This week we are featuring this bad arse babe! She’s a go getter, a dreamer, a business woman, an activist, and she makes some seriously bougie sunglasses straps (@saucestrap)✨✨✨
1. What’s your name, where’d you grow up and where do you live now?
My name is Jazzamyn. I am a military brat so I've grown up moving quite a bit. I was born in the Netherlands. I did kindergarten in Northern Ontario. After that I went to Germany and back to northern Ontario. And I now live in Squamish!
2. What is your definition of strength?
Strength is being able to look at whatever frightens you and not back down. Strength is looking at yourself and your past actions, to learn from those mistakes and make an active effort to change those behaviors. Strength is being born into a world that doesn't see past your skin colour and finding a way to kick down doors that are open for others, yet barricaded for you. Strength is the ability to be unapologetically yourself. Strength is standing up for what’s right, even if it may cause you harm. Strength is beautiful, courageous, vocal, and also loving.
3. What is something that’s important to you now that never used to be?
I won't say NEVER used to be. But my eyes are definatly opening more. I've grown up in white neighborhoods my whole life. As a result I have been a target for racism. Growing up I think i was more accepting of it, thinking this is just how it is. But the older ive gotten and the more intense and aggressive the racism gotthe more mad ive become. And let me tell you, I'M MAD AS HELL! Its just gotten to a point where I can't go a single week without someone sharing, without care, another video or picture of yet another black person murdered in cold blood in the middle of the day on the streets by the very people who are supposed to be protecting their citizens...its triggering. Its disgusting. And im just at a point that I'm tolerating nothing less than advocacy from the people I surround myself with. Silence is violence and if youre not helping me make life easier for black lives in the states, here in Canada and in the world then youre not someone who truely cares for me or my struggles and you can kindly YEET yourself from my life.
4. How would you describe your style?
My style is pretty all over the place. I dont really leave my house often so I live in lulu's and tube tops. But my real time to shine is at music festivals. I love to be the center of attention and the star of the show when im out. Im usually in something super flashy, or revealing, or super textured or funny and sometimes all of those combined. I have a million wigs. And even more alter egos. They each have their own style. My favorite two would have to be cruella de dance who has a stuffed pet panda she drags around on a leash all weekend and rainbow tight and bright! Shes a rainbow princess who brings magic and ridiculous shenanigans everywhere with her. And i ALWAYS have something sparkly on cause im apparently a magpie...
5. Favourite food to cook at home?
Traditional jamacian food! Jerk chicken and curry chicken are my two all time favorite things to cook.
6. What’re 3 books on your bookshelf?
How to teach quantum mechanics to your dog.
The fault in our stars.
A child called IT.
7. What’s something you want to accomplish in the next year?
I have some financial goals for my business im dead set on accomplishing in the next year. I am super motivated. I was huge into partying from university until 2 years ago. Just before I dropped out of the scene my dads sister was trying to help me focus on owning a business. She passed after a 3 year battle with cancer and that helped me get my life together a bit. And then my dad took that role over for motivating me and he passed a year after her unexpectedly. Now I'm on a mission to prove not only to myself, but to them that I'm capable and have enough focus and drive to see my dream of a sparklier world come into fruition.
8. Tell us something people would find surprising about you:
I have the most intense sense of smell of any human ive ever met... i get headaches often and am an extremely picky eater because of it. Coffee is by far the worst and most intense smell for me and honestly causes my brain to scramble and I get sick to my stomach. So im one of those "weird" people who doesnt consume coffee in any form (Yes that includes tiramisu, and coffee crisps.)
9. Favourite movie?
Mean girls. Sorry not sorry....
10. How do you want people to remember you?
As a woman who wore her heart on her sleeve, who pointed out injustice and did her damn best to rectify them. A woman who used her platform to help end the stigma around mental health and sex workers. Someone who is a feminist and an ally. I want people to remember me for my sense of humor and loyalty. And lastly for creating gorgeous wearable art that is functional and fun!
