farmhouse table from an antique store in Sorrento BC. My mom makes ceramics and we use a lot of her pieces too, which are also beautiful to display!
But what about your art, it seems to be…everywhere.
True, there is a rotating group of stuff coming out of my studio (a small room in the back of our house), that I ponder about before working on it again. A lot of paintings and drawings end up posted on our walls because they’re too big to store elsewhere! I am working on a 20+-piece that I am hoping to show next year—it’s earthy and even uses materials from around the farm like soil and concrete.
Describe your personal style.
From farm living, most of my outfits are held to the standard of “prairie grunge”, which to me is the perfect combination of ethereal and casual function. Like wearing floaty cotton and bandanas mixed with heavy industrial jewelry and dark hair. Sounds weird but my style has gotten ‘darker’ and more “cave-like” since becoming a mother, go figure!
How was it designing the MINCA blanket collections you have been a part of?
Seeing the designs come to life has been wonderful. Collaborating with the brand and Brooke is always a creative and enjoyable experience, since the concepts need to be both meaningful and aesthetically on point. I try to imbue a fresh minimal perspective in all the designs I create for MINCA. The MINCA Mini line for little ones started at just the right time, since I created those designs while pregnant! They turned out so cute and my daughter loves hers.
Check out Janines Casa Blanket designs here and more from her portfolio below:
Design: http://forlab.design
Art: http://jdunn.art
insta: @j9dunn
contact: info@forlab.design
Welcome to #ATHOMEWITHMINCA: an editorial series that shines a spotlight on creatives and entrepreneurs from the MINCA community. Each interview gives us a chance to go into the homes of those that inspire us most and get a sneak peek at what a day in the life looks like for our MINCA muses. It gives us the opportunity to get candid about what it means to take a leap of faith and pursue your dreams, while uncovering the thoughtful curation of their favourite spaces.
The best part of our #ATHOMEWITHMINCA series? Each interview is conducted by a MINCA muse’s close friend—adding a personalized touch to each and every question.
Christine is the co-owner of LIFE&COLOUR Salon in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. With over 20 years’ experience in the hair and beauty industry, she is a highly sought-after stylist and fashion force in her own right.
Besides being a powerhouse when it comes to her professional drive, Christine packs a punch of style, class, and sass. She challenges conformity, be it through playing with feminine and masculine silhouettes or taking pause to look at life through a different lens. She’s an inspiring creative; a leader who isn’t afraid to take risks.
Christine and I met at a mutual friend’s birthday. We spent the night laughing and dancing until dawn, which turned into a breakfast of coffee, bacon, and apple pie. The only thing wholesome about that breakfast was our connection. That was over twelve years ago—we’ve been best buds ever since. Life has taken us through breakups, career shifts, family woes, and countless adventures around the globe. To this day, she claims to sleep better next to me than anyone else (sorry, Curtis). You could call it love; I suppose.
Hometown: Comox Valley, BC
Current Location: Vancouver, BC
Occupation: Owner and stylist at LIFE&COLOUR Salon
At-home style in three words: Topanga Canyon meets Vancouver Eastside mid-rise
Coffee style & ritual: Coffee is the reason I get out of bed in the morning, full stop. I like taking the slow approach: grinding the beans, making the espresso, steaming the milk. It’s my come to life moment; the calm before I roll into warp speed. It truly sets the foundation for my day.
You and Curtis recently purchased your first home. How have you decorated it differently than your last place?
Our new place had a super modern feel with concrete floors and white walls, so I wanted to add a ton of warmth and natural texture to soften the space.
What objects in your home are most significant to you?
I’m not a very sentimental person. The objects in my home are beautiful, but they don’t define me. Ok, fine! If I had to choose one thing to chuck on my back, I’d say this Montauk sofa because it’s the most expensive thing I own… but I’m 5’3, so that’s not going to happen. (she chuckles)
How do you relax or unwind at home?
Wine, wine, wine, wine! And selfcare: facemasks, hair care, baths. I always take a minute to strip my day away.
What’s your go-to dinner when you’re at home alone?
Charcuterie because I live with a gluten-free, dairy-free human.
Favourite rituals at home?
Detoxing and organizing my closet.
Tell us a little about your space. Do you have a favourite piece that you are currently coveting?
These mid-century modern, rattan lounge chairs with mustard velvet cushions from Curt’s grandpa. They are the grounding piece of our home and couldn’t have been better suited to us and our space.
What inspires you in life and work?
Change. Travel. I’m constantly seeking balance—mixing lavish with thrift. Going out for an epic dinner or making pancakes at home. Flying to New York for a city holiday or sneaking off to a cabin in the woods. Stepping into change constantly inspires me.
What do you enjoy most and least about running your own business?
I love that I have creative control and get to express myself through different mediums. I would say the most challenging part is managing peoples’ expectations, as well as my own.
What are the most important takeaways you’ve learned since starting a business?
Learning every nuance of owning a business—from accounting to operations. It’s a huge shift going from being a creative, being good at your trade and craft, to then refining it into a business and presenting it to the world. There is a mirror held up. I am continually learning how to become a better mentor and manager.
What things will you never take seriously?
(Answers without hesitation) Myself. Driving. Authority.
You’ve done a lot of travelling, what’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to and why?
I’ve traveled all over, but Bali has my heart. I’ve been there four times. It has this magnetic pull; it feels both exotic and like home to me.
We’re doing this interview amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. What has been your favourite quarantine activity and why?
Going for walks with my lover and exploring our neighbourhood now that we have the time.
Do you have any hidden talents?
So many to choose from! (she smirks) I can sing. I used to sing in church all the time. I wanted to be a superstar.
Growing up your family struggled financially at times, but your mother created beauty out of the minimal. How has this translated into who you are today?
I love mixing high and low. I often make alterations to my clothes. I have an eye for seeing something for what it is and what it could be. I’m a very visual person.
You have multiple tattoos. Can you tell me about one?
I have my grandmother’s signature tattooed on my forearm. She’s an absolute firecracker. We are Aries twins; we share the same spirit. She taught me that I could do anything I wanted and that it was ok to be wild and free. She was the first female race car driver on Vancouver Island. She started as a flag girl then worked her way up to racing cars. She used her beauty to her advantage and flipped it on its head. I love that about her.
Describe your personal style.
I don’t like to be too curated—I’m an imperfectionist. I am all about colour, texture, and proportion whether it’s in my home décor or in what I wear. And I always, ALWAYS accessorize.
Growing up in New Zealand, I was surrounded by rolling fields, dotted with sheep, and untouched beaches, edged with steady waves. We would spend summers boating around the islands and winters ski racing in the mountains. It cemented in me the importance of getting outside in nature and finding quiet places to let my imagination run wild.
MINCA is an expression of all that I love about New Zealand and this beautiful planet I’ve been so lucky to experience firsthand—like the patterns and colours of Colombia, the cozy winter vibes of Whistler and the sailboat sunsets of Panama. Everything I design and create shares the stories of the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, and the way I’ve felt in those moments.
Because of this, nature has played a huge role in MINCA’s development, and is at the core of almost everything we do—from natural fibres to ethical sourcing.
Not only does nature bring hope and joy to people, it enriches, soothes, uplifts, restores and calms the mind and body—and for that we are forever grateful. Today I’m taking the time to celebrate and appreciate our earth, and reflect on the benefits its had on my life—and I hope you will too.
From me to you, Happy Earth Day! —Brooke xo
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Daisy Jones & The Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Think of this book as your ticket to the world of Penny Lane circa Almost Famous. Written in the form of interviews with an iconic 1970s rock band, it will take you off your couch and into a sexier, simpler decade.
Don’t You Forget About Me
Mhairi Mcfarlane
The cutest love story that reads like your favourite rom com. It’s chicklit with a little substance—I couldn’t put it down!
Summer of ‘69
Elin Hilderbrand
Truth—every summer I wait for Elin’s latest romance drama set in a dreamy vacation destination (usually the Hamptons, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard). They are addictive and the good news—she has over 20 summer novels you can dig into and escape.
The Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang
Because who doesn’t love a bit of light erotica during self-isolation? Romance novels don’t have to be cringey—this one has a set of characters you’ll fall in love with and some steamy scenes for these long afternoons at home.
Female Persuasion
Meg Wolitzer
Whenever anyone asks me for a good book suggestion, this is always at the top of my list. This story of a college freshman who meets a feminist mentor that changes the course of her life is one to savour.
#ATHOMEWITHMINCA
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