When I was in grade school, I was always a bit different from the other kids. This continued into highschool, where, despite at the time presenting masculine, I had begun wanting to express more in clothing, if nothing else just so I didnt have to wear the same thing as someone else. I have always been raised to treat the planet, our home, with respect and stewardship, so this connection to my business felt only logical. The people who have stood against what I do - and who I am, have always fanned the flames under me and pushed me that much harder

I started sewing in my grade 12 year, for the most part. I had made one or two small things like a tea towel, or a little apron, but my first real attempts at sewing were what took me into the world I love to be a part of.

I've always been this way. I don't draw from a well of energy per say, except for perhaps the naysayers. Each person who tries to tell me that what I do is wrong has always pushed my head that much higher, and drove my foot to the floor with that much more attitude

Its hard to say. I can see myself doing some form of public speaking / mentorship. I would love to share my story with the world and help other queer and non conforming youth see a role model, as an adult, who has overcome those challenges that when facing in highschool feel like they could take you to your knees. I want to be a beacon to all the people out there just one smile or one nod from finding the strength to live their most authentic self - whoever that looks like.

When I was young, and in highschool/ in my formative years, I learned a lot from the world around me, but one thing I did not see were queer role models. Due to societal conditioning for people to believe that queer behaviour was shameful, and better hidden away, as well as deadly viruses not so recently subdued, there was a clear and missing part of the community of people who I would learn I was apart of - the elders, the role models, the secret keepers. I did not see the extent at which I could truly BE until I became it, by testing my boundaries each step along the way. While I would want each person to have their own path, I hope that my being alive, unabashedly queer, and forever one of a kind, will help to inspire other folks to do the same. I want to be the role model I never had and inspire the next generation to bring more acceptance, more love, more compassion, than mine. That is why I so unapologetically express myself.