In Pursuit of Balanced Collaboration

All Posts, Featured, Sustainable Development Goals
Do you find it hard to collaborate with people on the other side of an issue? You might be wondering, “why would I collaborate with someone I don’t agree with?”. Well, the answer is simple.  That’s how we co-exist.  Further, that’s how we progress. The world is full of differences in opinions, beliefs, needs, wants, etc.  Because we can benefit from finding common ground, we must collaborate beyond just our allies. Take a Seat Collaboration is about more than working with people on the same side of an issue.  It’s about finding a seat at the same table as your “opposition”.  If we are all in this together, then solutions must come from all sides. How can we meet in in the middle if we’re forced to take sides? Triple…
Read More
How to Think and Act Globally for the Greater Good

How to Think and Act Globally for the Greater Good

Featured, Sustainable Development Goals
Do you think and act globally in your local community?  Years ago, I caught on to the practice of fair trade.  Knowing deep down free trade is not fair for many global citizens, I looked for a different way to do business. It was through the fair trade movement that I was able to breathe new life into Simply Sustainable, and connect with communities near and far. Back in 2010 when I was making a major shift, I invested in a small batch of handicrafts from a neighbouring community in Guatemala, where I was living at the time. I packed a duffle bag full of goodies, and set forth for the North where I would exhibit them alongside my handmade jewelry at fairs and festivals during summer months. For me, it…
Read More
We Can Learn a Lesson Anywhere & Find a Classroom Everywhere

We Can Learn a Lesson Anywhere & Find a Classroom Everywhere

All Posts, Sustainable Development Goals
Do you believe you can learn a lesson beyond a classroom limited by four walls?   I see education as a two way street with many stops along the journey.  What I put into it, I get out of it.  Over the years I have found different ways to learn, many of them outside the four walls of an academic institution. That being said, I am extremely grateful for the two decades I spent in school at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary level.  Those twenty years were a blessing, and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity. Of course the reality is that despite the fact that we can learn anywhere, there is still a large part of our global population that does not have the means or the…
Read More

Romancing the Revolution

All Posts
It’s easier to assume a status quo style of life if you’ve never been exposed to the alternative, faced with the opportunity to go in a different direction. For me, doing things differently has pretty much been second nature.  It’s a blessing and a curse to take the road less traveled – near every single time.  Yet, when I’m at the crossroads, the paved way doesn’t quite convince me. My leap of faith therefore leads me off the beaten track, with each new adventure an experience to be had.  Over the years this has taught me lessons, brought me joy, anxiety, fear, love, hate, relief, amongst other sentiments.  Although, above all, it kept me believing – in me. Once I hit my twenties, life was starting to bloom.  A lot…
Read More

Satisfy your Soul

All Posts
September is an exciting month. With my birthday at the beginning, followed by an annual trip to Ottawa for Folkfest shortly after, I’ve got a lot to celebrate. Truthfully – I feel as though I grow into myself a little bit more each year. Looking at books about birthdays, reading into my astrological sign over the years & learning about my Mayan sign while traveling have all led me to conclude that I am a lot like they describe. Sure, there are some generalizations that can apply to many – but at the core – I can really relate to what is written. It wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I went off course, turned into someone else to please others, but luckily – I found my…
Read More
Is Passion Sustainable?

Is Passion Sustainable?

All Posts
Over the past five years I have dedicated my energy to growing and developing a different kind of business.  One that is driven by passion.  I did not fit well into the corporate culture of the companies I once worked for.  Creating my own culture through a personal grassroots movement has been my greatest success. [caption id="attachment_76" align="aligncenter" width="266"] Simply Sustainable at Mariposa Folk Festival[/caption] Growing pains will always be part of the growth process – however solid ground in the overall mission helps immensely.  Defining my mission statement from the very beginning was a bit tricky - but setting out the foundation for what I wanted to achieve helped me walk towards it .  When I first started making jewelry – I was enjoying the art behind it.  I…
Read More