Sometimes when you least expect it, good things happen.

I’m so glad we found each other. First, let me introduce myself:

My name is Tatiana and I’m a blogger in the Metro Vancouver area.

About five years ago now, I took a marketing job that allowed me to travel across Canada and back.

Which lead me to eventually settle in Vancouver…moving here was one of the best decisions ever.

Being close to both the mountains, the ocean. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience and magical place.

The air. The water. The land…

This is a Territorial Acknowledgment stating that we are on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land and look forward to working with them in partnership as we continue to build this great city together.

This acknowledgment is a reminder of the discriminatory, racist, and colonial practices that have had a lasting legacy, and continue to create barriers for Indigenous peoples and communities in our city.

This passage, from Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee‘s Decolonize First workbook, offers some insights into the power of personally internalizing our territorial acknowledgment:

A territorial Acknowledgement is a personal commitment to, and appreciation for, the land you are in relationship with. It is a way to respect the Ancestors who cared for the land that is now caring for you. It can connect you to the medicine of the land.
When you acknowledge the territory in a good way, you build your strength, you give yourself medicine. You also model respectful relations When you introduce yourself, and say where you are from, you can include whose territory you grew up on. A territorial acknowledgment uses the name of the Nation who cares for the land, not the colonial name of the place.
It is a decolonizing practice to be in good relations with land and appreciating Indigenous peoples stewardship is part of that. Territorial acknowledgements have become compulsory email footers but can be so much more. If you’re new to this work, and want to find out whose land you are on, or grew up on, check out https://native-land.ca/
Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee, Decolonize First

Because of the pandemic, I got laid off from my office job at a Managing General Agency and since then, vowed to never work a boring job. I gave myself the time and opportunity to fully embrace the creative life. Today, I mainly consult public and private sector organizations regarding their corporate communications needs , in addition to elevating personal and professional brands for business owners as well as creative entrepreneurs with goal stand out in the marketplace with tailored designs at TAS Media.

As you know because of the current economic and political climate, cash flow matters now more than ever.

Businesses as well as individuals, like you and I are looking at every penny flowing in and out…

So here’s my confession…

I shop occasionally…okay occasionally, almost every (other) day/week… and I dare you to ask yourself those thought-provoking questions and be honest with your answers.

We know malls are convenient.

And so is fast fashion.

Let me tell you my wallet has had a love-hate relationship with the above.

I’m using the past tense because alongside my mindset, something changed in my (buying) habits. Let me ask you: how about having your money work for you, instead of you working for it? (but that’s a whole other topic for another time/post - interested in learning more about developing stronger financial habits? I got you, stay tuned!)

First, my passion for vintage apparel started at home from donating my clothes growing up which led me to consciously go to thrift stores to shop, especially for photoshoots and actually, found some of the most amazing vintage gems ever.

Second, I realized my power as a customer & a consumer.

My $$$ has power and I hold power over it.

(yes, read above line over again)

Voting with your $$$ matters. You can choose where your $$$ goes - so let’s shop & support local!*

*Note this excludes all MLMs - Multi-level Marketing companies. I don’t support business models that use predatory sales tactics and hide sales data. Learn how MLMs work here.

Here’s why you should care too:

Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the major polluting industries in the world?

The production and distribution of the crops, fibers, and garments used in fashion all contribute to differing forms of environmental pollution, including water, air, and soil pollution. Clothing is our second skin. It’s something we need to feel important in. As an educated and (now) responsible shopper, here’s what matters to me now:

Who Made My Clothes?

I love fashion. But I don’t want my clothes to exploit people or destroy our planet.

Which is why I proudly signed the Fashion Revolution Manifesto.

And I invite you to take a moment and think about who made the clothes you’re wearing on your back right now.

I invite you to sign the Manifesto. Join the call for a #FashionRevolution!

That’s also why I started my upcycled and conscious vintage Instagram shop.

Whether you are for or against trends, vintage pieces such unique, one-of-kind additions to your wardrobe

Shop my closet here

As a wise designer once said:

Fashion is like eating, you shouldn’t stick to the same menu”
– Kenzō Takada.

I am looking for a handful of incredible creators, local artists, designers and companies that you think we need to be shopping at this season.

In my opinion, the way ahead is always backed by some good coffee and a lot of reading. With that spirit at heart, let’s evolve together as I share some insightful tips on life, fashion & beauty here. Wish to know more about me? Well, I am all about three things in life – coffee, clothes and (self-) care!

Do you have a better trio? Let me know!