Vendor Feature: Naked Silver Designs

Imagine wearing a piece of artwork on your neck… that is what Naked Silver Designs is about. Thank you, Naked Silver Designs for the gift!

Who is Naked Silver Designs?

1) When and why did you start your business?Naked Silver Designs was born out of my love for sculpting and my years of experience apprenticing with an incredibly gifted and skilled jewelry designer ~ my mother.

During the time period that most of us were staying at home due to Covid, I decided to learn how to sculpt with precious metal clay, and incorporate that into my designs, which had always been a dream of mine.
When I started sculpting, it was for the healing aspect and the bliss that it brought to my life, during such a stressful period for all of us. I ended up applying to artisan markets, and having lots of success there, and I am now in both the Gibsons Public Art Gallery and the Coastal Gallery, which is a private co-op art gallery in Gibsons, BC. I have also built a home studio that will be open for visitors starting in June.

2) What is your background?

I have been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, and I still am, so I am enjoying having two careers that I love!

My one-of-a-kind pendants are hand-sculpted from precious metal silver clay, which is a unique material that is made up of pure silver particles suspended in an organic binder. The process of working with precious metal silver clay begins by sculpting the clay into the desired form. The silver clay is then left to dry completely before firing.

Once the piece is dry, it is meticulously sanded and carved to further shape, remove imperfections and add intricate detail; it can then be fired using a kiln or torch. This process removes the organic binder and causes the silver particles to fuse together, creating a solid metal piece that is .999 pure silver. The firing process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the size and thickness of the piece.

3) What is special about your products?

After firing, the piece will need to undergo a finishing process to remove any rough edges or imperfections. Once the piece is finished, it can be worn as a beautiful and unique piece of jewelry. This process is environmentally friendly, as it produces less waste than traditional metalworking techniques.

4) What else would you like to share?

I have a website under construction, nakedsilverdesigns.com, but in the meantime you can find many of my designs on Instagram.

Check her out!

https://instagram.com/nakedsilverdesigns?

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

Vendor Feature: Farming Karma

Feeling thirsty? Farming Karma has both alcoholic and non-alcoholic sodas from their brewery. Thank you for the refreshing drinks!

Who Is Farming Karma?

1. When and why did you start your business?Karma (my dad) has been farming in the Okanagan for 30 years. My family grows apples, cherries, and pears. We wanted to make a healthy beverage for our community (something different from pop, juice or carbonated water) so we decided to juice our fruit and turn it into a healthy soda! Our soda is light, refreshing, and lightly carbonated with the following core values; NO added sugars, NO preservatives, NO colors or artificial flavours, NO concentrates or syrups, made with REAL fruit, natural, vegan, and gluten free beverage.
2. What is your background? Our business is a family business. All the way from my dad Karma to my 1 year-old son Jhelum we all contribute to the business. My background is actually in Pharmacy and I was a Pharmacist before I started juicing our fruit. Everything was new to us and quite different from farming and pharmacy. We continue to learn every day about retail sales, marketing, manufacturing, and everything that goes into running a small business.

3. What is special about your product? Our first product was our Apple Soda. We sold our first can about 2 months before the pandemic started. We ended up innovating our product to 4 more flavours during the pandemic leading to our full product line: Apple, Cherry, Peach, Berry, and Pear Soda. Because of this expansion we won the Innovative Product of the Year Award for Sobey’s in Western Canada 2020. Our product is unique and there is nothing in the market like it! In the market there are pops, juices, and flavoured waters but what makes our product different is that it contains a serving of real fruit (along with the core values mentioned above).
4. Finally, what else do you want to share? For Food and Beverage BC, we are currently nominated for the Top 10 Product of the Year Award. The results come out during the award show on November 3rd!

Check them out!

https://shop.farmingkarma.ca/

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

Vendor Feature: Olive & Ciboulette

Ever since coming back from Nova Scotia, I found more interesting cooking ingredients made from lobsters! Thank you, Olive & Ciboulette for your gift!

Who is Olive & Ciboulette?

1. When and why did you start your business?

My father founded the company in 2000. He was the executive chef at the Cannery at the time. When he first came here he wanted to bring something new and fresh. The idea really just came out of the blues. At the time when guests came and had dinner at the restaurant after they order their drinks/food a waiter would then come and drop off some lobster oil mix with some balsamic vinaigrette and some warm bread to be used as a dip.

2. What was his background?

He is an executive French chef.

3. What else would you like to share?

We actually only use the lobster shells!

Check them out!

http://www.oliveciboulette.com/

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

Vendor Feature: Tree Vine Nature Toys

Thank you, Tree Vine Nature Toys for your recommendation and package!

Who Is Tree Vine Nature Toys?

1. Who is Tree Vine Nature Toys? I took a wood working workshop in 2019 and became inspired by making wood toys for the daycare children attending Giggleberries Early Education Center. I started to replace the battery operated toys with my handmade toys and found that the children were far more interactive in place just by using their imaginations.
2. What is your background? I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 25 years and have a passion for teaching children under the age of 6. Watching children explore their capabilities and develop self confidence is amazing to see.
3. What is special about your products? My products are all made by myself. I love shaping my building boulders out of reclaimed scrap wood. Each and every one is unique. I am currently working on providing my products for wholesale.
4. Finally, what else do you want to share? I will be attending spring and summer markets this season so please keep an eye on where I will be.

Check them out!

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Lavender Soap And Toner

Trying out these two new items that contained lavender!

Handmade Lavender Soap

The first was a handmade soap by Acil Zaman.

Ingredients:

Saponified Organic Olive oil – Saponified Organic Coconut oil – Organic grapeseed oil – Organic Cocoa Butter – Lavender Essential oil – Ultramarine purple – Dried Lavender flower

Lavender Toner

The second item was the facial Melissa toner by Lavenderland.

Melissa Lavender Toner:

– brightening, relieving and hydrating – has moisturizing effect

– Ideal for sensitive and irritated skin

-Alcohol Free

-Cruelty Free

-Vegan Friendly

Ingredients:

Water – Superblue Lavender Hydrosol – Melissa Lavender Hydrosol – Jasmine Flower Water – Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf Extract – Aloe Leaf Extract – Hyaluronic Acid – Avénate Sativa Kernel Extract – Undaria Pinnatufida Extract – 1,2 Hexanediol – Chlorophenesin

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Affiliate link:https://www.villov.net/?ref=1749896.e2894c</</

Vendor Feature: East Village Soap Company

Thank you East Village Soap Company for sending me these soaps!

Who Is East Village Soap?

East Village Soap is locally operated by a husband and wife team, that strives to create all natural skin loving soaps that contain pure aromatherapy oils to calm, refresh, and rejuvenate your senses.  We wanted to create something that is great for your skin, smells amazing, is uniquely crafted, and absolutely beautiful. 

We use the old fashioned cold process method of soap making.  All our bars are made by hand in small batches and cured for 4-6 weeks before being sold.  We never use synthetic fragrances or colors in any of our soaps, and they are colored with clays and herbs from nature.

We strive to shop locally for all our ingredients and support local businesses. Foraging is a passion we have and its important to us to use what nature has surrounded us with. We love to look for ingredients we can infuse into oils and use in our soaps and on to give them that extra boost of goodness!

Message From The Owner

Hi, I’m Aileen Leong, and I live in Calgary Alberta Canada in the neighborhood of East Village.

I’ve always suffered from sensitive skin and have two kids with eczema. With this began my journey into natural soap.

I bought my first bar of natural soap on a whim and the rest was history.  When I first began cold process soap making I was amazed at how much better moisture, lather and hardness you could get from a naturally made bar. Very quickly I saw improvements in our skin when using natural soap. After almost a year of testing recipes we have developed the formula we now use and love.

Nature plays a large part in my soap designs, and I try to incorporate  locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. It is important to me to use scents and colors in my soap that only come from nature and are not synthetic. My family has had many fun adventures foraging for botanicals in our local community to put on and in our soaps.

I love making art that I can incorporate into something that is also amazing for the skin.

I hope to spread that love to you through an awesome product that your skin will absolutely crave ❤

Fun Fact: I used to work as a nurse in a hospice before I had kids and decided to stay home with them. I took a couple soap classes and absolutely fell in love with the whole process.

Check them out:

https://eastvillagesoapco.com

https://instagram.com/eastvillagesoapco

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Affiliate link:https://www.villov.net/?ref=1749896.e2894c</</

Vendor Feature: Goodness Graze

Thank you Goodness Graze for their amazing grazing box!

Who Is Goodness Graze?

1) Why and when did you start your business?

The passion for graze started long before I knew what the term ‘graze’ or ‘charcuterie’ meant. Putting together an arrangement of food for loved ones, and seeing their reactions to the spread always brought feelings of joy. The conversations while connecting over snacks and nibbles have always left lingering feelings of nostalgia in the mind.

It’s the feeling you get when family and friends come together, where you share the highs and lows of life’s journey, where you celebrate and embrace. It was the craving for that exact feeling which paved the way for the goodness graze journey. Goodness graze is a combination of my love for food and togetherness.

2) So,what was your background?

I have a background in psychology.

3) Also, interesting facts about your product

We strive to be an eco friendly company & use products that are biodegradable, compostable & recyclable only. We believe in supporting small businesses & source our products from local businesses in BC; we love building connections with them.

4) Finally, anything else you would like to share?

Each box is full of surprises and when possible we try to add a personalized touch that resonates with you (be it a specific cheese or chocolate that reminds you of your childhood). 😊

Check them out:

https://www.instagram.com/ohgoodnessgraze/

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdDnnS4k/

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfk62Nw0s7vwDvorB3zxDKohKhzILC-80SfVPBsv2AKJklbZA/viewform

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Affiliate link:https://www.villov.net/?ref=1749896.e2894c</</

Vendor Feature: OG Designs

Thank you OG Designs for my customized planter! Remember to don’t stop BELEAFING!

Who Is OG Designs?

I started og designs during the pandemic like most other people. I worked in the beauty industry and was out of work and needed an outlet for my creativity. My hubby and I just moved back to the burbs from Yaletown at the same time.

The OG in OG Designs stands for Original Gould, my maiden name.

Fun Fact:

I love dogs 💕

Check out her designs!

https://m.facebook.com/ogdesigns604/

https://www.instagram.com/ogdesigns604/

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Affiliate link:https://www.villov.net/?ref=1749896.e2894c</</

Vendor Feature: Kandl Artistique Virtual Candle Lab

Thank you, Kandl Artistique for gifting me this lovely virtual lab!

Who Is Kandl Artistique?

As per their website:

Our family-owned business has been one of the world’s top candle makers for almost 50 years. From wick selection to the type of wax we use – we know what it takes to create a candle and ensure it’s a luxurious experience from the moment it’s first lit.

At KANDL, we see ourselves as educators and facilitators, with the ultimate goal of bringing people together through the emotional connection of scent and warmth. KANDL’s one-of-a-kind labs take participants through every aspect of candle creation, from wick and fragrance selection to wax education and vessel selection. Choose from over 100 combinations of fragrance notes to make your customized creation that can be taken home within 90 minutes or less. Our labs are fun, intimate and uniquely yours.

First, I received a parcel with the special oils of base, middle and top notes, along with charts. Then, on the time of the virtual lab, our instructor would teach us about the different oils, wax, and candle knowledge. I had a lot of fun smelling and picking out the different notes that could go into my personalized candle. After deciding on which three scents, Kandl Artistique would send me a form to choose the vessel and label design.

After about two weeks, my large personalized candle arrived at my doorstep!

Click below for the candle virtual lab!

https://kandl-artistique.com/virtual-lab/

Note: Mention CHOCOVIV on your orders of lab or candles and received a special complimentary candle along with your purchase!

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kandlartistique

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/KANDL-Artistique-113337780526846/

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Affiliate link:https://www.villov.net/?ref=1749896.e2894c</</

Vendor Feature: chromabylivia

Meet Olivia from chromabyolivia’s Etsy Shop! Check out some of the stickers that she sent me! Thank you!

Who is chromabylivia?

I started my business because I love bringing smiles to peoples faces! I’m a 14 year old teen entrepreneur, As a kid I always made pictures in my notebook of running a business, so until the point of starting a real business I decided to start small.

Every time I receive an order I do a little happy dance inside, and I always hope you do a happy dance too when you receive your order!!

How To Order:

Click below to shop with the special 15% off her shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChromaByLivia?coupon=CHOCOVIV15

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chromabylivia/

Follow Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog on WordPress.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocoviv/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Chocoviv1

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSsT5hEo/</</

Affiliate link:https://www.villov.net/?ref=1749896.e2894c</</