Tag: worldwide

  • Fast Fashion Who? This Vancouver Designer is Making Clothes That Actually Matter

    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

  • I Met My Fiancé in a Bar at 20

    I Met My Fiancé in a Bar at 20

    In this story, you’ll find real signs that might help you on your own journey—

    The timing didn’t make sense, I wasn’t looking, and honestly, I almost didn’t say anything. But something told me to go for it.

    If you’ve been wondering how to know when it’s right—or how to trust yourself when something feels different—this one’s for you.

    Simple, real, and maybe exactly what you need to hear right now.

    Wait… I’m Only 20

    How I accidentally found something real, what it taught me, and the signs that showed me I was ready—before I even knew it.

    So here’s the vibe: I had just graduated, and, honestly, I thought I had it all figured out—or at least I wanted to think I did. You know that whole Malibu Pink Dream where you marry the guy you first kissed and everything just falls into place? Yeah, that was the fantasy. But, spoiler alert, life had other plans.

    Before I met Mason, I had come out of a relationship that just… wasn’t good. I felt confused, honestly. Like I didn’t know who I was anymore. That age—18 to 20—it’s wild. You feel like you’re supposed to know what you’re doing, but really you’re just starting the climb and it’s super uncomfy. I was living alone, barely holding it together, trying to get my photography hustle going. My family was going through it too, so everything just felt heavy.

    But I kept working on myself, even if I was hurting. I couldn’t see what was next, but I felt something coming. Then one random night, I was at this little town bar—taking pics for content, doing my thing—and I look up and see this guy. The night before, I had been so done. I literally drank water, said a little prayer, and asked to be guided to my person + purpose. I think I saw the method on TikTok? Either way, I believed it.

    And boom. The next night, there I was, off the clock at this bar I’d been going to forever, and suddenly I’m sitting across from someone I’d never seen before—even though we literally knew everyone in common. It was surreal. I almost walked away, but something told me to stay. Trust your gut. That night was the start of something I never could’ve imagined.

    What Made This a Green Flag (And Not Just Another “He’s Different I Swear” Moment 💍)

    In the beginning, it’s hard to really tell if something’s going to be real. You just can’t know right away—but what you can do is look for the subtle signs. Are they giving you full energy and effort? Do they keep the conversation going by asking deeper questions when things start to lull? Are they tuned into your energy and actually respecting it—or just complimenting how you look?

    For me, I knew I wasn’t walking into another gaslight-lovebomb-repeat cycle. I had my flags all the way up. One of the biggest was: if he talks about himself, does he loop me into it? Does he offer the same level of listening I’m giving? Because if not, I’m not sitting through that again.

    With Mason, something was different. Even now, one of his biggest green flags is the way he listens. Like, really listens. He lets the space sit in a convo and doesn’t rush it—but somehow he always responds like he’s been taking mental notes with a pen and paper. That patience and presence? That’s rare. That’s what told me I wasn’t just being heard—I was being understood.

    That night at the bar? We talked for 7 hours straight—barely touched our drinks. No distractions, just us locked in, like the world paused so we could actually see each other.

    Biggest Green Flag? The Energy Had Depth.

    One of my biggest turn-ons? Spirituality. Not in the “let me read your birth chart and disappear” way—but more in the vibe of someone who can have open, honest conversations without needing to wrap it all up. Just someone who can flow with the conversation and take the time to walk through the thoughts together. I love people who inspire me, and it doesn’t even have to be some deep, life-changing thing. It could be the way you make your morning coffee, the energy in your space, or how you move through your day.

    And you know what I just thought of… People who are great at what they do usually fall into one of two categories: either super structured, but a bit off in other ways, or laid-back, dependable, with a solid work ethic. The second one? That’s the kind of energy I was looking for.

    When I first saw his place, he had a rose quartz in the living room. Not gonna lie, it wasn’t placed in the most organized way—it was a little random. But it wasn’t about the placement. It was the fact that he had it there at all. That small detail said way more about him than any perfect setup could.

    Structure? Check.

    Why IT Got So Serious🤍

    I grew up seeing a lot of divorce in my family, so I guess I always had a different view of relationships. But even through all that, I still believed in love. I didn’t know exactly what it would look like, but I knew I wanted something real. A family, a solid foundation, but not in the traditional sense.

    So yeah, being serious this young? Definitely shocks some people. But honestly, I was over the hookup culture and all the energy-draining stuff. Meeting people, going out, trying to align with people who aren’t even on the same vibe…Exhausting. I get it if you’re still all about that, I was too. But things hit differently when you start wanting more.

    Girls’ night? Used to be all about talking about the guys but now.. I just want to curl up with my person, watch TV, and not deal with any negativity. It’s not that I don’t love my friends—I do!—but I just don’t have the energy for drama anymore. I didn’t realize how much I needed that peace until I found it.

    Just lucky I found my person.

    What I Wasn’t Going to Settle For: Early Talks

    There’s a lot of conversation these days about what roles we choose to take on in relationships, and while everyone’s path is different, I think how we’ve been raised plays a huge part in shaping what we desire. For some, starting a family is the ultimate goal. For others, it’s a different kind of fulfillment. And personally, I’m just grateful to have the freedom to choose what feels right for me.

    That being said, I wasn’t going to let go of my voice or compromise on the things that matter most to me. I had some non-negotiables, and here’s what they were.

    1. Honesty above all else. It might not always be easy, but keeping things to yourself to spare feelings never works out. In my view, it’s always better to speak up respectfully. In the end, it’s us against the world.
    2. We keep our individuality. We each make time for the things we love to do, and we support each other in that. It’s important not to lose ourselves in the process.

    Trust is essential, but it’s not about just saying “yes” to everything. If someone changes their behavior intentionally, that’s a red flag. It’s not a “miscommunication,” it’s something deeper. And I wasn’t about to ignore that.

    Mason? He’s good. He’s solid. He’s real. And I want to share this because I believe we all deserve to find someone who respects what we bring to the table.

    Growing Together: Like… Actually

    You know that feeling when everything just starts syncing up? Like suddenly your goals hit different, your confidence goes up, and your daily routine doesn’t feel like a mess anymore? That’s when you know you’re growing with someone, not just dating them.

    It’s giving power couple energy—but make it real. You feel more like you, not less. They know your moods, your fav songs, your weird little habits, and somehow it all makes you feel safe but still excited.

    And listen, if you’re constantly feeling off outside the relationship, like drained or second-guessing everything… it’s a sign. Being with someone shouldn’t mute your magic. Together or apart, the vibe should still feel full. If not? That’s not growth—it’s a pause.

    🎯 20 Sneaky Questions to Ask Your Partner (+ What Their Answers Could Say About Them)

    If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be?🌍 Big dreamer = adventurous.🏠 Same hometown = loves comfort.
    Would you rather plan the trip or just show up?📋 Planner = responsible.🛫 Spontaneous = fun but maybe chaotic.
    What’s your dream Saturday?🧘‍♀️ Chill = calm energy.🎉 Wild = thrill seeker.
    What’s something you secretly wish you were amazing at?🎨 Creative stuff = deep soul.💼 Business stuff = ambition coded.
    What’s your go-to when you’re stressed?🏃‍♂️ Gym/active = healthy outlet.🍸 Party = 🚩 maybe distraction issues.
    What’s a dealbreaker for you in friendships?🚪 Instant exit = strong boundaries.🥴 “Idk” = red flag… lack of standards.
    If money wasn’t a thing, what would you do all day?💸 Hustler mindset = long-term player.🍃 Vibe-only = might struggle with pressure.
    What was your favourite age so far?🎈Childhood = still healing?🌟 Recent = growing & evolving.
    Do you believe everything happens for a reason?✨ Yes = emotionally deep.🥱 No = might need more convincing.
    Would you rather be respected or loved?🧠 Respected = stable and serious.💕 Loved = sensitive king/queen.
    What’s your toxic trait?😇 Honest = self-aware.🙈 Avoids = no thanks.
    What’s a weird food combo you secretly like?🥑 Quirky = fun to live with.🚫 “Nothing” = boring sorry not sorry.
    What’s something you’d want to get better at in relationships?💬 Communication = green flag.🙃 “I’m good” = delulu alert.
    How do you usually apologize?📖 Talks it out = healthy.😬 Avoids it = prepare for headaches.
    Would you rather win an award or hear it privately from someone you love?🏆 Public = external validation vibes.🥹 Private = heart-centered.
    What’s something random that makes you feel rich?🧺 Clean sheets? 🚿 Long showers? They appreciate the little things.
    What’s your favourite part of your day usually?☀️ Morning = motivated.🌙 Night = deep thinker.
    What’s your favourite way to recharge?🔥 Alone time = independent.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Around people = extrovert coded.
    How do you like spending holidays?Family = loyal and sentimental.✈️ Getaway trips = loves freedom.
    If you could master one random skill, what would it be?🎸 Guitar = romantic tendencies.

    (without making it weird or overthinking it)

    • Stay loud in your little ways.
      Your jokes, your random interests, your way of doing things? That’s literally what makes you you. Don’t “soften” yourself to fit some imaginary vibe. If you’re goofy, be goofy. If you’re quiet but witty, let it snipe out in moments.
    • Confidence ≠ being the loudest.
      Confidence is just being sure you don’t need to perform. You’re not auditioning. You’re just existing. Let the energy come to you, not the other way around.
    • You’re not “too much.”
      Real ones want the full you — the layered, crazy, chill, passionate, whatever-you-are-today you. If you feel yourself shrinking around someone… that’s info, babe, not a sign you need to get smaller.
    • Open heart, wise mind.
      Stay soft and open to love, new conversations, and cute little surprises — but keep your standards, your goals, and your non-negotiables on lock.
      (being open doesn’t mean you gotta abandon your instincts.)
    • Silence doesn’t mean something’s wrong.
      You don’t have to fill every second with talking or energy. Being able to just exist together is hot. Comfort is loud in its own way.
    • Remind yourself: you’re the prize too.
      Not in an ego way. In a mutual respect, mutual effort, mutual energy kind of way.
      You’re not “lucky” they like you. They’re lucky they get to experience you in your light.

    23, a Baby, and Building a Life Together

    If you would’ve told me a few years ago that by 23 I’d have a baby with the boy I met at the bar and we’d be running our own businesses…
    I would’ve laughed and gone right back to overthinking my entire life in my notes app. 😂

    But somehow — here we are.
    And honestly? It’s better than anything I could’ve planned.
    Not perfect. Not some Pinterest board 24/7.
    Just real. And really good.

    When I look around now… the baby, the work, the everyday memories we’re stacking — I feel nothing but grateful that I listened to myself.
    Even when it was easier to just isolate.
    Even when shutting down felt safer than risking being seen.
    Even when growing felt like too much.

    Choosing to stay soft, choosing love, choosing to show up for my own life — it didn’t steal anything from me.
    It gave me everything I didn’t even know I wanted yet.

    And the wild part?
    It’s still just getting started.
    More babies. More businesses. More memories I haven’t even dreamed up yet.

    All because I decided to bet on myself and stay open when the good stuff came in.

    Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this, make sure to follow and subscribe for more.

    Just a little reminder—content created through ZEALSocial and with our ZEALUNITY models is always credited to us. We make sure everyone involved gets the love they deserve.

    Big shoutout to the amazing models for this shoot: Sarah, Hammad, Sydney, and Olivia! And a huge thank you to photographer Georgia and the ZEAL media team for bringing it all together. We’re so grateful for everyone involved in making this shoot come to life! Stay tuned for more!