Moving Community Forward

Esther is the kind of person that makes you feel like you’ve known her for much longer than you actually have. Interested and interesting, a smile is never far from her lips and she connects deeply with ease. She has been an incredible supporter of my business from the day she entered my studio. I remember being struck by her confidence, her warmth, and the fact that I didn’t need to explain my brand to her, she automatically got it. A community builder at heart, she has been a fixture in cSPACE, cheering us on and supporting in any way she can. Despite numerous conversations in the three years since we met, I had yet to dig down to the root of how she remains so unwaveringly wonderful. Please read on for some inspiring words that reflect her love of a good coat, her long view on life, and the importance of community.

You are a self-confessed coat addict. Why is it such a large and important part of your closet?

I feel better when I pull myself together, I think most people do. But I know we can’t pull it together every day. Some days are just meant for sitting on the couch in your pj’s. But even on those days, a nice coat (and a good hat) can cover a lot of neglect and make you feel like a million bucks. Whether you are heading to the grocery store for five minutes or going out for the night, a beautiful coat can pull everything together. And if that coat can be handmade, even better.

I love that you appreciate handmade products! And I know I’m not the only local maker who feels that way. Why do you so often choose to support small businesses, despite it not always being the most convenient option?

I could say things like because they drive the economy, provide jobs, keep things local, and are generally better for the environment. I’m sure that’s all true, but it’s not at the core of why I do it. I grew up in a very small town. I have a strong sense of community and of supporting each other within a community. People, like you, who make the decision to start a small business deserve to be supported by the community around them and I love the relationship that often comes with supporting someone who is making a go of it. I can buy a coat anywhere, but I love knowing there is a relationship there. I know whose hands made the coat I am wearing and when I put one on (because I have several), I think of you.

So you and cSPACE were basically meant to be together. Haha! The adage that you can’t give from an empty cup comes to mind. You’ve stopped by my studio post-yoga session, I know you take downtime each summer in cottage country, and I’ve never seen you scrolling your phone. I’ve always been curious how you manage to have self-care so down pat. How do you resist the cult of busy and remain such a full cup, running over for others?

I like to be busy, and working, going to school, volunteering, and raising a teen-aged boy keeps me pretty busy! But I also make it a priority to stay active, meditate, and have down time when I do absolutely nothing. For me it is all about balance, as I am sure it is for many people. I want to be able to continue doing the things I love doing for as long as I possibly can and I believe taking care of yourself, exercising and eating well, gets you a long way to achieving that goal.

You have also recently made another move for yourself by enrolling at AU Arts. Can you tell me about your studies, motivation, and inspiration to become an arts student?

For the past twenty-five years I have kept a list of things I want to learn or experience and I make it a goal to knock one thing off the list each year. I didn’t want to end up being one of those people who talked about doing things but never ended up doing them. Some of the items on the list are small things, like a weekend crash course on wine tasting, and others are more meaningful, like starting to volunteer and give back to the community. I knocked this one off the list two years ago when I walked into cSPACE and met Jill and Corrine at the Alberta Craft Council, where I volunteer. I had no idea how much change and opportunity it would bring to my life. It is such a dynamic space, filled with incredibly creative people and it has become a big part of my life. Spending time at cSPACE pushed me to pursue one of the big items on the list which was going back to school. I am so impressed by those around me who are creative, people who pursue the thing they love and have the creativity and passion to run with it. So last spring I decided to apply to Alberta University of the Arts and was accepted. My venture back to school has been incredibly fulfilling; tough, hard work, but fulfilling! I may never be a great artist but I do hope to take everything I learn at school and one day open a fine craft gallery of my own. At my age, I know a lot of people start to think about retiring and travelling but for me this is not an option. I want to continue to learn, to grow, to move forward and to get every last bit out of my life. And I plan to do it wearing a beautiful coat.

Coat: Shawl Collar Wrap in custom fabric
Photos: Ken Heinbecker
Beauty: Sarah Lee Jamieson
Model: Esther Worsley
Artwork: Nadia Gottfried