Welcome to [EDIT]ION Volume 64! We're so happy you're here! Your free, monthly digital publication is packed with stories, thoughts and opinions that will inspire you in between issues of the original, award-winning print magazine.
Cover Story: Chavah Lindsay - Fashion Designer Establishes a Hip Retail Location in Saint John
by Jennifer Wood
Cover photograph by Arline Malakian
Also in this issue:
- Adam Young by Jennifer Wood
- Hidden Treasures Fundraiser: James Mullinger meets Barb Murphy
- Hollyland and Labrador: Documentary on The Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Television Industry by Tristram Clark and hosted by Tara Bradbury
- WE Believe Saint John by Jennifer Wood
- Darrin Rose Tour Hits The Maritimes
by Jennifer Wood
Photographs by Emma Arsenault, Sinead Dubeau, Brent McCombs, George Pimentel
It may come as a surprise that a recent fashion designer to watch is from New Brunswick. But it shouldn’t. Chavah Lindsay has been impressing those in the know for years, with her custom pieces that range from casual and chic wear to bridesmaids’ collections, evening wear, glamorous custom gowns. Lindsay grew up in St. Stephen, New Brunswick and became interested in Fashion at a young age. Her dresses have been worn by entertainers gracing red carpets at Toronto International Film Festival, New York Film Festival, and the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards to name a few. The fashion-savvy entrepreneur also offers rentals, eliminating the fashion stress of formal events. And while she has a gift for fashion, she’s no slouch in the complex world of social media. Her recent TikTok amassed more than 20M combined views.
[EDIT]ION met with Chavah to learn more about her career, her new retail location in the heart of Saint John, her experience and success in the fickle world of social media, her best-sellers, and who inspired her to re-enter the fashion industry.
[EDIT]ION: Where did you study fashion design?
CHAVAH LINDSAY: I studied Fashion Design at NB College of Craft and Design in Fredericton from 2004-2007, and after graduating from that program, I moved to Toronto to study Fashion Marketing at Humber College, from 2007-2009.
[EDIT]ION: Where did you work following graduation?
CHAVAH: After graduating from Fashion Design/Marketing, I took time off from the fashion experience entirely. I was a bit overwhelmed not knowing where to start. I worked as an Enrolment Advisor at Meritus University for a few years.
While doing this, my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so I took time off to be with her. In her last year, she encouraged me to get back into the fashion world, so I decided to take part in the Heart & Stroke foundation’s ‘Red Dress Campaign,’ which reminded me of my love of fashion and creating. When she passed in 2013, I decided I needed to pursue my dream.
[EDITION: Can you tell us about your studio and your shop?
CHAVAH: I had a studio in my home in Saint John (and then Grand Bay) for the initial six years of my business. From 2018-2021, I was invited to teach a design workshop to the Young Designers class at SJ Sewist Academy (now called “The Sewist”). In mid 2022, the founder, Jacquie Woodriff, reached out to me about expanding her business - she found a new studio space, but it was a bit too large for what she needed. The upstairs was basically an entirely separate studio space so she thought I might be interested in partnering on the building rental. I was hesitant (obviously right after the pandemic, this was a huge decision), but but after going to look at the space I immediately accepted. It was a perfect next step for CHAVAH LINDSAY. I officially opened at 62 Water Street on 1st October,
[EDIT]ION: What is your target market?
CHAVAH: The target market of CHAVAH LINDSAY is quite widespread. This is mainly because we offer custom pieces from prom through to any special occasion. So currently, our client base ranges from 16–65-year-old women.
[EDIT]ION: What are your best sellers?
CHAVAH: Our current best seller is our pleated skirt - these are offered in a variety of limited run prints, ranging from silly “cactus bum” prints to ocean themed octopus, and summery florals. These skirts are popular because they are custom made to size and have pockets! Other consistent best sellers include our signature wrap tops, which now include wrap top dresses, rompers, and pantsuits.
[EDIT]ION: Your recent TikTok amassed more than 20M (combined) views and 40 thousand new followers. Can you tell us about this experience?
CHAVAH: I made a “fast fashion” dupe to see if my daughter would notice at Christmastime, and this brought in over 20M (combined) views, and 40K new followers. I couldn’t believe it. It resulted in orders pouring in worldwide from New Zealand, the UK, Brazil, Germany, throughout the US and Canada.
[EDIT]ION: What are you working on now?
CHAVAH: Right now, I am working on a ton of custom pieces (I am currently booked through to fall 2023), ranging from prom to mother of bride/groom, to a fully custom gown “just because”. I couldn’t be busier, and I’m elated about it.
You can find out more about Chavah and her designs by visiting TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and online at CHAVAH LINDSAY.
Chavah Lindsay’s retail location can be found at 62 Water Street, Saint John
ADAM YOUNG
Newfoundland Artist Hosts Pop-Up Show in Moncton
by Jennifer Wood
Newfoundland-based artist and [EDIT] Media favourite Adam Young will be showing some of his latest and greatest works in New Brunswick over Victoria Day weekend. His pop-up show will take place at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Moncton.
When you see Adam Young’s work, you know it’s his. He is best known for his whimsical and colourful depictions of Eastern Canada, specifically the stark beauty of Newfoundland’s landscape, its distinctive architecture, and the warmth of the generous people who live there. He also draws upon Newfoundland’s connection with the fishing industry, and the fishing shed is often a fixture in his work.
The Halifax-born, Moncton-Raised award-winning artist is excited to return to New Brunswick to meet new and seasoned fans of his work. He tells [EDIT]ION “After years of no in-person shows I’m excited to get back to Moncton and see everyone!” Young received his Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Mount Allison University, and later completed a Bed (Crandall University, Moncton) and a MEd (Memorial University, St. John’s).
Young, a former teacher, began his artistic career as a freelance illustrator for newspapers and magazines throughout Canada. He started amassing his professional body of work following his first and transformative visit to Newfoundland in 2005. Five years later, he moved to Fogo Island (Joe Batt’s Arm) with his wife, Jennifer (Jenn, a Newfoundland native and also a former teacher), and their two daughters, Bella and Scout. The relocation Adam admits, grounded him, and fostered an opportunity to focus on his art full-time. In addition to building a reputable name as a painter, he has also coauthored a children’s book (The Little Red Shed) with Jenn and designed two coins for the Canadian mint.
Newfoundland remains Young’s most loyal and enduring muse. He expresses his passion for the area by combining his knowledge and love for acrylics and inks while focusing on the elements of light, repetition, movement and colour. His little colourful shacks embody a playful feeling of curiosity and wonder as they balance on the rocky and sometimes harsh coastline of the North Atlantic.
Adam Young’s Pop-Up show will take place on Saturday, May 20th 10 AM – 5 PM and May 21st, 12 PM – 4 PM. Hampton Inn & Suites Moncton is located at 700 Mapleton Road, Moncton.
HIDDEN TREASURES FUNDRAISER
Hidden Treasures is one of the most eagerly awaited fundraiser events for fashion lovers in the New Brunswick calendar. James Mullinger meets Hidden Treasures founder, business leader and community philanthropist Barb Murphy.
[EDIT]ION: How did Hidden Treasures come about?
Barb Murphy: I attended a used clothing sale my sister-in-law was involved with in support of the QEH on PEI, and immediately thought it was something that had lots of potential: selling gently used clothing many of us have in our closets that we would happily donate to raise money for a great cause. I met with St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and the planning began. We added the Sip n’ Shop evening to kick off the sale, which allowed us to raise additional money through ticket sales and sponsorships. This has continued to grow each year, raising $80k in 2019. We have many amazing sponsors including in-kind sponsorships that have helped us keep our expenses to a minimum. Our committee prepares and serves all the food for the Sip n’ Shop evening, which further maximizes the money raised from the event.
[EDIT]ION: You are known for your philanthropy in the community but what made Hidden Treasures become such a passion project for you?
Barb: The money raised by the Hidden Treasures event this year will be used to purchase a digital mammography unit for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Breast Health Centre. Everyone at some point in time will be impacted by breast cancer, either directly or indirectly. For that reason, I am especially passionate about this project in support women’s health care—because it affects us all.
[EDIT]ION: Who else is involved with this beautiful event?
Barb: There are many amazing women involved. We work in partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation for this event. My good friend and co-chair Madonna Flood is a huge support, along with other friends (some of whom I’ve played hockey with) and local business women including my three daughters. We have the best committee, and a wonderful team of volunteers as well!
[EDIT]ION: What can people expect this year?
Barb: People can expect a fantastic shopping experience! There will be some great items of gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. They will also have an opportunity to win a trip for two to Halifax by purchasing a ticket in further support of St. Joseph’s Hospital.
[EDIT]ION: How can readers support or get involved?
Barb: Come join us on May 25th, 26th and 27th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Community Gathering Centre for a unique, enjoyable shopping experience—and make sure to bring your friends and family!
You may also contact St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation to make a donation in support of the event by calling (506) 632-5595 or visiting www.stjosephshospitalfoundation.com
We Believe Saint John
Jennifer Wood on the Live Event Inspiring Today’s Youth and Tomorrow’s Leaders
Gathering over 8,000 youth from across New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, and the State of Maine on May 18th, WE Believe is a powerful one-day event aimed to inspire youth to “Be the Change.” This energetic event will feature over 20 performers and guest speakers at TD Station in the heart of Uptown Saint John.
WE Believe Saint John is a registered charity organization providing educational programs and materials to youth, families and communities across the country and around the world. WE Believe is a 100% Secular organization without affiliation with any Church, religion or any other organizations of any kind.
At the WE Believe Saint John event, speakers and performers will focus on various topics including but not limited to; mental and physical health, volunteering, bullying and self-worth, and how each of us can better the world. Students and adults attending the event will have the opportunity to speak with over 35 various organizations where they can become volunteers in their community. Numerous organizations will offer information to students who wish to broaden their volunteer experience by going beyond the Maritimes and out into the rest of the world.
WE BELIEVE 2023 will be a powerful uplifting event that will empower the students of New Brunswick, Sova Scotia, PEI and Maine to BE the change they desire to be in this world,” says the organization’s Cofounder Dan Foote. WE Believe is a bi-annual event. Each ‘gap year’ the organization hosts a cultural and service-learning expedition to Costa Rica. The trip is held over eight days and was established so that youth from all backgrounds can attend. In part, this multi-day experience demonstrates how one can make a direct impact on the community in which they work. The next trip will take place in July 2024.
Co-hosted by Aaron Armstrong and Sarah Pennington, the 2023 WE believe roster of speakers and entertainment is impressive. Youth attending the event can expect transformative keynote addresses and performances from Anastacia Bradstreet, Michael Deleon, Saint John’s Danceability and more.
To learn more information about programming and for free tickets for you school group or family please contact Dan Foote at danfoote@nbnet.nb.ca you can also visit WE Believe.
Fresh from the set of a new show for HBOmax in Italy, award-winning stand-up comedian Darrin Rose returns to Canada with his brand new tour show Family Pains. The tour stops in Saint John, New Brunswick at the gloriously historic Imperial Theatre on Saturday, May 6.
Rose is one of our all time favourite comedians and if you only see one stand up comedy show this year, make sure it is this one. Following a recent appearance on the hit show Letterkenny, the former Match Game host and star of CBC sitcom Mr. D returns to the stand-up stage in anticipation of recording his second stand-up TV special. His first special, for CTV/Comedy Network, was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance in a Comedy/Variety Show.
He has been called “one of the hottest comedians in Canada” by GQ magazine, is a six-time performer at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal and a nine-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee. His show was selected Best of the Fest at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Rose tours across the United States and Canada, and has performed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Borgata in Atlantic City, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland and across the United Kingdom.
Rose’s hilarious stand-up act discusses love, marriage, and being a dad, and further adventures dealing with his wild mom, stoic dad, and tough guy brother. Family Pains contains plenty of hilarious, hurtful and true stories about his family. Sure, family is great - but they’re also a pain. Hilarious and clean, family friendly comedy from one of Canada’s top comedians. Rose loves touring but the Maritimes has a special place in his heart.
"I love performing in the Maritimes, because the people are always up for a good time," he exclusively tells [EDIT]ION. "There’s a culture of going out in the Maritimes - for drinks, for live entertainment - that makes audiences fun to be around. And then people always invite you to a house party afterward, which is delightful. You haven’t really experienced the Maritimes until you’re yamming a donair in your mouth in some stranger’s kitchen."
One of his most personal and accomplished tour shows to date, this show is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. "It’s mostly me telling hurtful, true stories about my family," says Rose. "I think there’s a universal thing about families - they’re a real pain. Family is the worst best thing in your life. And you’re eventually going to turn into your parents, which is the rudest thing that can happen to a person. But in the end, the show is a bunch of solid jokes that I’ve toured around the world with, so people will get a kick out of it."
The show is Saturday, May 6 at 8pm. Tickets are $40, and available at imperialtheatre.ca. Book now before it sells out.
Art Director: Lindsay Vautour
Senior Editor: Jennifer Wood
Publishing Director: Pamela Mullinger
Editor: James Mullinger
For all advertising enquiries, email Pamela: pamela@maritimeedit.com