For Our Aesthete Friends
Barely Canadian
I live in their clothes. The sweaters, the jumpsuits, the sweats. They’re soft soft soft soft. They’re comfortable. They’re flattering. And proceeds benefit foster youth, while also teaching older foster kids entrepreneurial skills.
Barely Canadian’s founder Kelly Slattery is a renaissance woman who does it all. TV production, non-profit operations, designer and fashion house owner are just a few of her titles. I originally met her back in 2014 or 2015 at a breakfast meeting at the Standard Hotel on Sunset (RIP) over gluten free waffles. Her energy is infectious, and her get-it-done attitude is unmatched. Shop here! You will not regret your purchase! Follow @barelycanadian on Instagram.
Affirmation Darling
This is an overused phrase, but Riji Raja is a force of nature. A serial entreprenuer and contributor to the world. She and I met in 2023 when I was a mentor for the program that she runs, Creative Futures. We became almost instant friends. She launched Affirmation Darling to be a “pocket-sized therapist.” Drawing from her experiences while she was homeless for two years, she knows that beauty and small reminders can help anyone find their place and get back on their feet. Read her story here.
From daily affirmation cards to beautiful jewelry (I wear my AD bracelet every day) to stationary, journals, enamel pins and more, this is a wonderful place to shop for you, family, friends…and they do corporate gifting too! Follow @affirmationdarling on Instagram.
Seoulfull Skin
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, man, Alicia’s skin looks great, all credit goes to Elaine Sir. Elaine and I became instant friends when Jesse first started working at JAM. About two weeks in, he said to me “I have a friend you would love” and set Elaine and me up on a lunch friend date. He was right. We’ve been friends ever since, and are fortunate enough to be neighbors and one-time colleagues at WMG.
Elaine founded Seoulfull several years ago and I’ve been a loyal customer since at least 2022. I swear by the Good Karma face oil and slather it on every morning, in the evening, and occasionally in between. I also use the microdermabrasion wash and the hyalauronic face plumping cream. Follow @Seoulfull_skin on Instagram.
A portion of the proceeds benefits AAPI Stop Hate Initiatives and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
MendedExes
For those friends that need something absolutely one-of-a-kind. Amy Russo creates unique pieces of wearable art by upcycling cast off clothes. It’s cool, it’s punk, and its unique. Act fast if you see something you love! Follow her @mendedexes on Instagram.
Beauty by Jenna
Female-founded and nominated by our friend and neighbor Negin, Jenna started Beauty By Jenna to put her beauty school skills to use and provide employment opportunities for adults like herself with special needs who have found limited employment opportunities. Negin says not only does buying from Beauty By Jenna do good in the world, but the products are quality and wonderful! Follow on insta @BeautyByJennaOfficial.
