Feature Image by Ezekixl Akinnewu

During Black History Month and beyond it’s crucial we take a look at individuals, businesses and more who have paved the way for equality. Keep reading to see a curated list of young Black females who are rising up in the Canadian business industry with products that empower you.

Brown Sugar Skincare

Inspired by her brother with eczema, Jasmine wanted to find a natural alternative with ingredients you can understand, which is when BRWNSGR was born. She’s taking on the natural skincare world by storm and you’ll definitely watch Brown Sugar Skincare become a household name. From facial cleansers to body butter, they have a variety of products made for the face and body, filled with rich ingredients.

Image from Brown Sugar Skincare Instagram 

Révolutionnaire

Run by sister Nia and Justice Faith, this empowerment duo is speaking up with their education platform and teamed up with Roots to create a collection made to encourage individuality. What started off as a tight company by Nia, who was a dancer that couldn’t find any to match her skin tone, has now flourished into a worldwide movement.

Image from Révolutionnaire Instagram 

SAJIN

Sajin sells premium green tea grown in Japan and is based out of Winnipeg. The antioxidant-powered tea has incredible benefits and different flavours to help you re-focus and re-charge while taking a few minutes to yourself. Not to mention their entire Instagram is a vibe, so if you’re looking for a peaceful and motivational account to add to your timeline, give them a follow @sajingreentea.

Image from SAJIN Instagram 

Feature Image from @arturoriveraphotography

We’re all guilty of the bathing suit bulk-order during summer, which usually only lasts that season. That’s why we’ve curated a list of eco-friendly swimwear brands that keep the environment and style top of mind. These Canadian-based brands have put their efforts into supporting our ecosystem by choosing fabrics, processes and packaging that contribute to benefiting our climate rather than taking from it. Keep reading for five amazing companies changing the game of sustainable swimwear.

Jordyn Leah Swim | @jordynleahswim

Image from Jordyn Leah Swim’s Website

After lovingly wearing a pricey bikini for a few weeks and having it fade and lose shape, Jordyn became determined to create something longer-lasting to lower the impact on the environment. Today, her modern suits are made out of a new, super-soft, fabric that can be thrown right into your recycling bin when you’re looking to switch up your fit. These super chic swimsuits will have you feeling your best and give you the chance to shop for new items without adding damage to the fashion industry. 

Ūnika Swim | @unikaswim

Image from Ūnika Swim’s Website

These super-sexy swimsuits are your go-to for any fashion-forward beach day with sizes XS-4XL available and are super adjustable. In addition to their pre-made items, they make custom pieces to fit your body type at their storefront in Yorkville, Toronto, with hundreds of designs, fabrics and colours to choose from. Each bathing suit is made out of 100% regenerated nylon yard taken from pre and post-industrial waste from materials like discarded fishnets. 

SELFISH Swimwear | @selfishswimwear 

Image from SELFISH Swimwear’s Website

Handmade with love in Montreal, their brand encourages individuals to be themselves, bringing in a boatload of confidence. The one-of-a-kind swimsuits are crafted with 100% recycled nylon fibers, so not only do you feel cute but so will the environment. Selfish has some beautiful designs that are perfect for those looking for something extra unique, with bold designs paired with popping colours. 

Londre Bodywear | @londrebodywear

Image from Londre Bodywear’s Website

The Vancouver, BC-based swim brand is breaking hearts and barriers, with stunning suits made from recycled bottles with a silky smooth look and feel. At the start of the season, they launched a collab with body positivity phenom, @thebirdspapaya, with an exclusive floral pattern that has hidden vulvas painted on the one-piece and bikini. Their goal is to keep you feeling your best with flattering shapes and super cute colours while activating for climate change to make our planet healthier. 

Mimi and August | @mimiandaugust

Image from Mimi and August’s Website

The Montreal-designed-based brand showcases body confidence by using every type of woman to model their brand and allowing customers to be a part of the fun by applying here. Mimi and August have comfortable basics and stunning designs in shapes that fit whatever coverage you’re looking for. They consciously create their pieces to reduce their environmental footprint and focus on non-fast fashion by producing limited quantities and don’t launch seasonal collections. 

Other summer must-haves from these brands you’ll love:

Store Link

Store Link

Store Link

We love adding a few new cute dresses to our closets every Summer and what makes the haul even better is when it’s sustainable. Wearing eco-friendly fashion is beneficial for the environment and you so it’s really a win win when buying. Let yourself enjoy the beauty of the Summer knowing that what you’re looking good in didn’t harm the things around you. Seriously, there’s major benefits of choosing to buy from a conscious brand.

Benefits of Buying Sustainable Fashion:

• no toxic chemicals that damage the earth and your body
• better quality materials
• less packaging
• no animals or humans hurt in the making

To make an easy purchase we’ve rounded up a list of a few incredible sustainable brands with some of their super cute summer dresses:

Ovate

Timeless and poetic, Ovate handcrafts items with romantic minimalism flowing throughout it in Montreal. Audrey and her right hand Gabrielle, craft the items from start to finish using the finest natural fibers like cotton, hemp, wool, silk and linen.

Salomé Linen Dress (Natural) by Ovate

Wallis Evera

When you want to look like a boss, these guys have got you covered. Vancouver based believers that “dressing well is more than just looking good”, Wallis Evera brings high quality, locally made, natural fibre clothing to working women.

Lila Dress (Smoke/ Plum) by Wallis Evera

Ramonalisa

Look oh so eco-chic with Ramonalisa and show the world that green is in, for good. With clothing made sweatshop free in Montreal, they stand by the motto “live for today, dress for tomorrow”, which is something we should all keep in mind!

Wallaby loose fit angel sleeve tunic by Ramonalisa

FRANC

There’s nothing like a classic t-shirt dress to get you feeling the carefree summer vibes and Franc, has the perfect option for that with modern basics ethically made in Canada. With looks you can wear time and time again, their clothes are made in quality plant based fabrics, consistent sizes and looks inspired by you.

The T-Shirt Dress by FRANC

Encircled

Maximize quality over quantity with this Revolve Dress, aka the ultimate wearable 6 in 1. Made with low-impact dyes and sustainable fabric blends, encircled ethically creates pieces that let’s you free up a little more space in your closet.

The Sleeveless Revolve Dress by Encircled

As active yogis and lovers of everything wellness, we were thrilled to discover newly launched Canadian-made supplement line Niyama Yoga Wellness, designed specifically to suit the needs of active yoga practitioners, and those who are looking to energize, repair and eliminate stress in a more body-friendly and natural way.

This mindful wellness line is entirely vegan, non-GMO and formulated with no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or sweeteners. Designed to maximize benefits of yoga, Niyama Yoga Wellness compliments the various results of a regular practice, with specialized formulas developed to enhance sleep, hydration and daily protein intake, reduce stress and inflammation, and provide support for joints and muscles.

With an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a diploma in Nutritional Management from George Brown, Niyama founder Jillian Mariani has garnered nearly 20 years of experience in the specialty natural health space. Her extensive background working with like-minded companies and her intense yoga teacher training inspired her to create a company that offered products to serve  from a well-rounded and educated approach.

Niyama Yoga Wellness also offers ambassador programs for yoga teachers and has wholesale opportunities for yoga studios. Check here for more information and see a breakdown of the full product line below.

Green Energy Pre-Vinyasa Energizer – An energizing and alkalinizing powder you mix with cold water and drink about 30 minutes before practice, providing an all-natural and stimulant-free alternative to coffee or tea.

After Practice Replenish & Repair – Helps replace and rebalance all electrolyte minerals lost during sweating and supports muscle repair to reduce soreness and stiffness.
Daytime Zen Stress Support – A combination of natural ingredients to help your body deal with and adapt to daily stresses.

Organic Plant Protein – The perfect addition to a post-practice smoothie, this organic plant-sourced protein contains fibre, vitamins and minerals in each scoop and is vegan-friendly, allergen-free, low-fat and zero-sugar with nothing artificial.

Sleep Like Buddha – Fall asleep sooner, enjoy better quality sleep and wake up reaping the benefits of a good night’s rest with natural ingredients.

Vinyasa Forever Joint Care – Combines two clinically proven herbs used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine – turmeric and Boswellia – to manage existing inflammation or to proactively help reduce the risk of painful joints as you age.

Image by Christine Gottardi

Whether you’re travelling this summer, living by the lake or just staying put, it’s great to have a few useful items ready to go no matter what adventures or chill-out sessions come your way. We’ve curated the best of the best for a summer of conscientiously chic self-care and practicality (and everything is Canadian too).

Bamboo Turkish Towel/Blanket 

If you don’t have a stash of Turkish towels and blankets already, now is a great time to start your collection. Traditional Turkish towels are recognized for their supreme absorbency. They dry quickly so they don’t absorb much moisture from a humid climate, rendering them extremely useful for beach days and travelling. They are also eco-friendly, with a luxurious feel and beautiful in quality. Their versatility makes them a must-have for summer, perfect to use as sarongs, picnic blankets, shawls, towels, table cloths and more.

Our Pick – Bamboo Turkish Blankets by House of Jude

Thick enough to act as a blanket or shawl for around the camp fire and thin enough to travel light and compact as a perfect beach towel.

From House of Jude Instagram 

Zero Waste Self-Care Products

As we transition our focus to more ethical beauty practices, we couldn’t be more excited to see so many brands step up to the plate by providing conscientious beauty lovers high quality products that actually work. And while many are taking care to ensure their ingredients are ethical while maintaining that luxurious effectiveness, there are few that are considering the actual packaging that their products come in. This summer, we are minimizing our plastic footprint and officially putting a hard stop on buying shampoo and conditioners that come in plastic bottles. Luxe, sustainable brand Unwrapped Life offers a stunning range of high quality, zero waste self care products. It has never been easier to be part of the solution AND enjoy high quality beauty. While we are smitten with their #zerowaste shave bars and vegan soaps, our product of choice is the shampoo and conditioner duos. Not only do they smell amazing (and look great on Instagram) they actually work as good if not better than salon-purchased products. Plus they are perfect for cottage life and lake-friendly hair washing.

Our Pick – Shampoo and Conditioner in Bora Bora 

Hydrating Electrolyte Powder

While we all know the importance of drinking plenty of water, we love the idea of getting added benefits for our efforts, like an extra energy boost and a glow that comes from the inside out. Electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphate) and their powders enhance our hydration efforts with electric charges that stimulate our muscles and nerves and also regulate the fluids in our bodies. Our powder of choice is one that adds extra beautifying benefits with each dose. A glass of water infused with Age Quencher’s HYDRATE Beauty Electrolyte promotes radiant skin and gives a boost of energy as it works to hydrate all the body’s cells and combat fatigue and free radical damage. It also works to prevent signs of premature aging by hydrating our skin along with our insides. We also love Age Quencher’s powder because unlike other powders, it can work to reduce inflammation, brighten skin tone and aid in digestion.

Our Pick – HYDRATE Beauty Electrolyte from Age Quencher

Eco Friendly Produce Bags

Whether you are a Farmer’s Market fiend in the summer or picking up produce at your super market, we all know that plastic is out. While increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables is always encouraged, it is vital to remain mindful of our packaging habits. Single use plastic produce bags are detrimental for our planet. This summer, we’re investing in our bodies and the earth with a reusable produce bags made out of sustainable fabrics.

Our Pick – Mesh Produce Bags from credobags

Breathable, Eco-Friendly, Flowing Clothing 

We could not be more over compression black tights and tight tops that keep our beautiful energy sucked in and pulled tight. This summer, we’re saying goodbye to plastic clothing and embracing eco-friendly fabrics and flowing clothes that keep our minds free and our bodies at ease. We’re opting for clothing made of fabrics such as luxuriously twilled bamboo, soft linens and ethical practices (and special nods for being made in Canada).

Our Pick – Unisex Crossover Bamboo Capri from Zen Nomad