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Vicki Duong

March 30, 2020

10 UNDER 10K: Vancouver Based Businesses Perfect for WFH

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I don’t know about y’all but this is my third week in self-isolation and a lot of my day revolves around creating Tik Toks, video chats and watching IG Live workouts (and sometimes even doing them!) We’ve all joked about how our homes are cleaner than ever and some of us have indulged in those Instagram challenges which is 2020’s version of a chain email. One of the challenging is to share your work from home space and I have some serious envy seeing everyone’s workspace – particularly those that have more than one room (hello studio apartment life.)

While a lot of us, understandably, aren’t shopping at the moment, there is something to be said about an at-home workspace that helps you get into productivity mode when it’s time to buckle down and Zoom non-stop.

Here is a list of some Vancouver-based business & people to make WFH a little bit easier, plus they’re all smaller accounts (10 thousand followers or less.) I am a firm believer that the companies we support now are the companies that can continue to exist and thrive post-pandemic so I don’t want to hear about how Bezos could be doing more if you’re still buying everything off Amazon.


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A post shared by H E L L O S U N D A Y (@hellosunday.ca) on Mar 23, 2020 at 12:21pm PDT

@HELLOSUNDAY.CA

If you’re not on any video chats or calls, mask it up. I have been face masking 2-3 times a week and let me tell you, my skin has never been happier. When time has no meaning, sometimes the same can be said for our routines so my regular face masks have helped me establish some sense of normalcy.

At the moment the Hello Sunday Vitamin Facial Mask is a favourite of mine. I received it in a Jiyubox and have been using it more lately to pull out impurities and leave my skin extra glowy.


@BAREKNITWEAR

Listen, I know that some people will suggest that you still get dressed like you’re going to work and honestly, if that works for you, go for it. I, however, have no intentions of wearing anything restricting or with a waistband until I have to.

Enter Bare Knitwear, a Vancouver based knitwear brand that is not only ethical but ultra cozy. The owner, Kelsey, works closely with her manufacturers in Peru to create the coziest pieces. I have one of the travel wraps that I have been cocooned in for the past 3 weeks but come spring I might have to splurge on one of the cardis.

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A post shared by Bare Knitwear (@bareknitwear) on Feb 16, 2020 at 7:18am PST


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A post shared by @malathebrand on Mar 15, 2020 at 9:45am PDT

@MALATHEBRAND

I’m never going to pass up an opportunity to sing praises for Mala Candles because these candles are BOMB DOT COM. Eco friendly (plus a tree planted with each candle purchased) Melanie is the type of entrepreneur you should support at this time. Her brand is a one woman-operation and in a short time frame she’s done multiple local collabs that sell out instantly.

​Plus, who doesn’t love a cute candle moment while working from home?


@WOASHWELLNESS

To be fair, Woash Wellness tea is better than the shitty coffee at your office. There is something about tea that is not only cozy, but grounding in times of uncertainty. The Woash blends are some of my favourite teas because they are so well blended and have some serious steeping power. Usually one tea bag will get you one cup of tea and one cup of hot water that barely tastes like tea but the Woash teas can be used for multiple cups before they lose their potency.

​My personal fave is the Me Time, it has lemongrass and lavender!

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A post shared by Organic Loose-leaf Tea Blends (@woashwellness) on Mar 16, 2020 at 12:49pm PDT


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A post shared by YOU CONCRETE ME (@emsaystudio) on Mar 14, 2020 at 3:52pm PDT

@EMSAYSTUDIO

Living alone means the only living thing I get face to face interactions is my coffee plant, Jeff. I’ve kept him alive for over a year. I am pretty proud of that. When this is over I am buying my plant a baby plant. And that plant will live in an EMSAY Studio planter.

Their concrete planters are what office flat lay dreams are made of. I currently have my eye on this cute whale planter.


@DRINKCOCOFRIO

Every hour is happy hour when you’re stuck at home. The team at Coco Frio was kind enough to gift me a couple of six packs and every day I rope one (or multiple) of my friends into a video chat to have a happy hour drink with me.

While I am not a big drinker, having a cold one at home while chatting with friends helps me feel a bit more normal. The Pineapple flavour is *chef’s kiss. I know that there are seemingly hundreds of vodka soda brand but Coco Frio is made with coconut water so it provides a unique flavour. Plus, it’s almost like juice then, and juicing is something that athletes do, so hashtag fitness?

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A post shared by Coco Frio (@drinkcocofrio) on Mar 21, 2020 at 6:02pm PDT


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A post shared by @theaugustmarket on Mar 22, 2020 at 8:25am PDT

@THEAUGUSTMARKET

(Not so much a work from home tip, but something to help with overall efficiency.)

While we’re encouraged to limit our trips to and from the grocery store, heading to the store can unbox a whole jumble of nerves. No? Just me? Okay cool. At this time I am only heading to the store once a week, early on weekdays to reduce the number of people I am around but I find myself constantly perplexed how so many people are not observing social distancing.

While I look forward to my weekly trips to the store (thrilling, I know), being in the store has heightened my anxiety to the point that all I want to do is be back inside. My pals at The August Market get it. They are now offering pick up orders, all you have to do is email them your list and they will run out your groceries to you!

Plus they source locally and are an independent grocer so their shelves stay STOCKED.


@BODYBYKONG

Another thing that makes me feel normal in these hectic times is scheduling workouts for the week like I normally would. Whether it’s via Zoom, YouTube or IG live I still jot down my planned workouts for the week in my agenda to give my week a bit of structure.

One of my favourite people to work out with has been Michael Kong, Vancouver fitness instructor extraordinaire. Prior to knowing Michael IRL I knew of him. I knew he was the go-to fitness instructor at some of the most hyped up fitness studios in the city but let me tell you, to know Michael is to love him. People have this preconceived notion that fitness instructors judge your fitness level or physique but a good instructor would never, and Michael’s energy is second to none. Follow him IG to get his teaching schedule and prepare to sweat (also prepare to laugh – he will have you in stitches the entire class.)

With Michael you don’t have to worry about douchey language like “summer body” or “earning your calories” because he’s not about that toxic vocab.

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A post shared by Michael Kong (@bodybykong) on Mar 17, 2020 at 12:17pm PDT


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A post shared by Apothekari Skincare (@apothekariskin) on Mar 13, 2020 at 3:08pm PDT

@APOTHEKARISKIN

Speaking of getting sweaty, y’all on the natural deodorant train yet? It’s safe to say that natural deodorant is one of those things I’m obsessed with (see here and also here) and getting everyone to switch over to natural deodorant is my mission in life.

A lot of the time people will tell me that they don’t want to switch because of the detoxifying period that happens when you change from toxic deo to natural deo (because your skin can actually BREATH for once.) There is about a week or two were you’re going to feel sweatier than normal as your body adjusts to natural deodorant BUT since we’re all stuck at home, maybe now is the time to switch. The new Apothekari deodorants are perfect for those looking to elevate their underarm game. Its roll on applicator means that it’s wax-free and it’s scented with natural essential oils!

My favourite is the Lavender Bergamot scent.


@DROPLETHOMEGOODS

There’s no shame in lounging more and I’m in the midst of rewatching The Simpsons on Disney+ so your girl keeps it cozy. Think wrapped up in a blanket 24/7 while contemplating repainting my toes just to mix it up. Well, all this time in my cheap throw blanket makes me think it’s time for an upgrade.

I currently have my eye on the Turkish blankets from Droplet because they are 100% cotton, ethically sourced, affordable and (let’s be honest) aesthetic. I’m also thinking that I am due for a towel set upgrade (you would be horrified if you knew how long I’ve had my current towels) and their Fog towels may have made their way to the top of my wishlist.

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A post shared by Droplet Home Goods (@droplethomegoods) on Feb 2, 2020 at 10:35am PST

Posted In: BEAUTY, FASHION, LIFESTYLE · Tagged: 10 under 10k, apothekari, bare knitwear, coco frio, dining, droplet home goods, emsay studio, ethical fashion, fashion, fitness, food, health, hello sunday, lifestyle, mala, sustainable fashion, the august market, vancouver, wellness, woash wellness, work from home

Oh hi there!

Vicki feels kind of ridiculous talking about herself in the third person as if she isn't the one writing this. She already feels weird when people call her an influencer, please don't make her write her own bio too.
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Vicki Duong | Writer
🌞 Adding a bit of sunshine to my home décor wi 🌞 Adding a bit of sunshine to my home décor with @oppositewall with this groovy typography print.

Opposite Wall is an online art shop based in Montréal that offers trend-driven, eco-friendly and affordable wall art, frames and more. I picked out a few different large prints to swap out to change-up my blank spaces whenever I see fit, this one is perfect for manifesting summer. It also checks off my boxes when it comes to hitting my style; it's colourful, bold and a little bit retro. How would you describe your personal home style?

No matter what your style is, Opposite Wall has something suitable for your space. You can use my code VICKIDUONG for 25% off, no minimum purchase required (excludes wallpaper and decals). Learn more at the link in my bio. [ad]
I lilac you a lot. 💜 📸: @marielle.elizabeth I lilac you a lot. 💜

📸: @marielle.elizabeth
#AD Let’s chat flexibility. I’m not talking ab #AD Let’s chat flexibility. I’m not talking about the flexibility in terms of dropping into the splits, I’m talking about flexibility in creating your own fitness routine/schedule that changes with your priorities. Earlier this year I could easily commit to two to three personal training sessions per week and saw great improvements in my endurance and my strength. 

However with the days getting longer, events being scheduled and just life in general my availability has changed drastically. This week was my first time back at @fitnessworldcanada in a couple of weeks and I’m grateful for the team and my personal trainer for being adaptable to my life without making me feel guilty. Just a reminder, you’re not being “bad” for skipping or not prioritizing your fitness when life stuff comes up, that deadlift is ready for you whenever you are.

#FitnessWorldCanada
@maguireshoes is officially open in NYC - to celeb @maguireshoes is officially open in NYC - to celebrate they sent me these sunnies which I will be wearing on the days Vancouver decides to cosplay summer. 🌥
🥳 that feeling when the @nettlestale X @mariell 🥳 that feeling when the @nettlestale X @marielle.elizabeth collab swimsuit launches.

This was honestly the best 'work that doesn't feel like work' day ever. Got to model for Nettle's Tale again (the first time I even blogged about it because I was so nervous!), got to know @taylor.loren better, worked with my bestie @styleisstyle (and also got to watch them work - WOW) and finally got to my online pal @marielle.elizabeth IRL!

🤍  A bit about the suit. She is cheeky with a low back, a front zip for extra slack (or va-va-voom) whenever your heart desires. She's a bit side-booby but not so side-booby that you won't feel secure. She's available in classic black, a trendy check and an eye-catching ribbed lilac with a contrasting white zip.

📸: @marielle.elizabeth
TYSM @mazdacanada for loaning out the 2022 CX-9 fo TYSM @mazdacanada for loaning out the 2022 CX-9 for my long weekend in Whistler.

It was the perfect vehicle for roadtripping with pals. Our drive was comfortable and air-conditioned, while the vehicle had enough room to seat all six of us, plus room in the trunk for our belongings.

We're so lucky to live in BC with so many cool spots within driving distance. I'm hoping to do a trip to the Sunshine Coast and Victoria this summer too, what are your summer plans? 

📸: @mikeygabriana
spotted: @glossier water bottle model ooo. 📸: spotted: @glossier water bottle model ooo. 

📸: @mikeygabriana
#AD ✨ I don’t know about y’all but my smile #AD ✨ I don’t know about y’all but my smile is definitely my favourite feature, so keeping my smile radiant is part of my routine. Lately I’ve been reaching for the @crest Whitening Emulsions because it’s easy to apply and requires no down time. It only takes 14 applications to remove 10 years of stains!
 
Longer days, warmer weather and catching up with pals are all things that make me smile, how about you? That’s why I’m getting my smile summer ready. Also check my feed for a Reel with @crest from earlier this week to enter to win a pack of Crest Whitening Emulsions to experience at home yourself!
 
#CrestWhiteningEmulsionsCA #CrestPartner
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