From interviews

Interview with Jared Byrne // Community Love Series

Introduce yourself, your business, and help us get to know you.

Hello, my name is Jared Byrne and I run a follow-the-leader style dance fitness program in Vancouver, BC called Pop Queen Cardio. I have taken our classes which typically run weekly in person to running them virtually from home. 

Why is this important to you? Where did this passion come from?

I used to train in dance when I was younger. Being in high school was a tough time for me. I moved to a new city not knowing anyone and struggled to fit in with low self-esteem and no confidence. I started taking dance classes and it changed my perspective on who I was as a person. I would get on stage and experienced emotions of pride, empowerment and a genuine sense of belonging. I danced for years and began feeling comfortable in my own skin. I decided to open Pop Queen Cardio after volunteering at the YMCA teaching a dance fitness class. I recognized that as adults, we still need to find activities and a space that allows us to feel these things: empowered, self-love, and confidence. And this is the most fun way I could contribute to allow people to feel that. Through dancing and sweating together! 

How has your daily life and Pop Queen Cardio shifted due to our new circumstances?

Like many, life changed pretty abruptly. Within days, I went from having a full time day job in corporate events, running weekly classes of Pop Queen Cardio and packing to meet my boyfriend’s family for the first time in Brazil to being laid off, the studio closing their doors indefinitely, and a cancelled trip.

The first two weeks were tough, I felt beat up. I didn’t immediately move my dance classes into a virtual environment. It took me two weeks and many people reaching out to say they needed this. I announced live streaming classes at no charge and the response was overwhelming. We immediately were growing our small community here in Vancouver to reach people in the southern United States, New York, Australia, and South America. And I was once again reminded why I do this. People want to feel good and I can help with that!  

What are some coping mechanisms you use when feeling anxious or overwhelmed?

I have been writing a lot with my new found free time. Pen on paper and just write, with no purpose or intent. Just thoughts on a page. Music is a big mood changer for me too. So I spend a good amount of time with my headphones in! But ultimately, my most effective mechanism is teaching a Pop Queen Cardio class, I get a lot out of it. 

What role does community play in your work?

Community is everything. It is our foundation that makes Pop Queen Cardio successful and approachable. Together we have created a space that is inclusive and accepting. We don’t talk about calories or losing weight or perpetuate any sort of expectation of what your body should look like. You show up, you are welcome within our four walls and we sweat and laugh together. In the summers after class we will go get tacos down the street from where the studio is. People have the opportunity to be as engaged as they want. 

What inspires you?

Music and other people. For me, music is a powerful force in my life and it is the core element behind my business. And I am constantly inspired by other people, by their selfless acts of kindness, or their unique solutions to current problems. I find inspiration all around me. I feel lucky to have so many people in my world that are doing these things.

What advice would you give your younger self?

The things you hate about yourself are the things that you are going to be celebrated for when you’re older. Don’t push them away, embrace it! The sooner you do, the sooner everyone else will too. 

If you could share some words of positivity with our community, what would you say?

These are not my words, but when I read this, it got me in the feels left me with a different perspective: 

“When you go out and see empty streets, empty stadiums, empty train stations, don’t say to yourself ‘It looks like the end of the world.’ What you’re seeing is love in action. What you are seeing, in that negative space, is how much we do care for each other, for our grandparents, for our immune-compromised sisters and brothers, for people we will never meet. People will lose jobs over this, some will lose their businesses, and some will lose their lives. All the more reason to take a moment, when you’re out on your walk, or on your way to the store, or just watching the news, to look at the emptiness and marvel at all of the love. Let it fill and sustain you. It isn’t the end of the world. It is the most remarkable act of global solidarity we may ever witness” 

Name 3 songs you LOVE dancing to!

  1. Dua Lipa ‘Break My Heart’
  2. Doja Cat ‘Boss Bitch’
  3. Britney Spears ‘If You Seek Amy’  

Where can we find you online and continue to support you?

We are currently offering two weekly dance fitness classes: Tuesdays at 6pm PST and Saturdays at 11am PST. No charge to join, pop us a donation if you’re in a position to do so. All can be found at  www.popqueencardio.com

You can also follow along on Instagram! We’re @popqueencardio

Interview with Taylor Morrice // Community Love Series

Introduce yourself, your business, and help us get to know you.

Hi everyone! My name is Taylor Morrice, I’m the Founder/Owner of Our Yoga Space in downtown Kelowna. The opening of the yoga studio was a 10 year goal and finally came to life in June of 2019. I have a 1.5 yr old, a husband and two French bulldogs. Needless to say, our house is busy and our hearts are full. 

Why is this important to you? Where did this passion come from?

Bringing Our Yoga Space to life was incredibly important to me to fulfill a dream, a goal, and to show my son that hard working, entrepreneurial woman are powerful and necessary! He is 100% the reason why I opened Our Yoga Space when I did and how I did it. The studio is based entirely on love and community. He teaches me powerful love everyday AND that it takes a community to survive! 

How has your life and Our Yoga Space shifted due to our new circumstances? 

I did not expect anything like this happen in our lifetime let alone in the first year of OYS’ life! What an incredible time. On March 17th, not even 10 months into business, we had to close our doors (temporarily of course). We had to get creative and act fast to stay afloat and to continue our offerings for our community. We filmed 12 classes within four days of closing, edited them and had them launched within a week of closing. One of our dear friends and students at the studio jumped to support us and help us during this time with his filming background. We couldn’t have gotten this launch so quickly if it weren’t for him! (@mynameisjames3).

Another thing we launched which was originally planned for early summer is communityLOVE. This program is designed to raise money via donations from our live yoga classes and put straight back into local small businesses. Taking the donations to purchase something from this said business and doing a giveaway to give back to our community. We choose a new business biweekly – if you know a business that needs support right now shoot us an email to let us know why! Onlineyoga@ouryogaspace.com 

What are some coping mechanisms you use when feeling anxious or overwhelmed? 

BREATH. And breaking it down. Break down what you’re feeling overwhelmed about into tiny pieces and work from there. 

What role does community play in your work and life?

It’s THE role in my work and lifestyle. Continuously giving back where possible and being supported in return. Our local community here in Kelowna is truly spectacular and I think this is all showing us how lucky we really are. 

What is keeping your spirits up while staying safe at home?

The company, my dogs and child, food + wine. (Oh, and yoga!) 

What inspires you right now?

The Kelowna community. Seeing how each person is getting creative in order to get through this, and doing their best has been incredible to watch. More importantly watching businesses alike coming together and seeing ways we can help one another is what will actually get us all through this. This is the exact reason why our communityLOVE program was launched. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Honestly, I wouldn’t. Every single mistake, every insecurity, every lesson I learnt got me to this exact moment. I feel if I knew what I know now then, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Does that makes sense?

If you could share some words of positivity to our community, what would you say?

Whatever way this goes, you will be okay. Keep finding your path and stay true to who you are. 

What is your favourite Spotify playlist?

Vocal jazz. Hands down. 

Where can we find you online and continue to support you?

Our website is www.ouryogaspace.com – this has all the information about our online offerings and communityLOVE program.

Follow along with us on Instagram @ouryogaspace for daily updates and relatable content!

Interview with Laine Dagneau

Laine Dagneau Makeup Artist - FemmeSquad Interview - www.femmesociety.ca

Lets start with the basics. In a nutshell, can you tell us what you do?

I provide quality, high-end hair and makeup services throughout British Columbia and also world wide destinations, since 2006.

How did you get to where you are today?

Hard work, education, persistence and a lot of encouragement around me.

What is your favorite part about being a professional hair/makeup artist?

Helping others feel their best while hearing their stories. I enjoy the creativity, and the constantly evolving industry inspires me to continue to learn and grow as an artist.

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome as a hair/makeup artist?

Not spending all of my money on products – serious product junkie – it comes with the territory ha ha.

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?

When clients feel comfortable enough to share their story in a safe environment – often crying, but when they leave smiling saying they feel and look their best. When they let me know I have found a solution to an issue in their life – that is the best complement received. Exceptional service is going above and beyond just a skill – when the clients are genuinely cared for, that makes a difference and good changes happen.

If you could give your younger self any advice for going after your dreams, what would it be?

Be efficient without lacking quality- this takes persistence, patience and perseverance (and A LOT of practice). Always keep evolving and learning new techniques – never stop growing in your creativity.

Laine Dagneau Makeup Artist - FemmeSquad Interview - www.femmesociety.ca

Photo Credit: LINDSAY SKEANS PHOTOGRAPHY

As individuals, we’re defined by so much more than our careers and professions. What kinds of things do you do in your spare time?

Shooting hoops (basketball), working out, growing spiritually, spending time with my niece, family and friends. I eat A LOT and love learning new recipes.

What do you value most about your career as a professional makeup artist/ hairstylist?

Helping others in every way possible- looking at the big picture and overall experience. To be reliable, intuitive, calming and give exceptional quality of service.

never stop growing in your creativity - Laine Dagneau

Original Image: ROYCE SIHLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

What is your biggest/proudest accomplishment in your career thus far?

My biggest accomplishment would have to be in the whole process of the journey. Obtaining 5 years of education in different trades becoming a “Jane of all trades” but still remaining hungry to learn more. I’m a Licensed Hairstylist, Certified Makeup Artist, Administrative Assistant (bookkeeper), 1 year Counselling and Caregiving, and have my Social Media Strategist Certificate (to name a few). It was a very humbling experience my first year back in Kamloops being nominated for two Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the community.

Okay and finally, what are your top 3 favorite beauty products?

Skincare is so important for a good makeup foundation. Often with trials I recommend a daily routine to my brides so their skin is prepped for the wedding day. My daily routine always includes Clinique All About Eyes eye cream, Anastasia Dipbrow and NARS tinted moisturizer.

Say hello to Laine:

www.facebook.com/Laine-Dagneau-Hairstylist-Makeup-Artist