Aside from being a proud, community-involved Edmontonian, I am a mother to four wonderful kids, who are my whole world and inspire me to always be better.

My second biggest passion in life has always been fashion! From designer & runway to vintage & grassroots, I have spent my life watching and reading everything fashion as well as attending and participating in as many local fashion shows as possible, as a child.

I grew up with a mother who was a very creative, independent seamstress; so for as long as I can remember, I always had an abundance of pretty dresses, outfits, and even costumes, that were created, tailored, and made for just for me. Additionally, I would receive (almost) endless bags full of ‘hand-me-downs’ from my numerous older cousins. Thirty-plus years later, I’m still not sure which I loved more... but I have to admit that tearing open those mystery bags of random old clothes (from the older and cooler kids) brought me just as much excitement as the brand new, custom fit dresses from mom! That being said, I was never really as content or impressed with simple retail shopping for my style. 🤷‍♀️

When I outgrew any of my favourite designs from Mom, I would strive to recreate new outfits with the past pieces and the hand-me-down treasures. Although I was also fairly crafty and creative, I lacked the interest or ability to read patterns and sew and so I usually turned to a fashion magazine, dad’s tool shed, and a hot glue gun for piecing together MY creations. 🧵 🤦‍♀️

I was almost always proud of my creations and owning my style brought me a huge sense of satisfaction. But in all fairness, kids will be kids and so most of my school days were spent being the brunt of playground laughter - a few of the “jokes” that I still vividly remember: “muskrat jacket”, “glow stick pants”, “crayon shoes”.... for the record, those mediums were faux fur, fabric dye, neon spray paint, and Granny’s elusive ‘Artex’ pens! 😉

In 1990, I participated in the first local Earth Day observation (as I was becoming fascinated with the “new recycling trend”). It was a perfect time to showcase my talent for ‘recycling’ clothing by entering an Earth Day recycling competition. It felt like a great accomplishment when I received 1st place for my denim acid wash & lace pocketed pencil box!! True story! (I may have also been a little nerdy.) 🤓💁‍♀️

Also, in the 90s, it was not particularly “cool” to thrift and it was perceived to be reserved for the “lower class” kids... and let’s face it, no middle schooler actually wants to be bullied. I decided to keep thrifting away in complete secrecy and still arrive to class in peer-approved style. 👌

FWD to the new millennium... A young mom with small kids and a tight budget, I became obsessed with consignment stores and eBay! Back then, eBay was the go-to (if not the ONLY?) online shopping outlet for us here in AB... and it was not yet the eCommerce/international dropship platform of today. Hence, there were always awesome unique finds at stellar prices, delivered to my door! And as my family grew in pace with modern technology so did my collection of clothes!! Can we just say clothes upon clothes, for all ages & sizes??!!

For Tora, the love for fashion, treasure finding, thrifting, up-cycling and crafting has always remained and there is so much more to do and share! We can’t wait to build this brand, together, with your support. 💟

🚭 ~SMOKE FREE, guaranteed

#loveourplanet

#zerowaste

#upcycle

#bekind

#beyou

#fashionforever

#boycottfastfashion

#thriftwithpassion