Faces, Spaces & Graces

I really wanted to highlight Queer owned businesses for Pride Month; but, after much thought that was inspired by Alie Ward’s podcast with Guinevere Chambers on Disability Sociology, I wanted to write a post that not only showcases Queer and Disabled Entrepreneurs… but one that celebrates the incredible work, effort & dedication it takes to not just create a business, but often times, to build a brand new space for people to practice passion in.

I grew up in Arizona, which, I wouldn’t define as an ~inclusive state~. I feel fortunate and it has been incredibly liberating to live in Victoria… an environment that is supportive of people and their happiness, no matter who you are, or who you love, or what you like. After being here almost a decade, it still brings tears to my eyes to feel a sense of compassion, acceptance, and joy that comes with getting to be homies with individuals who are so authentically themselves & to be in a space that supports that… is a privilege.

Wander + Whim Tattoo Studio

Snuneymuxw First Nation
aka Nanaimo, BC

This bright, whimsical & calming space is a Neurodiverse Queer tattoo studio! Wanda ~the artist~ aims to create an accountable space to practice their authentic art as well as hopes to be a supportive experience for people looking to adorn their form in beautiful, soulful & meaningful ways. PS did we mention this tattoo studio entirely single-use plastic FREE?!

When we talk about accessibility, we need to also talk about space. Space exists, but we need to interrogate who is welcome into it? Who is comfortable in it? Who is it built for? I have a nice lil’ collection of tattoos now, all by incredible artists, all received in diverse spaces ~ and it never really hit me until I was in Wander + Whim’s Tattoo Studio that this space felt different. It was genuinely curated in a unique way, and I could feel that, in my bones + in my body. Space, when used strategically, has the power to be built into safe havens so that people can exist freely and beautifully.

Burnt Honey

Snuneymuxw First Nation
aka Nanaimo, BC

Dream team, partners, & the creators of this sweet Queer-owned business are ~Fiona & Kara~. On top of making delicious ice cream flavours + macarons with Kara’s Red Seal Certification & Professional Baking & Pastry Arts background, they pride themselves in creating a space where all can enjoy it! While they are not disabled, they do have a family member who is & whose lived experience has helped them to make informed changes in their space & on their social media. Some of their latest additions to their learning have included a push-button automatic door opener & Kara has been taking ASL classes at the Island Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre. This team is excited to continue improving not just their fantastic flavours, but their inclusive space.

It is always so fun to get to work with family-owned businesses… I believe you get to see a different depth of business, as there is a deeper connection filled with meaningful memories, similar passions, & strategic partnerships already embedded into the every-day. It is even more wonderful to see how non-nuclear family-run businesses create their own unique systems of operation, why they come together to create, & how in doing so, they automatically create a space that easily welcomes and serves such a variety of humans.

Be Brite Teeth Whitening

Lekwungen First Nations aka Fernwood in Victoria, BC 

This partially-Queer owned & family operated business brings the community a beautiful resource yet to be located in the Victoria area ~ teeth whitening! Their services are a safe, accessible & affordable way to maintain teeth whiteness + brightness… and to feel like your stunning, confident self after! This team hopes that being queer & an ally to queer folkx, that they can continue to learn & grow into a space that is inclusive, shows authentic representation & that supports you in being Be Brite For Life!

I think that a lot of us who have had the privilege of always being automatically accepted into our every-day economy often pass by the thought of what it would be like to not have a safe space offered available to you to do your business, your hygiene + cosmetic errands, and your shopping. What is offered and how it is offered impacts just as heavily as who feels they can freely access goods, services + experiences.

UNLEASH

Lekwungen, Esquimalt & 
Songhees First Nations 
aka The Greater Victoria Area

This Queer-owned business brings the community a clothing brand that is: badass, sustainable, collaborative, unique, artistic + wildly inventive. Upcycling old textiles, articles of clothing & other canvases is ~Sam~ the creator. Sam believes in not just creating new pieces, but breathes life into them in order to keep fashion waste out of the landfill & this world filled with beautiful, bold styles.

UNLEASH is hosting their second annual Sustainable Fashion Show, this year called
~The Onion: A Gala for Weirdos~ at the Victoria Event Center. This performance-based show is coming here, it’s queer, & it’s gonna bring a whole lotta cheer! Get your tickets NOW so you don’t miss out!!

I have loved working & becoming friends with Sam from UNLEASH. There is nothing like watching a badass human on a mission, and nothing moves as quickly as something powered by such goodness. Sam inspired me to UNEASH What’s Good a few years ago, and ever since, she’s been a major role model of mine for continuing to work for what I believe in, to fight for space that can be used in beautiful ways by makers + creators, and to stay true to you.

Famiglia Tattoo Studio

Lekwungen First Nations 
aka Victoria, BC as well as located on the Ktunaxa Nation aka Fernie, BC

This trans & queer, family run tattoo studio works across British Columbia to bring people closer to their authentic selves through art. With two locations, which are sibling run by Carmin (@peripeteiah) on the Lkwungen territories & LJ (@hottrashtattoos) on the Kutnaxa territories, they create safe spaces for people to express & grow themselves.

It’s beautiful to see people as who they are, but what is even more beautiful is the acceptance they revere back into the world, the spaces they create so others can feel their like best selves too, & the dedication it takes to do it day in and day out.

Blade & Beauty

Lekwungen, Esquimalt & Songhees First Nations Land aka Downtown Victoria

This Queer-owned business connects us to our bodies through body-work offerings such as cosmetic tattooing, tooth gems, microblading, beauty marks & more!

“I love that there is endless room for creativity, self expression, & growth in this industry! Tattooing has always been a dream of mine & I’m so thankful to have a mentor who has inspired so much confidence behind what I do. The tattoo industry is changing so much + for the better. I am Indigenous, gay, disabled, & femme + to be a part of a revolution within the tattoo industry, to hold space + create safe spaces for Folx like me to not only feel comfortable & themselves in, but to be a representation so others can see themselves in this industry is major! Truly so many layers to it, but connecting with others while sharing my art is the greatest reward.” — Tahtyana, the creator

There’s not only enough space for us all to exist in this world, but there’s enough space to exist in ways, where if we work together, we can thrive, we can create, & we can build a community out of the thoughtful, inclusive actions that do create room for existence in new, beautiful & fun ways. Give yourself grace, introduce yourself to a new face, & let’s make some inclusive space.