10 UNDER 10K: Vancouver Based Businesses Perfect for WFH

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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?

(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.

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.

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.

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.