Category: Editorial
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The Rebrand of Fear: Calling It Self Love
A reflection on choosing yourself, pulling back, and asking where the line between healing and hiding really is.
Credits
Photographer: Autumn, Zeal Social Management — @am.media_
Edited: In-house, Zeal Social Management
Model: Sydney, ZealUnity @Sydneyy.mayeThe Valentine’s Question
Valentine’s Day is usually loud with flowers, dates, and the idea that love has to be shared with someone else. But what happens when someone chooses themselves instead?
Self-love is celebrated everywhere… boundaries, routines, protecting your peace…. but sometimes it raises an uncomfortable question:
Can self love become self protection that keeps love out?
This isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about reflection.
Learning to Stay In
When self love starts feeling like a safe place to hide
When she was young, things felt simple.
You go out, you smile, you act like everything is fine. You come home with no need to complain, no need to reflect, no need to just be. Life itself felt like it was made to keep you happy.But as she grew older something shifted.
She started noticing more. Going out felt heavier. Louder. Bigger. The way people looked at each other, the tones in their voices, the small moments that suddenly meant something.
It scared her.
Was this what the world had always been like?
Being quiet began to feel safer than participating. Watching felt easier than joining in.
But quiet did not just protect her.
It changed her.She began observing instead of living. Judging instead of connecting. Questions filled her mind.
Does he talk like that at home too?
Why do people feel so harsh?She would come home tired, not from doing, but from feeling everything too deeply.
Day by day the world felt less colourful.
So she stayed in more.Her bed.
Her kitchen.
Her phone.She told herself it was self care.
Self love.
That word was everywhere. On Pinterest boards, aesthetic posts, soft quotes that told her she did not need anyone.She could take care of herself.
She did not need a partner.
She did not need friends who thought differently.
She did not need conversations that challenged her.Everything felt softer alone.
Slowly, without realizing it, she stopped reaching outward. She forgot what it felt like to interact freely, to be seen, to feel messy and real.
The more she stayed in, the more she believed she was protecting herself.
The more she believed she was right.Until she noticed something changing.
Her voice felt smaller.
Her energy quieter.
Even her body felt tired.How do you go out again when you have taught yourself to stay in?
How do you reconnect when your world gets smaller by choice?
Somewhere in the quiet, self love began to whisper.
You do not need anyone.
Stay here.
You are safest alone.
✨ Reflection Questions
When did peace start feeling like distance?
Do you go out to connect or just to observe?
Has comfort ever made your world smaller?
When was the last time you felt truly seen?
🖤 Mini Quiz
Resting or Retreating?
Check what feels honest right now.
☐ I cancel plans even when part of me wants to go
☐ Staying home feels easier than being perceived
☐ I call it self care when I avoid discomfort
☐ I feel safe alone but sometimes stuckMostly yes?
You may be protecting your peace, or slowly stepping away from life.…
🎯 Fun Reflection Check
Finish the sentence honestly:
“I tell myself I’m staying in because ______.”
(No wrong answers — just honesty.)
Brave or Selfish?
One day, the sun came up, the music blasting, and breakfast was cooking.
A simple text appeared, and a thought nudged her mind: What could I be doing?Instead of hiding, instead of worrying who would be there or what might go wrong,
she felt a restlessness, a spark that pulled her along.Let’s go, let’s be merry, let’s be fun,
she sang to herself as the morning begun.Inside, she felt the glow of her own growth.
She knew herself now, had worked, had grown, had become,
someone who didn’t need anyone to validate her,
but this wasn’t about needing… this was about living.Let life surprise you. Let the wind hum, not the fan.
Show your beauty to the world, to the women around, or to a man.
Don’t look for something to fill you. Be part of the dance,
show yourself off, step in the light, give life a chance.Walk through the city with dreams in the air.
Let your hair down, don’t worry about the stare.
Who cares if you are seen, exposed, imperfect, unplanned?
Life is not a test, you do not need to stand so grand.You are unperfect, scared, but brave.
Show your colours: bold, playful, unaware, and save
yourself the judgement, the ill will, the scorn.
Say thank you to the world for the courage reborn.Sing from the rooftops, love near and far.
Everything is made to be yours where you are.
You do not need to carry it all,
just step outside, answer life’s call.And when the sky darkens, when the rain comes down,
when people mock or stare in town,
remember to give thanks for the strength to step out anyway,
for the courage to laugh, for the courage to play.On the way back, through trains, under the evening sky,
love yourself, be happy, let your spirit fly.
Play your music, savour your food, dance with the cat,
howl under the moon, curl up cozy, leave nothing flat.Love yourself with tea and chocolate, soft and sweet,
you are safe forever, my dear, complete.
You will always have your own heart, your own light,
to carry you boldly through the darkest sleep.
✨ Reflection Prompts
- When was the last time I stepped outside my comfort zone and felt alive?
- What small joys today can I embrace without worrying what others think?
- How can I show my colours boldly, even if it scares me?
- Where am I still hiding and how can I gently step out?
🖤 Mini Quiz — Brave or Comfortable?
Check what feels true today:
☐ I let myself go out, even a little, despite fear
☐ I sing or dance just for myself
☐ I notice beauty in small moments and let it fill me
☐ I share my joy with someone else, even brieflyMostly yes?
You are stepping into bravery. You are learning that life is not about hiding or needing approval…. it is about being present, playful, and alive.
💌 Happy Valentine’s Day!
We hope you have an extra special day today and always. Love you lots, and remember…..it’s okay to let go, breathe, and just be.
- When was the last time I stepped outside my comfort zone and felt alive?
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Fast Fashion Who? This Vancouver Designer is Making Clothes That Actually Matter
Inside the world of Jessica Redditt, a Vancouver designer blending sustainable fabrics, natural dyes, and timeless style for a wardrobe that feels good inside and out.
Meet Jessica Redditt: The Designer Making Sustainable Fashion Actually Cool
Jessica Redditt is an emerging force in Vancouver’s fashion scene. Her handmade, sustainably chic clothing line mixes effortless style with ethical design, using fabrics hand-dyed with natural plant pigments or reclaimed textiles. Each piece feels alive, comfy, and made to move with you, whether you’re out in the city or cozy at home.
We sat down with Jessica, the creative mind behind the brand, to chat about Vancouver’s creative community, her advice for young designers, and how her eco-friendly vision is making waves in sustainable fashion.
When a Collaboration Turns Into Inspiration
Collaborating with Jessica was an experience I will never forget. From the moment I connected with her, her warm energy was impossible to miss, and seeing her mission come alive through her socials made me even more inspired. A mom, a sea lover, and an all-around creative, Jessica carries a light that draws people in.
As a creative moving from Kelowna, BC, a small town, to Vancouver, it was nerve-wracking stepping into such a vibrant and competitive scene. At 24 and navigating motherhood, I am learning day by day what my dreams really mean, what I am willing to risk, and the message I want to put out into the world. When I was invited to Vancouver Fashion Week, I reached out to Jessica to see if she would be interested in styling me for the event. My hope was to share my experience, contribute content for her brand, and feature the story in 23 Magazine.
At first, I did not hear back, but a few days after the event I received a warm message from her saying she would love to collaborate. From there, we created a moodboard and came up with questions that would later highlight her brand. Talking with her felt like a true alignment moment. Her energy, her vision, and her grounded presence reminded me why I am chasing this creative path.
Jessica frequently goes to local markets, where she stands at the forefront of her brand with a voice and aura that naturally attracts everyone around her. From young creatives to seasoned elders, she is a guiding light in Vancouver’s creative community. Working with her was inspiring, humbling, and reaffirming. I left the collaboration feeling energized and ready to chase my own creative goals.
Why Jessica Redditt Swears by Natural Dye
In a world full of fast fashion, the need for clothing that is sustainable, affordable, and thoughtfully made has never been greater. Jessica Redditt’s handmade pieces check all those boxes. Crafted from natural plant dyes and reclaimed textiles, her designs feel as good as they look, carrying positive energy whether you’re out in the city or cozy at home.
Curious about her process and inspiration, I asked Jessica a few questions about how she got started and what natural dyeing means to her.
Q: How did you get started with natural dye?
Jessica: I was searching for ways to make clothing as sustainable as possible. Fashion school in Toronto didn’t cover this, so I started experimenting in my garden and backyard, growing plants and researching which ones were colourfast.Q: What inspired you to explore this craft?
Jessica: I’ve always been inspired by crafts of the past, especially textiles and clothing. I figured if it was done before, it could be brought back.Q: What personal meaning does natural dye hold for you?
Jessica: To me, it’s about connecting fully with nature. It’s magical what the earth provides. Studying what plant life is capable of will be a never-ending journey.
I Tried Jessica Redditt’s Sweatsuits and I’m Obsessed
Tuned in, grateful, and fully appreciative of the world around her, it’s clear that Jessica’s style and brand reflect these values. The textures of her pieces are soft, comfy, and feel incredibly high quality. I had the opportunity to try on a grey sweatsuit and a black one, and I also got to see her Selkie bandana. I’m still figuring out how to style the bandana, but Jessica herself has some creative ways to wear it that make it feel special.
The grey sweatsuit came with a hoodie and long, flowy pants. It’s perfect for lounging at home, running errands, or just walking around in something that hugs all the right places while still giving everything room to breathe. I loved how the grey fabric felt warmer and more substantial, covering me perfectly. Being pregnant in the winter, this suit is going to the hospital with me and will be my go-to at home for ultimate comfort. I’ve never been a fan of clothes that aren’t versatile, so I loved that I could dress it up or down in a moment.
The black sweatsuit, also with a hoodie and pants, had a lighter, softer feel. The fabric reminded me of summer evenings or camping trips, like a silky, cozy hug. My son even joined me during the photos, and it was adorable to watch him interact with it. He kept coming back to feel the fabric with his little fingers, and it was such a sweet reminder of how comfortable and inviting these pieces truly are.
Jessica Redditt on Vancouver’s Creative Scene and What Inspires Her
Overall, my experience with Jessica’s brand was incredible. I felt so good creating and collaborating with her. I cannot say it enough—she is amazing and represents trust, transparency, a strong moral compass, and a genuinely warm soul. I wanted to hear her perspective on Vancouver’s creative community, which meant a lot to me. Here is what she shared.
Q: How have you found the creative community here?
Jessica: Since moving to Vancouver about 15 years ago, I have found it to be very open, creative, and supportive. I have met so many lovely people in the industry and makers’ community. From vendors at farmers markets to fashion shows and collaborations, it is an inspiring and ever-changing space.Living by the sea inspires me every day. I love working outside, foraging plants, and creating colours. This environment motivates me to make pieces that are easy to wear, comfortable, and natural in both cloth and colour. I love monochrome, but I also enjoy vibrant pops of colour, like the flowers that bloom here almost year-round.
Connect, Create, and Be Inspired by Jessica Redditt
I can’t recommend this brand enough. If you haven’t already, reach out to Jessica—she genuinely loves answering questions, connecting with people, and building meaningful relationships. Her passion for sustainable fashion is contagious, and her energy is something you’ll want to be around.
A huge thank you to Jessica for taking the time to answer these questions and for believing in this article. And thank you to our amazing community for making stories like this possible and supporting our growing creative space.
Sending love and inspiration,
Always yours,
Taylor
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Remote Series: Sofia
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Joni in minimalism
Photographer Noel shoots Joni from his studio in Vancouver at her place in Montreal.
