Category: interview

An Homage to the T-Shirt: Pop Kids USA

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This week I’ve got a fun mini-series I’m calling “An homage to the t-shirt,” where I feature some of my favourite t-shirt lines. Each line is unique in terms of its aesthetics and production process. However, each uses the t-shirt as a canvas for art. These lines are not about putting a trendy slogan on a shirt. Rather, the creative process is important. Each designs with great integrity and craftsmanship.

Pop Kids USA Hippie in Disguise sunflowers canada

I enjoy children’s wear for the way designers creatively combine function and beauty into a wearable piece of art. But art comes in many forms. In fashion there is a lot of emphasis on designed garments (“constructions”), more so than on textile, print and graphic design. I want to put a spotlight on graphics and the (almost) universal garment: the t-shirt. I like to think of t-shirts as a democratic garment; they are affordable, widely available, come in every possible size and aren’t exclusive to a particular age, gender or body type.

Today, I share an interview with my friend, Ellen, from Pop Kids USA, along with photos of Ro and Sen, over the years, enjoying themselves in her shirts. I met Ellen through social media, and was instantly drawn to her t-shirt line simply because it was explicitly not trendy. I really liked and appreciated that she was doing her own thing…and I hope you will too.

Tom Fruin Hippie in Disguise NYC Pop Kids USA

Ellen, tell me a little bit about yourself. What is your background?

I grew up in New York City in an artistic household (my father was a fashion illustrator for a major department store) and I can’t remember a time when I, myself, wasn’t immersed in drawing. In college, I studied fine art but later on, through various evening classes (one with the legendary graphic designer Milton Glaser), I discovered that my true love was graphic design (art that has to do with ideas).  I worked as a freelance graphic designer for several years (and at many boring, dead-end jobs as well), I also published some of my own illustrated writings in various magazines. And I self-published a graphic novel (it is called Ice-olation and it’s the allegorical story of an ice cube that doesn’t fit in) that was distributed at bookshops around New York. Finally, I had an adult line of “conceptual” tee shirts that sold at various gallery and museum shops, including the Whitney Museum of American Art. Oh, and I’m an obsessive writer of Letters to the Editor — I’ve had many published in the New York Times, New York Magazine, and other well known periodicals.

Do you have a hobby?

I have never really old clocksgrasped the concept of a “hobby”.  Instead, I believe in interests and pursuits that consume one’s entire being – I guess you would call them “passions”. Hobbies are things that you do in your spare time – passions, on the other hand, permeate your life and define you. For me, these passions include photography, reading, walking, designing, listening to music, film-going, and thinking. The other thing that occupies me in a rather obsessive way is the Past – I am haunted, not only by a time that is no longer, but by the vestiges of that time that are to be found in the present day – for instance, urban ruins (and particularly old and weathered signage) completely have my heart. Like this beautiful old clock below– I found it in a NYC junk pile and photographed it.

What are you passionate about?

In terms of life in general, I am most passionate about cities, nature, animals, and ideas. I love to walk – I’m what you call a “city hiker” and, whether in my own city, or a new one, there is always so much to discover.  I also feel passionately about “community” – by that I mean, not the geographic community in which I live and not any professional community either.  I mean simply a group of people (most of whom I’ve never met and never will meet) who are bound to each other by their clear-sighted and down-to-earth values, their compassion, and, perhaps most important, their freedom of thought. This is not an easy community to find.  But you never know where you will find it (for instance, I met you [Danielle] and your family on Instagram). And I “meet” a lot of “my people” simply by reading the Letters to the Editor of The New York Times.

In terms of my passion for art and design, here too ideas play a central role – I love graphics that incorporate strong and original concepts.  I love, in addition, typography, color, black and white, and a certain vintage style of illustration. But as much as I embrace the world of design, nothing compares to my love of photography, film, books (including children’s books), music, and history. They are the passions that have shaped me the most.

Hippie in Disguise Pop Kids USA

What part of the world do you live in?

I reside in Chicago, though I was born, raised, and lived until 14 years ago in New York City (and was your typical die-hard New Yorker).  I also spent a lot of time in San Francisco and Los Angeles – all these places have my heart.  It’s probably worth noting that all the places I’ve come to love had figured to a large degree in the books I read and the films I had seen.  So I had “nostalgia” for these places before I even visited them.  I even had nostalgia for my own hometown of New York because the literary and film versions of the city had a good deal more intensity than the real place (and people would burst out in song (i.e. West Side Story), which they never do in real life :).  And though I no longer live in New York, I think it’s the latter version that I hold in my heart.

There is a part two in terms of answering this question as to where I live (I actually love this question).  The other answer is that I also live in a place that is not geographical at all.  The thing is, as mentioned above, I have an obsession with time.  And, for better or worse, I feel the place I inhabit most strongly is not the here and now, but somewhere in the Past.  Which is to say, not the Past as it actually was, but more as I have recreated it in my mind through the mining of books and films and music.

NYC Hippie in Disguise Pop Kids USA

How do you spend most of your days?

I spend my days either in front of my computer, at our printers, or sitting at a local café (I’m at home in any café anywhere). I work on new designs, supervise the printing of them, or less excitingly, tend to the administrative parts of running a tee shirt company. Sales is a big part of what I do, though that is my least favorite part of all (understatement).

Tom Fruin Hippie in Disguise Pop Kids USA

What is Pop Kids USA all about? And what does the name mean?

The name Pop Kids just came to me one day – I suppose it is a reflection of my love of Pop Art and, in particular, the art of Andy Warhol, one of my personal heroes. I adore him not just for his art, but for his unique way of embracing the world around him – he was truly one of a kind. Pop Art is fun and it is cool and it is rooted in American popular culture (which, in my mind, is quite different from here today/gone tomorrow “trends”). The pop culture of Pop Art is classic, not trendy. If you look at Andy’s work, you’ll see that the things he painted (like Marilyn, and Elvis, and products like soup cans, and dollar bills) were deeply embedded in the popular culture — they were not popular in a fleeting way. That’s how I see our line.  Our graphics celebrate the Beatles, and Hendrix, and baseball, and Batman, and motorcycles, and peace signs, and the iconic idea of the American Rebel — American culture of the timeless variety.  So we are very Pop in our vision – thus our name and what we are all about.

Pop Kids USA Ottawa Preston Street

How did Pop Kids USA get started? How long have you been in the business? How has your business evolved?

I got the idea to do a tee shirt line for kids the first day I moved to Chicago from New York 14 years ago. As mentioned above, I had had a line of “conceptual” tee shirts for adults that sold to gallery and museum shops in New York, so the idea to do kids tees evolved out of that. At that time there were not, as now, 5,000 lines of kids tees. Hard to believe, but there were not even five.  So I got the idea to do what seemed unique at the time – to put conceptual graphics on tee shirts for kids just as we had for adults. Our first season we got an order from Bloomingdales and some major catalogs as well, so that was quite encouraging. That first line was called Pluto tees – Pop Kids came about 2 years ago when we decided to focus on a slightly different type of graphic.

It is hard to say how our business has evolved as there have been many ups and downs.  I can say, for sure, though, that our designs have gotten better and better.

Pop Kids USA Ballon Rouge

What is compelling about working with t-shirts that keeps you interested?

Tee shirts are, for me, the perfect artist’s canvas — it is the most satisfying medium I have ever worked in. Of course, as canvases go, they’ll never hang in a museum, be put up for auction, or placed inside a frame. Yet tee shirts are ART that does not take itself too seriously – art that is fun, and can be worn by kids the world over. On a personal level, we love tee shirts because they allow us to play…to have fun with words and ideas and images, and the challenge of visual thinking.

But I can also look beyond the personal pleasure I get in designing. Because looking at it from a humanist point of view, I see tee shirts as a democratized form of art.  Unlike the paintings that hang in galleries and museums and that often fetch millions at auction, a tee shirt is something that is relatively inexpensive – something that most everyone can afford. I should also add, that while I am drawn to the couture-like clothing I see these days for children (which I definitely view as “art”), I don’t believe that children need couture – I feel that that is geared to the parents and, unfortunately, very much about status. Kids don’t need much to be happy – mostly they want to have fun. And what can be more fun than a colorful, whimsical, tee shirt?

National Art Gallery Canada Hippie in Disguise

Tell me about your graphics, who designs them and what are they inspired by?

The line is designed by my husband Luke (a painter) and me.  We both work on the concepts, the color palette, and the typography. I, however, am the one that does all the illustration work on the computer. Our design style is clean and bold, though I do wish I had more of a talent for a looser and more linear type of illustration (as that is something I have always been very drawn to). For this reason, I would love to collaborate with other illustrator/designers. One who I’ve met and befriended on Instagram is Emma of Pax and Hart – I think her illustrations are amazing.

What has made you the most proud of yourself and your business?

I’m most proud of designing a line that I love, that I can honestly say I have put 1000% of my heart into, and that fully incorporates my love of design, color, typography, and ideas.  I’m proud of designing a line that I see as both fun and cool. I’m also proud that we are original – this is not always easy in an arena, where trends rule and conforming to them seems to be the norm. I’m also proud of the fact that we have persevered – this can be a tough business, and the retail world has seen hard times, especially of late.

Museum of Civilization and History Canada Pop Kids USA

What are your dreams for your business?

My dream is pretty modest – it is simply for more people to know about us and to buy our shirts.  For that to happen, however, stores (and their customers) would have to care less about what is the new “it” line or the line that has won the popularity contest on Instagram.  Our talent and expertise happens to be in the area of design — it is simply not in the area of branding, marketing, and promotion.

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Thank you, Ellen, for sharing what inspires you and your graphic designs. Readers: you can find Pop Kids USA online shop here. Find the second interview in this series, with KLTworks, here.

Pop Kids USA Tom Fruin Hippie in Disguise NYC

Let’s be friends! Please come find me in other places:

Label Love: Mountain Honey Clothier

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“Everything sweet about childhood can be summed up in a bonnet”

Mountain Honey Clothier Nico Nico Clothing Hippie in Disguise

A few months ago I won a giveaway with Mountain Honey Clothier. The prize was an organic, reversible bonnet, with removable ears — one hat, four ways to wear it. I loved the simplicity and versatility of the design, making it fun for a young child and mature for an older one. Not to mention, it was beautiful and the sort of item you knew you’d save for your grandchildren.

After exchanging a few messages with Deidre, the woman behind the brand, I learned about her unconventional path to starting her business and more about all the care, consideration and research she puts into her craft. I was also really impressed with her efforts to source her materials and produce her heirloom clothing line in the most sustainable way. She even uses her scraps to the fullest by making adorable soft toys and treasure bags. I asked her if she’d share her story and she happily obliged. Thank you, Deidre.

Mountain Honey Clothier

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What is your background? How has it influenced your creative pursuits?

I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl. Creative expression has always been a huge part of who I am, as a young teen I actually covered every square inch of my bedroom wall with little doodles, I spray painted my door one day while my mom was at work, I stepped in paint and walked on the wood floors of my room. My mother was ever tolerant of my need to express myself. She was also the one who taught me to sew, starting with Halloween costumes. She supplied me with plenty of fabric scraps and odds and ends and was generous enough to allow me to use her nice sewing machine, even when she wasn’t there to supervise. I made little pillows and stuffed animals.

When I had my own children I began to sew even more. Creating clothing, toys, and blankets for them. I loved seeing them play with or wear something I made with my own two hands, and I loved that the items were quality and would last.

Mountain Honey Clothier

Five years ago I began a degree program in Biology. While in school I participated in some research and I was keenly interested in molecular and cellular biology. I aspired to go on to a PhD program and perhaps become a researcher. While I was in school I had a few odd jobs to help support our household. We are very lucky to have a devoted and hardworking husband/father who supports our family, but I wanted to be contributing to our livelihood as well. However, being a full time mom, and running a household while attending college full time, especially in such a challenging field, required flexible work. Not to mention the fact that I was pregnant and delivered my third precious little boy during this time. So one day I was contemplating odd jobs, I was more in love with sewing than ever before, and I decided I would just google “how to earn money sewing”. That sounds silly, but it’s the truth, good old Google.

Well, little did I know where that would lead. Before long I was doing private label work for a children’s clothing designer. Soon I was doing product photography and taking on clients who needed me to do prototyping work. All along I was amassing a little collection of my own designs and selling them here and there to friends and at small craft shows.

Mountain Honey Clothier

Time flew by and in May of 2014 I graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Biology from Castleton University in Vermont. I absolutely love science, I love research and problem solving. Despite this and all I had invested in my studies I was feeling more and more pulled towards my children’s line. I dreamed of making a go of it, of building something amazing. But Leaving something certain, something everyone expected me to continue in and that I had worked so hard at for something utterly uncertain and completely new was a frightening possibility. I convinced myself it was an amazing daydream but a scary reality. So, I continued to grad-school. I didn’t get far though, halfway through my first semester I took a leave of absence for personal reasons and that was when I finally decided to be brave enough to pursue this dream.

Here I am now, a year later. I have learned so much. I’ve refined my brand, stuck to what matters most to me, and created what I feel are some really special pieces. I am ever inspired by my children, by the natural world, and by a drive to build a company that is different than your average children’s line. I’m very committed to sourcing responsible materials and due to my background in the sciences, I feel I am acutely aware of the environmental, humanitarian,and health impacts of the products we bring into our lives. I’m striving to make sustainable and healthy choices down to each little detail. I am beyond excited to continue this journey and grateful for the ability to be there for my family and to have them be a part of this little company.

Mountain Honey Clothier

What part of the world do you live in?

Vermont, USA. The green mountain state.

How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

3 boys. Maxwell, 16, is an overachiever like his mom but the most gentle soul. He is the principal bassist of the Vermont Youth Orchestra and an extremely talented musician. People are surprised to find out he’s 16, he has the maturity of an adult at times and is over 6 feet tall. Max plays on several school athletic teams, including the Varsity football team. But perhaps the most memorable thing about Max is his laugh, he has the most wonderful infectious laugh.

Mountain Honey Clothier

Jacob, 10, the saying “still waters run deep” well it was written for this kid. My Jake is a bit of an introvert. He is the intelligent, quiet type. Those that know him best get to see his more relaxed side, and wow is it magical. He is passionately loving of his friends and family. He is full of emotion and so good at articulating his feelings. He doesn’t rush nor does he allow others to rush him and sometimes I really need his reminders to stop and smell the roses.

Derek, 3, this kids lights up our lives! He is doted on by the whole family and being the center of attention doesn’t bother him one bit. For his age his vocabulary is impressive, and he cracks us up on a daily basis with the things he comes up with. He has a habit of nicknaming people and the nicknames tend to stick. Derek is obsessed with helping and is so proud when the opportunity arises for him to use a tool or fix something with Daddy. He is my little sidekick and a HUGE part of Mountain Honey, you’ll always find him wearing a pair of ears!

Mountain Honey Clothier

What are your core family values?

I’ve matured a lot over the last 16 years as a mom. The world has become a scary place for parents and I feel this has resulted in a tendency to overprotect a bit, honestly, it’s really hard now to balance keeping kids safe while giving them the space to discover who they are. This is what we are really working on as a family. I feel the best way to show someone you love them, is to do them the honor of trusting their judgement and allowing them to make decisions and to deal with any consequences that come. Our core values are honesty, responsibility, acceptance, and love. I’m working really hard to honor the difference between guidance and direction, to model these values instead of reciting them, and to give my kids opportunities to model those values as well.

How do you spend most of your days?  

Hahaha…October-December = wake, sew, wake kids, sew, make breakfast, sew, brush hair, remind boys to change underwear, sew, pack lunches, sew, drive kids to school, sew play play dough with Derek, sew, feed Derek lunch, read  with Derek, play with Derek, sew, pick kids up, sew, clean house, sew, cook dinner, sew, eat a family dinner, sew, cuddle kiddos, bedtime routine and kids to bed, sew, sew, sew, sew, sew, pass out, sleep 4 hours while dreaming about sewing. Repeat. Sprinkle in football games, concerts, playing outside, and family outings.

Mountain Honey Clothier

What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

Discover new places.

What are you passionate about?

see novel above 😉

What do you design and how do you source your materials?

Designing is one of my favorite aspects of my job. Drafting patterns allows me to use my brainy side. Pattern drafting is as much engineering as it is creative. I make each and every one of my pieces myself, starting with the pattern design. Often, I am inspired by a fabric to create a new piece.

I have a deep love of fabric. While I buy some materials wholesale I also really enjoy patronizing small, locally owned fabric shops. Everywhere I travel, I find a shop to pop into and buy some treasured fabric. I’m also passionate about sourcing organic fabrics free of synthetic fiber. Not everything I source is organic but a really good percentage of it is. I haven’t done the exact math but I’d estimate at least 80% of the materials I use are organic and sustainably produced. My packing materials are all 100% recycled and I am extremely conscientious about energy use and waste in my studio.

Beyond the material there is the aesthetic piece. I think my aesthetic is best described as nature inspired with a vintage/heirloom charm. I love simple designs, that are timeless and a bit whimsical.

Mountain Honey Clothier

Mountain Honey Clothier

What’s your favourite piece you’ve designed?

My bonnets, by far. They are my baby and are really unique to me. There is just something about putting ears on a baby, then combine that with an heirloom quality and styled piece, and you’ve got magic.

What are your dreams for your business and motherhood?

My biggest dream is to be a strong role model for my kids. It’s hard not to have some guilt about the little sacrifices we all have to make in order for this business to take off but I think the payoff is worth it. I dream that my kids will look back one day and appreciate that I showed them how valuable hard work and creativity are and that these efforts are reflected in the adults they become. My dreams of motherhood have less to do with me and more to do with what my kids experience, I hope that they feel loved and valued.

Mountain Honey Clothier

My dreams for my business are that it will continue to grow and be successful. I wish for it to not only be able to sustain my family but that hopefully it will grow into something that can benefit my community and perhaps one day reach even farther. I don’t want to lose that handmade touch though, mass production will never be for me. I’d would love to be able to provide some flexible well paying jobs to other parents and to pass on my love for sewing.

Thank you, again, Deidre! Readers you can find Mountain Honey Clothier online shop here and on Instagram @mountainhoneyclothier_.

GIVEAWAY: To enter to win 2 bonnets from Mountain Honey Clothier, follow them on Instagram and leave me a comment here. For two extra entries subscribe to my blog by email, WordPress or Bloglovin. Contest closes Sunday November 8, 2015.

Alana Dorothy Leaf Skeletons

Meet Creative Mother: Alana of Tafari Designs

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This summer we travelled to Nantucket, a beautiful island about 25 miles out to sea off the coast of Massachusetts, in the United States. We were staying on the coast with my parents at a beach house they had rented in Cape Cod. Knowing I was so close to the island where some of my favourite creative families lived, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit. I’d known Kaity (of Fareisle) and Michelle (of Dancey Pants Disco) for a while and was getting to know Alana (of Tafari Designs). The visit did not disappoint. I was completely inspired by their way of life, crafted in such a way that their passions support their families, feeding their creative interests and their tummies too. I asked Alana and Michelle if they would share their stories on the blog, so others could be inspired. They humbly agreed. (I’ve already posted about Kaity here — she is equally inspiring, especially for food creatives). So, first, Alana.

Alana is a mother, gardener, jewellery and textile designer, who understood from a young age what truly made her happy, what filled her heart and inspired her mind, and proceeded to fashion a life after these. She’s an inspiration to me, I’ve followed a more conventional path of dividing career, home and interests. I only wish I had the insights and confidence Alana did sooner. Please read on to hear from Alana, herself.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What is your background?

I’m a island girl, born and raised on Nantucket’s sister island, Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve always loved island life and felt a strong connection with the ocean for as long as I can remember. My parents moved to the New Hampshire countryside when I was 9 and while I loved running through the fields and forests, picking apples and laying in meadow grass I longed for our summers on the Vineyard and I always knew I would dwell seaside.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy Ocean View

What part of the world do you live in?

Nantucket Island, 26 miles off the mainland of Massachusetts.

How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

Marcus and I have two sons. David is 7 years old and he’s spirited and soulful, and very creative –He keeps us on our toes, and continues to amaze us with his wisdom and wit! Hue is 8 months old and he’s bright-eyed and joyful, and very sweet –loves laughing and screeching!

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy Ocean

What are your core family values?

Our core family values are honesty and kindness. Two very different, difficult things to balance but it’s what we strive for. To be honest and kind to each other, the earth and ourselves.

How do you spend most of your days?

We spend our days cooking and making, our days are full but we’re so thankful to be living our dreams.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy Whale

What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

We love to go to the beach together. Swimming and bodysurfing, walking the shore, collecting shells and watching the sunset.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about sustainability, about resourcefulness, about enjoying and loving nature, about my family, and about cultivating a meaningful life.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by nature, travel, the sea, the stars, my husband and our children.

Can you tell me a bit about Tafari Designs?

Tafari means inspiration in Aramaic. Tafari Designs is a culmination of our inspirations — it will always be evolving, as we are. For now we’re happily making what we love –reclaimed woodwork and art, naturally dyed textiles and wampum jewelry.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy Indigo Dye

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy Wampum

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy Indigo dye

Why did you decide to start a business? 

Starting our business felt like something we just had to do. Marcus and I both have always worked for ourselves since we were teenagers and when we joined together we really wanted to do work that felt meaningful and allowed us the lifestyle we desired –for Marcus that meant freedom to take a swim in the middle of the day or cook a meal when he felt hungry, for me it meant staying closer to home, working with my hands and being with my kids.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy

Did your career aspirations change once you had a child? 

Definitely. I had originally wanted to be a travel writer but when I was pregnant with David I had an overwhelming desire to make with my hands.

What are your dreams for your business?

I have so many dreams for my business but I really try to take it slow. I’d love to start incorporating some women’s wear pieces into my textile line and experiment using different shells for my jewelry designs. I’d love to teach workshops and expand my business enough to employ my very talented quilter and seamstress mother –whose talents put mine to shame.

Tafari Designs Nantucket Alana Dorothy seashells

Thank you, Alana, for sharing pieces of your life. Readers you can find Alana on Instagram @alanadorothy. You can also find her and her husband’s online store and blog here: www.tafarinantucket.com

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Have you subscribed to the Global Guardian Project yet? They are monthly learning capsules for children and families to learn about global stewardship. Each month features a different country’s wild life, landscape and challenges, and includes art projects, activities, meditation, recipes and more! Use my discount code: HIPPIEINDISGUISE for 10% off , you can read more about it here

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Shop Love: Little Heirloom

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Last season I had the honour of working with a small Canadian shop, Little Heirloom, to help spread the word about their lovely shop. Little Heirloom is an online store specializing in small ethically produced children’s wear brands. The shop is a little dream come true for Taralyn, a lifelong dreamer and entrepreneur, who took inspiration from her new motherhood to leap into the unknown and follow her interests in a way that would allow her to be more present with her young toddler. The shop is still very small and working to establish itself, so I wanted to help get the word out about this excellent shop, with a most excellent woman and family behind it.

Honestly, I’m not someone who cares much about fashion trends and season releases, but when I started to see sneak peeks of the Nico Nico Clothing fall line I got really excited. Something about the colours and textures spoke to me. I was immediately inspired to capture beautiful moments of my children in the clothing. I’m telling you, this has never happened before! So I picked up a few of my favourite pieces from Little Heirloom and let our adventure-seeking ways take their course, what resulted were some beautiful moments.

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I’m really in awe with how the Nico Nico line seems to form a dialogue with the landscape, whether we’re in the city or the forest or on the beach, the clothing seems at home, making you feel like you are exactly where you should be. I’m so happy to have invested in this line of organics. And, now I understand a little why some people get excited about fashion.

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I love to learn from mothers who have started their own business while raising children. So I asked Taralyn if she could share her story here. Read on to hear from Taralyn, herself, and to see more photos of the children enjoying themselves in clothing from her store.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, the person behind Little Heirloom. What is your background? What are you passionate about?

My name is Taralyn Fodor, and I am the founder/owner/operator of the online children’s apparel website Little Heirloom. I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, but recently moved back to the city with my family after living in Montreal and Toronto for almost 8 years. I have a background in Art History and Design, but I also work as a buyer for a local apparel brand here in the city. I do a lot of juggling as a mother, business owner and buyer, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I am passionate about my family, first and foremost, but I also have a soft spot for design, travel, and art.

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same denim poncho fits both kids, winning!

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How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

I have one son, Levi, who is 2 and a half. He is the wildest, most engaged, energetic, fearless, hilarious and social little person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is truly chock-full of personality, and he never stops talking. Any moment spent awake for Levi is full of dialogue – be it with us (his parents), a friend, or someone imaginary. I love hearing him chatter away while playing with his toys, listening to him re-enact scenarios from earlier in the day, or talking about something I had no idea he even knew existed. It gives me fantastic insight into his little mind.

What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

As Levi gets older, our choice activity changes. It used to be a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium or Science World, but now going to the beach is our favourite. We really love getting outside and taking advantage of the beautiful city we live in.

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What did you want to be when you were a child?

This one makes me laugh, because I have always wanted to own my own business. I used to set up these roadside stands where I could sell things. I’d sell drawings, flowers (well, they were probably more like weeds, but who’s keeping track…), and anything else I could come up with. I just loved interacting with people and selling them something that made them happy. I guess nothing has changed!

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Did your career aspirations change once you had a child?

Interestingly, I became more focused on making my aspirations a reality. I knew that if I didn’t try it would never happen. In the beginning, running my own business also offered me the flexibility I needed to spend more time with Levi.

What is Little Heirloom and why did you decide to start your own business?

Little Heirloom is a website dedicated to selling high-quality, stylish and ethically produced children’s fashion. We like to focus on smaller, independent brands that are a bit harder to find. I originally wanted to create an online store to offer brands I love to the Canadian market, as no one was selling them here, but the demand for our designers has us shipping all over the world now!

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I love the name Little Heirloom. What does that name mean to you? Why did you choose it?

When I was thinking of a name for the shop, I kept circling back to the core concept of the store: to offer timeless, high-quality clothes that can be passed down from sibling to sibling, and even generationally. The idea of a sweater, romper or pair of shoes becoming an heirloom, a special memento of childhood, meant a lot to me. The name Little Heirloom sprung from that.

How do you choose the brands you carry?

They have to be beautiful, un-fussy, ethically manufactured, and above all else: well made. I also put them through the “Levi Test” as I like to call it. If I don’t like how the clothes wear and wash with my little guy, I won’t carry them in the shop.

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What are your dreams for Little Heirloom?

I would love to add more labels to our roster, and build out the collection we carry to represent even more exceptional international brands. Maybe there will even be an in-house line someday!

When you are all caught up on work what do you love to do?

I’ve been trying to allow myself “alone” time. It’s harder than you’d think! But when I manage it, just getting to a yoga class or riding my bike is wonderful.

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Readers: Little Heirloom carries premium brands, such as Nico Nico (the clothing pictured in this post), Red Creek Handmade, boy+girl, Misha & Puff, Soor Ploom, Goat Milk NYC, at excellent prices and ships internationally. She also carries the most charming line of toys, Des Enfantillages, made here in Canada (adjustable skipping rope and felt pompom slingshot pictured in this post).

The Canadian dollar is low now, which makes it especially economical for international shoppers to buy from Canadian shops. You can find Little Heirloom online at www.littleheirloom.com and on Instagram @littleheirloom.

Sen’s salt water sandals and Hunter rain boots are from Mini Mioche. Ro’s moccasins are from Canadian Aboriginal-owned brand Manitobah, offering a complete year-round line of moccasins and mukluks.

A special thank you, as well, to the kind women at Nico Nico Clothing, who helped me source sizes 8 and 10, to fit Ro.

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Interview with a Minimalist: Carina

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There is so much goodness in this interview that I just don’t know where to start. Carina, who I’ve interviewed before for my Inspiring Mothers series, is a minimalist and mother of two. She is an artist who paints and illustrates, and also works in arts outreach. Her story is particularly inspiring because it was a significant life event that brought about an “aha” moment. In that moment all that was truly important to her became crystal clear. I love that while years have passed since her epiphany it’s effect hasn’t grown dim. She has managed to continue to draw from this experience in order to cultivate a life of purpose, enjoyment, adventure, and fun. A life filled to the brim with moments and memories. There are so many nuggets of wisdom packed into her answers, read slowly and enjoy!

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Let’s start with a little bit about you. Who are you? What are you passionate about? How do you like to spend your time?

My name is Carina. I am passionate about the arts and the outdoors, and making memories around these two things with my family. I am a big advocate for accessible art experiences, supporting local creatives and businesses, and connecting communities. I adore painting and illustration, and encouraging my kids’ love of art, stories, and adventure. We are lucky to live so close to the ocean, the mountains, and everything in between. We all love camping, my husband fly fishes, and my kids and I are crazy about surfing. I’m also passionate about the community of rad women that my bestie Bree and I have connected with through our west coast lifestyle site www.peaksandharbours.com.

How many children do you have and what are they like?

I have two children, and they are so wonderfully different from each other.

My daughter Finn is 9 years old, with a blanket of long dark hair, usually under a wide-brimmed hat and framed by long feather earrings. She is a fast-friend-maker, an incredibly observant girl, and can often be found blissfully reading and writing stories. Appropriately, she wants to be both a published author and an actor (“they don’t call them actresses anymore mom”).

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My son Augustus (Gus) is a cheerful, golden-haired sweetheart. He loves to choreograph dance videos, and is happily curious about everything from how the body works, to the life-cycle of plants and animals. He is a cuddler, and feels things deeply, especially when he thinks that a friend has been wronged – he will always come to your rescue! He adores his sister Finn. And when she gives him the time of day, he is on cloud nine.

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What part of the world do you live in?

I live in Vancouver,  in an area of the city called Mount Pleasant – very aptly named. It’s an idyllic little urban community, where I also work, where my children go to school, and where we spend time with friends. I love that we are able to be so local and connected in a big city. I grew up in a very tiny town, and it reminds me of that way of life – minus the horses tethered to the school fence and the tractors parked in driveways.

Do you have a favourite quote or words that inspire you?

“There is no certainty; there is only adventure.” – Roberto Assagioli

Change is constant, and once you realize that it’s exciting, not scary, you can embrace it once it happens, and enjoy the ride – or least see the importance of some of those journeys of learning.

“Good for her, not for me.” – Amy Poehler, Yes Please

Everyone has their own way of doing things that work for them, and that’s wonderful. It doesn’t mean that we have to feel bad if it doesn’t work for us.

You are an artist, what inspires your work? Do you have issues with keeping the amount of art supplies you have in check?

That is a tough one! My art has changed so much over the years. When I was doing my first degree years ago, I was working in photography, and soundscapes with video and audio installations. Yes, super avant garde stuff – ha! I really felt like I needed to be loud and cinematic so people could hear what I was trying to say, which had a lot to do with being a new mother, and trying to define who this new person was that I had become. I realize now that I can be a mother, and also be an individual at the same time, and that being ambitious doesn’t mean that I am a bad parent.

Currently, I am back to the drawing and painting I fell in love with as a child, but with more experience (both in years and technique). I love the ‘low-fi” – ness of it. I don’t need a large desk of technical equipment to create a painting or illustration.

In terms of my own art supplies, my style is quite minimal (how appropriate!), and I do keep my art supplies minimal as well. I will not buy another palette of watercolours until something has actually run out, and I won’t stock up on ten versions of a similar paintbrush; because I just don’t need it. I do find it hard when I’m actually in an art supply store – I always get that surge of excitement of all the possibilities. However, I have enough experience to now know that if I surround myself with too much, I get overwhelmed with choices, and will not allow myself to fully commit to one project. This rings true for me in finishing a painting, and also in other areas of my life.

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I believe there are many ways to be a minimalist and many forms of minimalism. What does minimalism mean to you?

I would say that minimalism is a way of life for me. It’s not just about living materially small in our 750 square foot apartment, but also how our little family approaches life. Maybe a few examples might be the best way to answer:

  • When I find myself feeling anxious about the week’s tasks, errands, etc. I start to look for the path of least resistance.  I am working on saying “no” more often and accepting that when I am stressed out at all the things I need to do, it’s because I chose to do them. So if I can cancel some unnecessary meetings downtown, or find gymnastics classes for Gus closer to home so we’re not driving across town three times a week after work, that keeps things simpler and less stressful.
  • I rarely bring in something new into our home unless it is really going to make us smile – like a local artist’s work, or a carefully curated collection of shells the kids have found at the beach. I try to buy local and sustainable as much as possible, and I pare down anything that has too many multiples. I take things to consign or to the thrift store at least once each season. There’s no need to have more than four towels in our tiny linen closet, and the kids don’t need 16 pairs of socks each.
  • When thinking about how to spend our money, after all the bills are paid, we always look to what experiences we want to have, not what things we want to buy. Cyrus ties his own flies for fishing, and will update a rod or reel. I recently was able to get my own wetsuit for surfing, and one day hope to have my own board. The kids really want to go to Playland this summer, and have a goal to do that at the end of August. More traditional activities can be expensive in Vancouver, so when we’re all on board with saving money to achieve these goals, it makes it exciting to have something to look forward to and more meaningful when you get there.

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What is your story? How did you get started on a minimalist path? What drew you to minimalism or what motivated you to become a minimalist?

I have always been a fan of simple living, but my two big leaps into minimalism were when my husband and I separated, and when I took a trip to India.

When I finished my Master’s Degree in 2011, my husband and I separated for 2 ½ years. It was hard and painful, but also a really powerful experience. When we split our things, I realized that the only thing I wanted were the pictures of the kids, and the only thing I needed was a home to raise my kids in.  Nothing else mattered. What I also quickly discovered though was how much I needed my friends and my family. I have always been a fast-friend-maker (like Finn), but I was floored by how the good people around me rallied without judgement, helped dry my tears, fill my cupboards, and made me feel whole again. That was an important time in my life for sure. I learned how resilient I was, how everyone has a story, and how love truly is all you need. Happily, we are all together again, and we both had similar epiphanies about how we wanted to live as a family – and we haven’t looked back!

In 2012, I took a trip to India to do research on art and architecture there for my PhD. When I got there, all the naivety I had about being a worldly traveller went right out the window and I went into full culture shock. It is a country that continuously saturates every sense to a dizzying level. I saw very small children, barely clothed and dirty, that were so hungry they were peeling paint off buildings to eat. You quickly realize just how fortunate you are by accident of where you are born. I also saw a lot of happiness in India, from children who had almost nothing. Their delight in finding a bridge to jump off into cooling waters filled the air with laughter and joy. It is easy to see in such a place of contrast how unnecessary all our extra things are, and how fortunate we are to have access to simple amenities and health care.

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Are there people you look to as minimalist role models?

I think that I inherited some of that Scandinavian minimalism from my Swedish father. He was always big on saving for our trips to Sweden to visit family, and we went on many camping and road trips as a family. My childhood was filled with amazing adventures, and I am so thankful for that. I’ve also been influenced by my thoughtful Italian mother, who always emphasizes keeping things that bring you joy, and discarding things that do not – especially when those things are attached to a past you need to get rid of.

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Are there any books, websites or other resources that have inspired your minimalism?

I have read The Minimalists, and The Japanese Art of Tidying, both interesting books but I am still waiting for someone to come out with a book that addresses how to be minimalist with children, and without a huge cash reserve that allows you to immediately drop your daytime job without worrying about putting food on the table.

I love Alison Mazurek, who lives right here in Vancouver with her adorable little boy in a 600 square foot apartment about 4 blocks away from me!  She has her own blog www.600sqft.com and is also a contributor to Peaks & Harbours. She has a similar mindset in that she takes to the outdoors when things feel small, and focuses on quality local goods over a quantity of “things.”

In what ways/areas do you struggle with maintaining your minimalist goals/values? What is your weakness?

Books! Both for myself and for the kids. I’m trying to be better at going to the library for my reading fix, and encouraging the kids to do the same. It’s a work-in-progress!

Does your household abide by minimalism or is this more a focus for yourself? Why?

I think we all abide by minimalism. We do not purchase toys or extra gadgets for our kids unless it’s a birthday, or Christmas, etc. Pokemon was a big craze for them a few months ago, and they saved their money and bought all their Pokemon card packs and binders themselves. Of course, we will help them here and there with allowance money. When Gus decided he was not interested anymore in his Thomas the Tank Engine set a couple of years ago, he took pictures of them all lined up, put them on Craigslist, boxed them up, and handed them over to the guy that bought them (He was four!). He beamed with pride, and took that money to get his first Star Wars Lego kit. I do find that they are less and less interested in amassing the newest trendy toy. I think Gus has more money saved in his piggy bank than I do! Because he’s not sure what he wants to spend it on, and so he doesn’t. Finn will always buy more books, but we will also go to the library, because her piggy bank just can’t keep up with her insatiable appetite for more stories.

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Have there been any struggles with the other people you live with about living in a minimal way?

Honestly, it’s been such a positive experience that I can’t think of any time that we’ve come into conflict about it. Once and a while, the kids briefly lament that other parents have bought their kids an entire American Doll set complete with a giant wardrobe, and I say how nice that is, and how if it’s that important we can work towards it. More often than not, the novelty quickly wears off and they forget they ever asked for it.

Have you had any positive or constructive (or negative) experiences with friends or family related to minimalism?

I have had nothing but positive experiences! When people come over, if they are parents I usually find them peeking into a doorway wondering if I’ve hid the kids’ toys there – ha! They are amazed, and then excited, that our small apartment is so light and welcoming, without it wanting anything.

In what ways has minimalism improved your life?

I think that when you pare down the extraneous things, you live your life more honestly and genuinely. An example I would give is when I finally gave away all my textbooks from university that I knew I was only keeping to be impressive. I had so many books that I had on display because I felt like they represented all my years of hard work, and would show visitors how educated I was. I think it was really me feeling unsure of myself. When I finally admitted that I was probably never again going to pick up that 1000 page book on psychoanalytical theories, or the multi-volume text on Ancient Greek political systems, what was left was a real representation of who I was and what I actually found interesting. Books on art, funny stories, and beautiful illustrations. It feels amazing, and I don’t mind whether visitors notice that or not.

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What have been some unexpected experiences you’ve had with minimalism?

I am a less anxious person after really embracing minimalism. I used to struggle with anxiety in my early to late twenties. When things become pared down at home, and I focused on positive relationships, I became more confident in myself and the anxiety just melted away. It’s an ongoing process for sure, but I can definitely say that myself and my children, we are all much more chill and content living this way.

What advice can you offer to people interested in living a minimalist lifestyle?

If you haven’t used something in a year, chances are you’re never going to use it. When I’ve felt overwhelmed with picking through the kids’ things (especially the bits of impossibly tiny accessories for toys), I will dump an entire drawer that they haven’t opened in a while, into a tupperware bin with a lid, and stow it away for a few months. They never ask where those things have gone. And when I feel like it’s been long enough, I organize things out into thrift store and consignment store, and they will get the money from their toys.

Do you have any goals for this year or the next few that you want to share?

My big goal that I’ve been wanting to do for a few years now – but am finally in a place to attack it, is creating albums out of pictures of the kids’ artwork. When you live in a small space, it’s tough to store pieces of different sizes without crushing and damaging them, and it’s hard to pull out an enormous box and go through it in a way that doesn’t create a giant mess. My goal is to take pictures of their favourites, and make them into a book. This way they can look at them easily, show them to friends, and be proud of their work for years to come.

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Thank you Carina! Readers: you can find Carina on Instagram @carinamarienilsson; on her outstanding lifestyle site www.peaksandharbours.com; or her personal site www.carinamarienilsson.com.

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You might also like my post:

Ecominimalism: Minimalism and Sustainability

13 Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe

Interview with a Minimalist: Alison

Malas and Human Connection

Summer Lists: Sun, Sand and Strawberries

Want to find me in other places?

mama mala meditation

Malas and Human Connection

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Before I launched this blog I thought about what I wanted to use my teeny tiny platform for. I knew I wanted to have a space where I could share what the children and I were up to, mostly our city adventures and our art projects. I knew I wanted to share my passion for sustainable living and the arts. But I also knew that I wanted to make it a space that celebrated other mothers, other creatives and entrepreneurs, and so I started a series of interviews with inspiring and creative mothers.

I am excited to share my second interview in my Creative Mothers series. Through this series I am hearing from women who have been able to translate their passions into meaningful work. Today, you will hear from Heather Mudry, owner and designer of Mama Malas. I first met Heather through Instagram, a little while later I got one of her malas and was astounded by the energy it brought into our household. I felt so strongly about its positive impact that I asked Heather if she would share more about her malas through my blog. In talking with her over email, I got to know much more about her and her lifestyle and how it all fits together in a holistic way. It was music to my ears! I hope Heather’s story will inspire you too.

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Tell me a little bit about yourself. What is your background?

My name is Heather Mudry and I’m a mom to one squishy, energetic almost three year old, and wife to a funny, handsome man named Mike. I love bonfires, coffee and the mountains.

What part of the world do you live in?

I’m originally from the Canadian Prairies, but am very happy to call Calgary, Alberta, my home.  I love being nestled into the foothills of the Rockies and being able to take day trips to the most beautiful places in the world.

How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

I have one son, Owen, who turns three in June (2015).  He is the funniest, most thoughtful and pure soul I know.  I can’t believe how in tune and observational he is, he blows me away daily.

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What are your core family values?

Be nice, live in the moment, and make time to play.

How do you spend most of your days?

Every day without fail, I am woken up at 6:00am by my son Owen (I swear his internal clock is unstoppable).  We laze in bed together for a bit and then head downstairs for some breakfast and coffee.  Most days we will do a quick 5 minute yoga session which he loves to direct, and then I fit in a quick meditation when he plays.  Twice a week when I drop him off at his toddler yoga class, I head to a coffee shop and work for a few hours, otherwise we head to the forest and go for a walk or just hang out and play at home.  After lunch Owen goes down for his nap and I work for a few hours.  After nap time I put my work away and we play outside, and prep dinner.  We always try to have dinner together as a family when my husband gets home from work, and then all three of us head upstairs for a bath and bedtime stories (probably my favourite time of the day).  After Owen is in bed I do some yoga, and spend some time with Mike talking or catching up on our shows.

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What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

My absolute favourite family activity is to take a day trip to the mountains. I always feel so at peace there, and once we are there it feels as though we are in our own little world.  It’s like a mini vacation and we always come back refreshed and connected.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about staying present and keeping healthy boundaries with technology.  I think it’s so amazing that we live in this age where we have so many advantages, and technology that should allow us more time to connect with those we love, but it’s amazing how easy it is to jump at every beep and ping from your phone or iPad, and forget about the people right in front of you.  I’m passionate about being engaged with those around me when I am with them, especially my family.

What inspires you?

My son, my husband, my friends and community, the forest, the mountains.  Whenever I feel uninspired I go within and sit in meditation. Works every time.

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What are malas and when did you start making them?

The thing I love about mala beads is that they can represent whatever you want them to.  They are traditionally used in mantra meditation to keep track of the number of times you repeat a mantra, which traditionally is 108 which is why the malas have 108 beads.  They represent your intentions in life and are a tangible reminder of the person you want to be.  I made my first mala when I realized how easy it was to be distracted from the mother I wanted to be for my son by the unimportant things in life.  I needed to create something to bring me back to my core intentions and desires, and since I’m such a tactile person a mala was the perfect solution. Every day when I would put it on I was reminded to meditate for a moment on my intentions and then it served as a reminder throughout the day whenever I felt it tap against me.

Why are malas important to you? And for mothers?

My malas are important to me because I find it so easy to be distracted by the unimportant things in life, especially as a mother.  With digital devices taking over our lives, it can be hard to put everything aside to just play with our kids, take some time for ourself, and to remember that we are a spiritual beings.  As a society, we feel the need to fill every moment with distractions, and for me my mala beads bring me back to the moment and remind me that I want to be able to sit with my son without checking Facebook, or compulsively researching something online.  It helps me disconnect, go inwards and live in the moment.

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Why did you decide to start your own business?

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to have my own business, although throughout the years none of the plans stuck. I achieved some level of success with some of my previous ventures, but lost interest and felt like something was missing.  I had actually decided after closing my previous business that I wouldn’t open another.  It was almost a little embarrassing telling everyone that, yet again, I was starting something new, but I had such a strong belief in how much the malas could help other mothers that I couldn’t not do it.  I had finally found a business that I felt could make a huge difference in the world, and in turn it has become successful because it comes from the heart.

Did you career aspirations change once you had a child?

Absolutely. The biggest change was that I had this powerful need to do something that would make the world a better place for him to live in, money was no longer important.  I have learned that success comes when you set out to be of service to others, not yourself.

What are your dreams for your business?

I would love for Mama Malas to reach as many mothers as possible, and to create a supportive community of women that celebrate and encourage each other to live a life that is authentic, intentional and fully present.

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What has made you the most proud of what you’re doing?

By far the most rewarding part of this adventure has been the emails I receive from women telling me how much of a difference their Mama Malas have made in their lives.  I’m so touched by the number of women who take the time to thank me for giving them back time they would have otherwise missed, or to let me know that their Mama Mala has helped them become more engaged and present with their kids, or served as a reminder to be still and take some time for themselves. I’m so grateful that Mama Malas can play a small part in these women’s lives.

You can find Heather on Instagram @mamamalas and to learn more about her malas or to purchase one visit her website Mama Malas and make sure to check out her BLOG page, there are some lovely posts over there.

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You might also like my post:

LMS button2   The Love More Stories

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Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset   The Joys of Human Connection – with Dana Luna

Want to find me in other places?

Interview with a Minimalist: Kylah Dobson

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Identity labels, like ‘vegetarian’ or ‘atheist,’ can be tough to occupy, because once applied we open ourselves to criticism. If we do not adhere perfectly and seamlessly at all times to the label, then we have failed in our eyes or in the eyes of others. And so, we tend to avoid labels, because then we cannot fail.

Two ideas emerge from the acknowledgement that many of us fear failure. First, failure is necessary to grow and improve; failure is universal; failure is productive. Second, no one has ever been a perfect vegetarian or perfect atheist or a perfect anything; perfection is impossible. In this context, I prefer to view labels as guide posts, rather than badges earned for perfect behaviour. We try our best to live our lives in sync with our guide posts, knowing that we may stray, but always trying our best to stay true to them.

Where is all this coming from? Well, in talking with people about minimalism and with people I would call ‘minimalists,’ most seem to feel uncomfortable with the term, for a variety of reasons, but certainly because they often feel they are not ‘minimalist enough.’ Part of what I want to explore through these interviews is the variety of authentic ways that people live minimally, that there is no one way to be a minimalist. Saying that doesn’t water down the concept or strip it of meaning. But it does liberate people to be experimental and to live minimalism in their own way by focusing minimalism on their lives in a way that resonates with them.

Today, I am sharing an interview with Kylah, an Organic Farmer and Health Coach, who, in my eyes, lives as a minimalist. The focus of her minimalism is on the kitchen, meal times, food and nourishment. While she focuses there, minimalism radiates into other aspects of her life and areas of her home. Everyone’s interest in minimalism starts from a different motivation, whether it is making meal prep simple, so that the meal is more of a catalyst for conversation and connection, than about the food itself or whether it is a desire to minimize the environmental impact of our lives or something else completely. But what each person I’ve spoken with has shared is that minimalism starts to influence other areas of their life in positive ways and over time translates into an orientation to living. Kylah’s story is no exception to this. I hope you enjoy the read.

Let’s start with a little bit about you. Who are you? What are you passionate about? How do you like to spend your time?

I am a country girl at heart. I was born and raised on an organic farm north of Ottawa, Ontario and after traveling the world, and going to university in Montreal, where I met the love of my life, we came back to the family farm to start our own business and raise a family.

My passion is to help others bring a greater sense of wellness, connection and fun towards their time in the kitchen and what they eat. It’s a journey I’m on too and I enjoy sharing it with others on-line and in-person.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time outdoors with my children, cooking simple family meals with seasonal ingredients, taking photos of everything and anything that inspires me (which, coincidentally is usually nature or my daughters), reading cookbooks, doing yoga and going on the odd date with my husband.

How many children do you have and what are they like?

I have two daughters: Dayvah 5 and Rainah 2. They are wild and free for sure! Our property expands over 50 acres and really they have free range of our gardens, orchards, forest, woodlands and all the outdoor spaces on our farm.

Dayvah asks (what seems like) a million questions a day. She wants to know the ins and outs of everything. How it works. Why? When? And everything in between. She’s super sensitive and a true animal whisperer. The other day she caught a snake and very calming let it wrap around her arm. I was in awe (being extremely squeamish around them myself).

Rainah is a real mama’s girl, always in my arms, always wanting and asking for smooches, and always ready to snuggle. She’s also as stubborn as her mama and isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants.

They are both deeply creative. They literally spend hours each week collecting treasures with their baskets outside to create mini worlds for fairies or listening to audio stories inside and drawing, painting or glueing bits and pieces of paper, ‘trash’ and nature on paper into beautiful collages.

Do you have a favourite quote or words that inspire you?

“… the way we eat represents our most profound engagement with the natural world. Daily, our eating turns nature into culture, transforming the body of the world into our bodies and minds.” – Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

I believe there are many ways to be a minimalist and many forms of minimalism. What does minimalism mean to you?

For me, minimalism really comes down to making decisions thoughtfully and with intention, whether it comes to food, clothing, toys or anything else. I feel very fortunate that I even live in a place and time where I have to consider an over accumulation of stuff!

As I’ve slowly purged a good deal of our material objects I have noticed how everything that I have kept gets used more, is better cared for and I feel more gratitude for our possessions. With less, everything becomes a little more special.

Why do you identify as a minimalist? In what ways are you a minimalist?

I have a tendency to shy away from labels as such but at the same time identifying as a minimalist serves as a necessary personal reminder of how important it is to me to continue on this journey of less stuff, more love, more creativity and more living.

Other than paring down our closets and our toy bins, minimalism has made it’s way into our kitchen and to the dinner table. We eat really healthy, super tasty meals but they are in no way extravagant. I am a full time working mom so bringing minimalism to my cooking techniques has actually opened up a huge opportunity for me to discover more and more simple ways of eating. On a nightly basis this usually means one pot or one dish meals and I am constantly searching out and discovering little ways to minimize my efforts in the kitchen by using all kinds of shortcuts.

What is your story? What drew you to minimalism or what motivated you to become a minimalist?

Kids. Seriously! I got really overwhelmed by the amount of clothing and toys and special gear and gadgets I was given in the first years of their lives.. I felt like I was always tripping over something. When my oldest daughter lost a toy she would cry like crazy but I couldn’t find it in the fray of everything else. My solution? Get rid of 90% of it. She just got a lot more imaginative with the 10% I kept. Win win.

Are there people you look to as minimalist role models?

Both my parents.

My mother has a very minimalist aesthetic. I didn’t appreciate it as a child but I’m really drawn to it now. She’s an amazing designer and manages to create warm, inviting, and bright beautiful spaces with very little clutter. It’s truly her gift and I am trying to pick it up from her and carry it into my own life.

My father (unknowingly) practices minimalism in his own way too. He  never gets rid of anything. EVER. But he also rarely buys anything and has never bought into consumer culture. He wears his jeans until they’re tattered at the knee. I haven’t taken it quite this far but I am inspired by his ability to only accumulate things he needs that get used to their fullest extent.

Are there any books, websites or other resources that have inspired your minimalism?

The Art of Simple, Minimalist Baker, and Becoming Minimalist

In what ways do you struggle with maintaining your minimalist goals? What is your weakness?

I love beautiful, well made things – art, nature, pottery, clothing, jewelry – especially anything handmade! And I love supporting artists. But I am learning that I can enjoy beauty in the moment without feeling that I have to take it home with me every time.

Also my children’s art. I want to keep it all too! Every piece is special and unique and I have bins and bins full of it! We  make art with it and give it away as I can’t bare to just trash it.

Does your household abide by minimalism or is this more a focus for yourself?

Yes, they do, mostly by default. My husband is a natural minimalist and it’s me that has to work at it.

Have there been any struggles with the other people you live with about living in a minimal way?

Luckily no. My husband appreciates it and because my children are young they don’t really question it.

Have you had any negative or constructive experiences with friends or family related to minimalism that you could share?

I’ve gotten rid of things that are both sentimental to me and others…LESSON LEARNED. That was a little extreme and I’ve pulled back the reigns on minimalism to that degree.

In what ways has minimalism improved your life?

For me, minimalism has boiled down to one very simple and extremely gratifying equation. LESS STUFF = MORE LIVING. With fewer possessions I spend less time cleaning and organizing and getting overwhelmed and more time reading to my children, having conversations with my husband, cooking good food and pursuing my own personal creative projects.

What have been some unexpected experiences you’ve had with minimalism?

How damn hard it can be! I love thrifting and yard sales and it can be easy to accumulate a lot of $2 items that you really don’t need. My children haven’t caught the joy of thrifting quite yet so it means I rarely have the opportunity to do it anymore – probably a good thing! I still enjoy these activities from time to time but I make sure I always give away or donate as much as I bring into our home.

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What advice can you offer to people interested in living a minimalist lifestyle?

Try getting rid of 10% of your stuff. Notice the effect. Then try 10% more. Keep going as long as it feels good. If you’re having difficulty then start with  just one area of your life – your closet, your kitchen or your pantry before trying to take on the whole house at once.

Do you have any goals for this year or the next few that you want to share?

My hope is that my journey of bringing minimalism to the kitchen and family mealtime will inspire others to try it out and get curious about the ways they can apply it to their own unique lives.

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You can find Kylah on Instagram @seasonallynourished or visit her websites Rainbow Heritage and Seasonally Nourished.

All photos by photographer Brittany Gillman visit her site here.

This interview is part of my series “Interview with a Minimalist” you can find the others here.

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You might also like my post:

Interview with a Minimalist: Alison on Living Small

Confessions of a Minimalist

Creative Mother Kaity Ferrell

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Talking Motherhood and Minimalist Fun with boy+girl

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In the news! I was interviewed by boy+girl as part of their series on motherhood. I loved doing this interview, because they asked really great questions that got me thinking more deeply about life and career and pushed me to open me up more on the topic of motherhood and my own struggles. You’ll also hear about my personal style, the aesthetic of my home, where I want to live internationally and lots more. Please check it out. And a few excerpts to whet your appetite…

On motherhood:

“Feeling in a deep and embodied way what unconditional love means: it is a gift. The challenge that comes with that is the vulnerability you feel knowing that unconditional love ultimately means loss. Motherhood has given me the gift and reason to live life fully.”

On personal style:

“My style is classic with bohemian mixed in, and, as much as possible, sustainable. I avoid fashion trends because fast fashion leads to waste.”

Advice to my 20 something self:

“Follow your passions and don’t worry about being practical!”

I hope you’ll skip over there to have a read.

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Interview with a Minimalist: Alison Mazurek

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Minimalism.

I’ve been hearing that word more and more each day. I use it a fair bit too.

In paying more attention to the ways minimalism is used and to my own use of the term, it reinforced for me that there are many meanings and interpretations of the word. For me, minimalism is about reducing quantity and increasing quality, whether this applies to the things we own, the responsibilities we have, or the friends we keep. My minimalism is motivated by environmental concerns and interest in living a sustainable lifestyle, and by my affinity with simplicity — living a simple life, clear of mental and physical clutter. For others, minimalism is grounded more in, for example, design movements or the idea of living small. While minimalism might not be exactly one thing, I do think there are underlying ideas that connect its different iterations.

Wondering about what connects or if there is a common thread through the ways minimalism is lived, made me want to hear from others about what minimalism means to them and how it informs their lives. So (big surprise, I know), I decided to interview minimalists to explore the concept and to hear from others about the benefits and challenges of living a minimalist lifestyle.

Today, you will meet Alison, who lives in a 600 square foot space with her husband and son. In her interview Alison shares practical insights for living small and the benefits it has on quality of life. I hope you enjoy the read.

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Let’s start with a little bit about you. Who are you? What are you passionate about? How do you like to spend your time?

I am Alison, a wife (4 years married, but almost 14 years together), I am a mother of one and work in design project management.  When my kid falls asleep I try to share how we live in our small space on my blog 600sqftandababy and @600sqftandababy. Most of all I love spending time with my two guys. I have a great love for design and beautiful spaces, good coffee, travel, wine and dinner with friends, which reads like every other short bio you have ever read! Apologies, but I truly do love wine, coffee and travel!

How many children do you have and what are they like?

I still consider myself a new mom, our son Theo is 22 months now so I probably have to stop saying that soon.  Not sure how I sum up my boy in a few sentences, but he is full of energy, loves to laugh, loves being outside on his run bike or running with a ball, and loves new experiences and people.  We are constantly laughing at the crazy things he says and does.  He is also a monkey with a stubborn streak who keeps us constantly on our toes.

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What is your blog about?

600sqftandababy is about our efforts to live in our small space in the city with our toddler.  We try to live with less “things,” be thoughtful with our purchases and get outside as much as possible, whether for a walk to a local park (coffee in hand) or travelling with our little one.

I think there are many ways to be a minimalist and many forms of minimalism. What does minimalism mean to you?

I don’t know if I would define myself as a minimalist as I don’t think we are perfect at it.  In a way it was a reaction to the outrageous real estate market here in Vancouver and despite the housing situation we wanted to stay in the city and keep our walkable lifestyle.  Minimalism for us was one big decision to live small and a million tiny choices everyday to make it possible.

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What drew you to minimalism or what motivated you to become a minimalist?  

I must confess that I am a shopper or at least I was.  My ideal day before Theo was spent wandering the shops and stopping for coffee and a great lunch.  Choosing to live in our small space forced minimalism on me but I have come to love it. When I go shopping now I have to think really hard about what I currently have in my house and if I REALLY need a new shirt or shoes and what am I willing to lose to make room for this new thing. Usually this thought process makes me so tired that I end up walking away from the item, ha!  And it turns out all the fun is in the doing, not the having.

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Are there schools of thought or people you look to as minimalist role models?

I really admire Scandinavian design, their spaces are so minimalist and beautiful.  They seem to have so little in their space, every item is carefully chosen and impossibly beautiful and minimalist. I wish our space looked like these ones!

Are there any books, websites or other resources that have inspired your minimalism?

Some websites and blogs I really like are A Merry Mishap, Nordic Days, and Trendenser. Life Edited has also been a huge inspiration for me. I am really drawn to the Nomad movement and Tiny Homes movement.  Whenever I feel overwhelmed by our small space I look up people who live in camper vans or on a boat or in container homes and I realize we have more than enough space. It’s all relative.

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I love this word ‘fewerthings’ that you use. Where did it come from and what is meant by it?  

Our friends and fellow small dwellers @maryandthejoel came up with it on trip to Tofino, when we packed 4 adults, a toddler, pack and play, stroller and 2 surfboards into a Honda Fit and shared a hotel room. (We consider ourselves certified small spacers at this point, so not much phases us.) We are always comparing stories and tips on how to make our spaces more functional and multipurpose.  We hoped that by sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of what we need to give up, donate, sell or trash to keep living small it might encourage others to live with less. So, please use the hashtag and share your efforts to live with less and have #fewerthings. Looking through the #fewerthings posts can also be a great laugh or maybe you will learn a new or better way to recycle or reuse?

In what ways do you struggle with maintaining your minimalist goals? What is your weakness?

My natural inclination is to be buying clothes for myself and Theo all the time!  So I am constantly having an internal battle with myself over whether or not we can add another shirt or dress to our space (the answer is usually no).  But this does leave more money for my soy cappuccino habit…

Have there been any struggles with the other people you live with about living in a minimal way?

With my husband, Trevor, there is always a struggle of his stuff versus mine. It’s so much easier to tell you partner to live with less than to look at your own things.  I am forever frustrated by the amount of sporting equipment he buys and keeps, our small storage locker is full of it. And he doesn’t understand my need to buy pillows and rugs. Theo has no concept of #fewerthings or living with less but he does think our entire home is playroom… we are working on this.

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Have you had any positive, constructive or negative experiences with friends or family related to minimalism that you could share?  

I find we often get negative feedback about living small when it comes to our kid.  Often people will ask, “where does he play?” Or, “he doesn’t have a yard?” “He must not have many toys?” “Are they all wooden toys?” But these comments are usually from people who don’t see our everyday life. All the local parks are his backyard, every walk up the street is an adventure and he has plenty of toys. We know our choice is not conventional, but maybe it will become a new normal as priorities shift across North America.

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What have been some unexpected experiences you’ve had with pursuing minimalism?

I think the most unexpected thing has been that decisions that seemed so risky and overwhelming at the time, like losing our bedroom and losing our kitchen island have become such an easy transition and brought so much more to our life.  We gained our living space back in the evenings and we gained a table to sit down to meals together with family and friends. Also with buying and owning less things I have found the things we do own or buy we love more and can often afford better quality.

What advice can you offer to people interested in living a minimalist lifestyle?

I don’t want to tell someone how to live their life, as Amy Poehler says, “Good for her, not for me.” But I have found that living with less is a process and sometimes it takes time to wrap your head around it. It also takes time to let go of “things.”  I find asking myself these questions helps: Do I love this item and find it to be beautiful? Is it useful and how often have I used it in the past 6 months? Obviously you need to allow for seasons (especially in Canada!)

Do you have any goals for this year or the next few that you want to share?  

Our goal is just to take this one day at a time, that’s what got us to this point (I am a planner and a project manager for work, so I can promise you that living in the moment does not come naturally to me!).  Trevor and I check in with each other regularly, what is working, what’s not working and what we’re going to do about it.  We have a few ideas running around in our heads right now like travelling more and reconsidering our car for something more equipped for quick weekend getaways and camping.  Longterm we would like to attempt to stay in our small space when/if we have second child and all the logistics and creative planning that goes along with it.

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Please leave a comment to share your thoughts on minimalism and the names of other interesting minimalists or just to say ‘hello’!

Don’t forget to find Alison on Instagram @600sqftandababy or visit her awesome blog 600 sq feet and a baby.

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Let’s be friends! Please come find me in other places…

Joy in Nature with Sture & Folke

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As a minimalist my goal is to keep to a minimum the number of items in my home and especially the number of new things I acquire. My general rule (as I wrote here) is to ensure that I actually need the things I am bringing into my home. Meaning: they will be put to good and frequent use and are not displacing a similar item that I already own and is in good condition. Having said this, I do still have more than a few redundant items in my home. That’s right, I’m not perfect.

Need is a tricky concept though. Aside from food and shelter, need is fairly subjective. I could argue myself into needing something probably just as logically as I could argue myself out of needing this same thing. And then there’s beauty and there’s art, do I need these? I think I do, but where do I draw the line? For now, I ask myself: Do I need this object? Will this object be used frequently? Is this object durable and ethically produced? Will this object add value to my experience of life?

Early this past spring Ro and Sen each got a beautiful hand-sewn blanket from Sture & Folke. Sen had long since outgrown his baby blanket, which nowadays looks like a napkin beside his toddler body; and Ro’s baby blanket had become too delicate (from years of love) to use for outdoor play. So, with many picnics and outdoor naps to come this summer, we acquired a blanket for both Ro and Sen.

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Folded blanket showing velvet and linen sides and coloured ribbon details

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Opposite side of the blanket showing satin “Elephant Zoo” fabric by Liberty

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“Elephant Zoo” blanket :: Handmade doll by Dancey Pants Disco

I can definitely say that these blankets came into our life at the right time. They are constantly used. In the early spring, when it was still cold in our home, they used the blankets as play mats on our hardwood floors. Once the warmer weather arrived the children took the blankets outdoors for picnics, reading, drawing, and, of course, sleeping. I’ve been especially pleased to see Ro and Sen take special care of the blankets. They seem to recognize the special quality of a handmade blanket as an auratic object made from beautiful, soft fabrics. Earlier on in my parenting years I never wanted to buy anything particularly fancy for the children, I assumed they would ruin the items. But I’ve come to realize that it is often the opposite, special items are given extra care and attention and they end up being used the most, but lasting the longest.

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Of his own accord, arranging containers by size before starting his picnic

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Sen’s organic top by Nico Nico available from Little Heirloom e-boutique

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After snacks, a little rest in the fresh air

Those of you who read the blog often know that I love interviewing people. I spoke with Karin, the designer of Sture & Folke blankets, and loved hearing about her childhood exploring the Swedish wilderness. It was especially heartening to hear that her childhood connection to nature has provided life-long inspiration. What we expose our children to leaves an indelible imprint that will direct them in life, for better or for worse. Fostering a childhood of joy in nature is the imprint I’m aiming for with Ro and Sen.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What is your background? Where did you grow up?

I’m Karin, born and raised in a small village called Arvika located in the northern part of Sweden where the untouched woods never end and where silence is something you take for granted.

When me and my siblings had our porridge in the morning we often witnessed moose families passing by or a hare eating under our bird table outside our kitchen window. Nature was always around the corner. The summers were mostly spent in the southern part of Sweden, barefoot in my grandparents summerhouse by the sea. This was also a very peaceful place with nature as the closest neighbour. When the sun was shining I explored the seaside, I probably turned every stone on the beach looking for crabs, sea stars and great finds from the sea. All these childhood memories in combination with my two sons have become inspiration for the Sture & Folke brand.

Why did you choose the name Sture & Folke for your brand?

The brand name came naturally because the arrival of my sons, Sture and Folke, who were the trigger to start making the first blankets. I did search for blankets when I first got pregnant but couldn’t find what I was looking for.

Where are your designs sewn? And what is your relationship with the sewers?

The designs are sewn in Switzerland. We have a very good relationship, it’s a lot of good laughs when we work out new models and products, thanks to my poor French…

You recently added gorgeous bloomers and shorts to your line. What’s next?

Right now I’m working on a gorgeous sleeping bag and bigger sized blankets in true Sture & Folke fashion with innovative combinations of textures and patterns inspired by nature. It’s very exciting.

Do you have plans for other new items?

I have big plans but will move slowly to ensure the brand gets the right distribution and visibility. The brand will be kept exclusive and each model will only be produced in small quantities. Vision is to build a strong brand that stand for good quality in all aspects and reach out to all ages.

When you aren’t all caught up on work, what do you love to do?

I love to take long walks with my family along the lake and through the woods, pick flowers, watch birds and share everything I know about nature to our curious little boys.

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You can find Sture & Folke on Instagram @stureandfolke or online at www.stureandfolke.com

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Foreground shows “Wildflower Meadow” blanket :: Sen’s outfit by Velveteen

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Ro’s organic tee by Mini Mioche and skirt by Christina Rohde

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