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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: ARCHIVE, Archive Beauty, Archive Fashion, Archive 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

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vickiduong

Where the wild west meets the group chat. Where the wild west meets the group chat.
Growing up, I used to feel embarrassed by the clut Growing up, I used to feel embarrassed by the clutter in our home—half-used bottles, worn-out packaging, and drawers full of “almost empties.” Now? I find it all deeply endearing.

Years ago, I dreamed of becoming so “successful” that I could replace everything old or used in her house. But I’ve come to realize, she never needed anything replaced. She doesn’t want a new life. She just lets me add to hers.

Anyone who’s heard me talk about my mom knows she’s the reason I understand gratitude and compassion the way I do. She’s the original project pan queen, the real sustainability influencer in my life and she still teaches me how to make the most of what you have, every single day.

#projectpan #beautyempties #immigrantparents
Just back from Peru and already planning my next p Just back from Peru and already planning my next photo album because some memories deserve more than just a spot on your phone.

I use @blacks to turn travel pics into keepsakes. Their print quality’s amazing, they’re Canadian, and right now you can get 33% off with GIFT4YOU (until July 12).

#CelebrateLovedOnes #ad
postcards from @peru postcards from @peru
Acne is complicated, but getting help doesn’t ha Acne is complicated, but getting help doesn’t have to be. After years of trying to manage my acne, I finally spoke to a doctor—and it changed the game. If you’re struggling, talk to a healthcare provider. #myacnejourney #ad sponsored by Sun Pharma
One day. 15+ km. Roughly 5,000 stairs. And a full One day. 15+ km. Roughly 5,000 stairs. And a full spectrum of emotions.

I am not a hiker. Historically, I begrudgingly agree to one hike a year—and even that is usually under 3k, with the promise of brunch after. So when I agreed to the one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I knew it would be a challenge. But I didn’t realise how hard it would be. I cried out of frustration. I was mad at myself for not being fitter, for not coping better, for not moving faster.

But with the encouragement of Ale, Robert, and the incredible @intrepidtravel crew, I kept going. One shaky, slow, stubborn step at a time. And when I finally walked through the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu unfold in front of me? All of it—every tear, every stair, every mental spiral—felt completely worth it.

Truly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. And yes, I now understand why men everywhere use this view as their dating profile pic. It’s iconic.
Girlie, those are your organs. This is also a re Girlie, those are your organs. 

This is also a reminder to future me who can be so critical of myself sometimes: don’t talk about my friend that way.
One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’ One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’m a boots-on-the-ground kind of person. People often ask how I know about so many small local brands—and the answer is simple. I go to a lot of markets.

When I first moved to Vancouver, I started blogging about the brands I’d discover at craft fairs and pop-ups. What’s so special about markets is that when you buy from a small maker, the person you’re talking to is usually the person who made it.

That’s why public events matter. Sure, I get hundreds of press releases a week—but some of the best finds are the ones that aren’t backed by PR. They’re just passionate people putting their work out there.

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