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Photography by Abi Ajibola
Editor's Note
For a short month, February seemed unbearably long this year. Here’s hoping that March will offer a kinder and more gentle step toward spring.
Along with celebrating warmer weather this month, we also celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th, and I’m honoured to have two incredible women featured in this issue to celebrate that day. Our Profile subject is Edmonton businesswoman, Teresa Spinelli, a shining example of a caring and compassionate leader, and in our Drinks section,
we take you to Jamaica where Joy Spence, the spirit industry’s first female master blender creates award winning rums for Appleton Estate.
February saw our men’s Canadian hockey team bring home the gold in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Connor McDavid’s overtime goal had the nation erupt in a cheer that was heard across the country (and beyond). It was a moment that made us so proud and thankful to be Canadian. With that in mind, we’re dedicating a few pages to show our readers here and around the world some made-in-Canada products that also make us insanely proud. Choosing only 10 was very difficult.
Spring is a time for renewal. We’re shaking off our parkas, putting away the mitts—not too far though. We see you, April. We know what you can do, but we are hopeful that brighter days are ahead.
Keep positive, turn your faces toward the sun. Plant food. Help a neighbour. Cheer hard for the good team. Be the good team.
World Poetry Day is March 21st. Write a poem! Or better yet, buy a book to support a local poet. Words matter, and supporting the arts benefits us all.
– Twyla
15 YEARS OF IMPACT.
For 15 years, the 1000 Women initiative has been removing barriers to education and empowering students to achieve futures beyond their dreams. By supporting 1000 Women, you are making a difference in the lives of students who need it most.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT.
Contributors
Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and mom of two boys. Passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping-hot Americano in hand.
Viktorya Gyulinyan is an illustrative writer, sharing stories of the world with a descriptive voice. Aside from her journalistic work, Viktorya enjoys writing poetry inspired by tropical settings in far away places.
Tom Sedens is a husband, father of three, lover of pie and a world traveler that has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) who loves driving anything, anytime, anywhere.
Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and singer. Her passion for art an design has kept her busy in both the working world and in play. If she's not working, she's spending time with her family, reading a good book, singing, or cooking delicious meals in the kitchen.
Emilie Iggiotti is a visionary artist who specializes in portrait and branding photography. Her passion lies in serving the dynamic world of entrepreneurs and small business owners. In an era dominated by the constant evolution of social media and content creation, Emilie takes joy in guiding entrepreneurs through the intricacies of branding.
Jay Walker was born and raised in Halifax but eventually made his way out west. His passion for photography started 12 years ago while on climbing trips. He has travelled the world shooting everything from street photography to cycling and running events.
Highlights
Publisher's Note
Shining a light on change-makers and innovators 12
Profile
Teresa Spinelli: Leading with heart, legacy and vision 14
Trends
From Canada, with love: Luxe finds from our home and native land 22
Auto
Meet the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 34
Cuisine
PlayWright: A taste of Edmonton’s arts scene 42
Drinks
From cane to cup with Appleton Estate’s Joy Spence 50
Health & Wellness
Breaking the silence on menopause with Jesse Schewchuk 64
Publisher's Note
“Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world.”
- Malala Yousafzai
March is here and it’s a great time to focus on the individuals who are driving change. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re sharing stories of those who are leading, creating and making a difference in their fields.
And speaking of celebration, the Modern Luxuria Awards of Excellence is just around the corner! We’re recognizing the brightest stars in cuisine, design, real estate, and more, and we want to hear from YOU. Know someone who deserves to be celebrated? Nominations will be opening soon—so keep an eye on our social pages for all the details. You won’t want to miss it!
This issue is all about inspiration, success, and a little touch of luxury. We hope you love it as much as we enjoyed putting it all together.
Here’s to a month of celebrating greatness,
– Elsa
PHOTO BY TATIYANA SEMENOVA
How Teresa Spinelli transformed a family tradition Beyond the Aisles
WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILIE IGGIOTTI
Teresa Spinell never expected to take over the family business. In the Spinelli’s traditional family, her older brother would’ve assumed that role, but in 1996 he passed away at only 33. In 2000, her father, Frank, passed and Teresa suddenly found herself head of the Italian Centre Shop, the European-inspired grocery store Frank had started in 1959. Even though Teresa had grown up in the store and had worked various positions over the years, most of the staff that her father had hired held far longer tenure. Stepping into this role of authority came with challenges but her determination and commitment to protect the family’s legacy never wavered.
Over the past 25 years, Teresa Spinelli has grown the Italian Centre Shop from the one location with 30 employees and $8 million in sales, to a business that’s become a household name with five locations, 672 employees and $140 million in annual revenue. Teresa shares with us the lessons, challenges, and what is truly at the heart of this beloved business.
As a woman, what factors impacted your ability to lead others when you moved into this role?
In the early days of the Italian Centre Shop, the atmosphere was thick with skepticism, especially when it came to the idea of a woman taking the reins of the business. Everyone admired my father. He was truly a remarkable man, and I’ll admit, even I had my doubts about stepping into his shoes.
The transition wasn’t a walk in the park. Many of the employees, almost all of which were male, viewed me as more of a privileged figure than a legitimate leader. I could feel their skepticism, especially when they would compare my decisions to my father's. The stress was palpable, and self-doubt was always there. I was also grappling with the loss of my father and brother, my mother’s depression, and the complexities of being a newlywed who was unable to have children. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. In the midst of all this chaos, I began to ask myself some tough questions about my motivations and whether I truly belonged in this world of business.
I realized that my true passion lay in working with people. Selling salami wasn’t my calling, but it was the relationships I built that fueled me. This revelation sparked a shift in how I approached my role. I wanted to open additional stores and create opportunities for my employees to flourish. It wasn’t just about the products we sold—it was about creating a brighter future for everyone involved.
How would you describe your leadership style in contrast to your father’s?
My father was a towering figure, both in stature and personality, and he ran the company with a "my way or the highway" style. He commanded respect effortlessly, and while he was a great guy who could share a laugh over a glass of wine, his leadership was very much top-down.
When I took the reins, I wanted to transform the company culture. I wanted us to become a place where people come first—both our team and our customers. It was a gradual shift for sure, but we moved towards a bottom-up approach. Now, we actively listen to our employees, and take into consideration how our decisions impact everyone, even someone at the cashier level. This change has fostered loyalty and appreciation from our team, and it’s been incredibly humbling to witness.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a multi-million dollar business?
Running a business has taught me that understanding people is essential. Everyone has unique motivations and needs. Some employees thrive on recognition, like a pat on the back, while others are driven by financial incentives or awards such as Employee of the Month. Navigating these
different personalities has been challenging, but it's crucial for growth. One significant turning point for me was reading the book Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins. The book emphasizes the importance of having the right people in the right roles. It's not enough to have the right team; each person must be in the position where they can best contribute.
Are there certain products you recommend that our readers should grab from the Italian Centre Shop?
While you can now find items like panettone (an Italian sweet bread) and espresso coffee in big supermarkets, our customers still come to us first. They trust our expertise and cherish the personal connection they have with our team. When someone places a panettone from our store on their table, it’s about more than just taste—it’s about the story and the tradition behind it. I recently asked some of my customers why they bought our Polish chocolates, because I didn't find them particularly great myself. The responses were heartwarming. People shared stories of their childhood, like receiving one of the bars as a Christmas treat from their father or while making soup with their grandmother. It was never about the chocolate, but the family memories it represented.
What are your non-negotiables for a happy and fulfilling life?
For me, staying connected to people is essential, and I am guided by my three Cs: connection, commitment and contribution. Whenever I feel off-balance or unhappy, it's usually because one of these elements is missing. As long as I'm connected with others, giving back, and committed to a cause, be it business, a group or a board, I feel fulfilled and like I'm truly winning in life.
What is next for the Italian Centre Shop?
We've already established a location in Calgary and are eagerly planning to open a second, with hopes of a third, soon. If Edmonton can support three locations, we're confident Calgary can, too. I was particularly excited about expanding into Saskatoon, seeing it as reminiscent of Edmonton 20 years ago. Although that opportunity didn't pan out, we're optimistic that something will come our way. As they say, if it's meant to be, it will be. Our passion for growth remains strong, and we remain open to new possibilities.
Top quality finds from the Land of the Maple Leaf Oh, Canada!
WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Looking to lux it up while supporting Canadian makers? Our designers, distillers, creators and crafters are at your service. From bourbon-style whiskies to bespoke boots, here’s a mere drop in the maple syrup bucket to show you what’s being made at home. Why wait for Canada Day? Let’s show our growers, producers and talented makers some down-home support all year long, starting now.
The first Viberg boots were made for farmers during the Great Depression. Now, they appear on fashion runways and the fortunate soles of those who appreciate the Viberg family’s unwavering commitment to quality. Their ability to maintain tradition while staying innovative has kept them best in class for good reason.
WWW.VIBERG.COM
Rocky Mountain Soap
Karina Birch and Cam Baty, along with their dedicated team of makers, create natural beauty and personal care products made from ingredients that won’t lead to the destruction of species, animal habitats, or the environment. Rather than focusing on how the end result looks, the team chooses ingredients based on how they want the products to smell, feel, and benefit a person’s skin, hair and body. Handcrafted with care in Canmore, Alberta.
WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINSOAP.COM
Acadian Sturgeon Caviar
We’re going to do something very un-Canadian and openly boast about this one. We think the caviar from Acadian Sturgeon in New Brunswick is superior to any of the big three (beluga, ossetra and sevruga) from the Black and Caspian Seas. If you’re looking to indulge, you’d do well to order the variety pack to get the full Canadian caviar experience. The Acadian Wild is umami forward, nutty and buttery in flavour with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The Gold is milder with buttery notes and hints of sea salt, and the Emerald, which has the largest grains has a creamy, buttery flavour with notes of seaweed.
WWW.ACADIAN-STURGEON.COM
Canada Goose
What evolved from Metro Sportswear Ltd. in 1957 is now a recognized luxury performance line around the globe. Canada Goose’s iconic Expedition Parka was initially made for scientists at Antarctica’s McMurdo Station in the 1980s, and while that style is still available, a new lighter line of outerwear has become just as popular. The company’s inventory has expanded to include knitwear (made in Europe), but the core down-filled products are still manufactured in Canada at facilities across the country.
WWW.CANADAGOOSE.COM
Escuminac Maple Syrup
How could we not? This is the Land of the Maple Leaf, after all, and we’ve got heaps of this liquid gold, but Escuminac is something deliciously special. This is pure, unblended, organic, award-winning maple syrup produced from century-old, single forest trees near Chaleur Bay in Quebec. Taste the difference terroir makes in the Extra Rare (light and smooth), Great Harvest (extra fine and rich), Late Harvest (dark with pronounced caramel flavour), and Very Dark (bold and intense). Magnifique!
WWW.ESCUMINAC.COM
Signal Hill Whisky
From St. John’s, Newfoundland, comes a bourbon-style whisky that’s made from premium Canadian barley and corn and the pristine waters that surround “The Rock.” Signal Hill whisky is layered with flavours developed through a three-barrel stage, non-chill filtering system. Expect a delicate blend of honey, vanilla, dried fruit and a hint of spice on the nose and a creamy, complex run of vanilla, caramel, dried raisins and plum on the palate.
WWW.SIGNALHILLWHISKY.COM
Born and raised in the Himalayan Mountains bordering China and Tibet, Soma Mo received a diploma degree in Jewelry Art and Design from Vancouver Community College but goes back to Tibet every year to continue learning techniques from a silver master. Soma’s pieces are unique creations that blend modern style with traditional materials using a variety of stones and semiprecious elements set in 99% grade silver.
WWW.SOMAMO.CA
Soma Mo
Manitobah
What began as a trading post in 1990 by a young Métis entrepreneur, has blossomed into a global brand that directly benefits Indigenous communities across North America. Every product from this Winnipegbased company is Indigenous-designed and honours the People’s craftsmanship and history. While mostly known for making moccasins and mukluks, the company has now branched into accessories like mitts, jewellery and outerwear. Their adorable pom-pommed trapper’s hat blends two iconic Canadian clothing items, the toque and the trapper’s cap. Grab it while you can.
WWW.MANITOBAH.CA
Caramunchies
Canada lays claim to some pretty famous snacks—Hawkins Cheezies, Coffee Crisp and ketchup chips, to name a few—so when it comes to this category, we’re pretty confident with what we can do. Enter Caramunchies, an Alberta company that’s mastered the art of sweet and salty matrimony in every single one of their addictive crunchy options. Their seasonal flavours are highly anticipated and make great gifts, but that sweet heat in the Caramunchitos? That’s the stuff of dreams. You’re going to want to keep that one to yourself.
WWW.CARAMUNCHIES.COM
Monte & Coe
“Small batch” often refers to food or drink production, but at Monte & Coe it refers to their line of luxury everyday essentials produced in their Toronto and Montreal studios. These items are built to last the ages, and are crafted from the finest wool, vegetable-tanned leather and waxed cotton twill by artisans devoted to their craft.
WWW.MONTEANDCOE.COM
Where Luxury Meets Capability
A grand design with first-class amenities and performance
WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
The Mercedes-Benz GLS has long been the gold standard in the realm of full-size luxury SUVs, effortlessly blending its cabin’s opulence with impressive performance and versatility. The 2025 GLS carries forward this legacy. Whether navigating the urban jungle or venturing off the beaten path, the GLS is designed to elevate the experience of every journey.
The exterior of the GLS exudes a commanding presence. A revised front end with a bolder grille and lower intakes, striking LED lighting signatures front and back, and more sculpted lines work together to give the GLS a simultaneously refined and rugged look. The AMG models amplify a sportier aesthetic with unique styling elements and performance-oriented details. The GLS is available in a variety of colours and with numerous wheel options, allowing drivers to personalize their vehicle to their individual taste.
Stepping into the sumptuous interior of the 2025 GLS rewards the driver and passengers with a world of luxury and elegance. Premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful touches serve to create an ambiance of comfort and world-class refinement. The cabin is spacious and comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers. The second row is also available in captain's chairs for a six-seat variation. There is no lack of utility here either. Even with the third row in use, the GLS offers generous cargo space, making it as ideal for family weekend adventures as it is for extended road trips.
Mercedes-Benz’s most advanced technologies can be found in the GLS. The MBUX infotainment system, with its intuitive screen-based interface and ability to understand natural language, provides seamless connectivity and control over the vehicle and its functions including the staggering audiophile-grade Burmester sound system.
The motivation for the 2025 GLS comes from a number of powertrains. The GLS 450 4MATIC delivers 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine. For those that need more, the GLS 580 4MATIC raises the bar and serves up a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine that generates a formidable 510 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. At the pinnacle of performance sits the AMG model; the mighty GLS 63 4MATIC+ is powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine that unleashes 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque and provides eye-watering performance, even in a gargantuan SUV. Each of these engines has mild hybrid technology to enhance its efficiency and is paired with an incredibly smooth nine-speed transmission that ensures seamless power delivery in any driving situation.
In the world of Mercedes-Benz, safety has always been a paramount concern and this was taken into consideration in every aspect of the 2025 GLS design. The vehicle is equipped with a full suite of the company’s cutting-edge driving-assistance and safety technologies. Features like a heads-up display, active brake and lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control work in concert to provide drivers with added confidence and peace of mind on the road while ensuring that passengers arrive in safety and comfort.
The 2025 GLS is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's continuing commitment to excellence. World-class luxury and comfort, exhilarating and efficient performance, and cutting-edge technologies wrapped up in a single, compelling package. Whether you're seeking a refined family SUV or a high-performance driving machine, the GLS eagerly provides all of this.
The
Play’s the Thing
PlayWright restaurant shines a spotlight on Edmonton’s downtown and Arts District
BY BREANNA MROCZEK PHOTOGRAPHY JAY WALKER
WORDS
PlayWright, a cozy yet refined restaurant nestled within the Citadel Theatre, is more than just a dining spot—it's an experience crafted to celebrate the city's arts and culture. Owner and restaurateur Steven Brochu wanted to revitalize a vacant space and provide a vibrant gathering place for theatre-goers and downtown visitors alike–and has been doing just that since PlayWright opened in June 2024.
“I love the arts,” says Brochu. “I wanted to bring a little life back into that space. It was really fun working with the Citadel on something that could enhance the experience of theatre patrons.”
With an eye on both accessibility and sophistication, PlayWright’s menu has evolved over time. “We knew our pre-theatre rush would be crushing, so we’ve focused on a lot of braised, slow-roasted items that take a lot of time to prep, but can be executed really quickly,” Brochu says.
The restaurant’s chef, Eric Forbes, has gradually expanded the menu while keeping value at the forefront. “Our default setting is ‘make it delicious,’” Brochure laughs. “Over time we introduced burgers and mac and cheese—dishes people recognize, but done with love. We make our own buns, our own patties. We put real care into every plate. I’m biased, but I think we make the best burger in the city.”
Beyond the food, PlayWright’s ambiance is a testament to Edmonton’s artistic spirit. “We wanted to celebrate the city, so we worked with local artist Glen Ronald to create a mural that showcases Edmonton’s landscape–I think it’s one of his best works,” Brochu says. The restaurant also features soft orange lighting inspired by the Edmonton Fringe Festival’s lively market area and beer gardens at night. “I love going to the Fringe, walking around at night under Edison bulbs, and smelling fried dough. It’s a cool vibe, and we wanted to bring a bit of that here.” Other unique touches include the classic stone bar from former restaurant Normand’s, and a unique private space. “We built a not-so-secret library, and it's a cool little private room with some hidden treats,” Brochu says.
PlayWright’s location within the Citadel Theatre provides a built-in audience on show night, but Brochu hopes the restaurant will attract diners even when the stage is dark. “We’re happy to be open before the show, but we’d love to see people come in on a Tuesday for a date night, or on a Sunday for lunch. We want people to consider us for a night out just like they would with any other restaurant.”
PlayWright offers some themed drinks and dishes during shows, so when Citadel Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The ’70s Musical in March 2025, guests will find a special disco-themed menu. When there isn’t a show, Brochu says PlayWright will host special dinners, giving the sous chefs and younger team members a chance to design menus and collaborate with local talent.
For those visiting Edmonton’s Arts District downtown, PlayWright promises a memorable experience—where great food, art, and community come together.
The Joy of Blending
Mastering the art of rum making at Appleton Estate
WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
In March, our thoughts turn to warmer weather, melting snow, and the imminent arrival of spring. March also celebrates International Women’s month, and what better way to celebrate than to honour the success of Joy Spence, the world-famous master blender from Appleton Estate Distillery in Jamaica.
While rum, in general, enjoys worldwide popularity, in Canada, Appleton Estate is not only the favoured brand, but the number one selling rum in Alberta—and the reason why the distillery’s newest label, the Double Cask, was released first in the province last June.
What makes this particular brand so popular? The full flavour is one reason. While all rums have distinct flavour profiles, many Jamaican rums incorporate dunder—the non-alcoholic residue left at the bottom of a still after distillation—into the mix to further enhance the flavour. This residue is collected and stored outside in pits to naturally ferment. Bacteria form and concentrate the acidity and aromas (called esters). The dunder is then re-added to the distilling process which results in a heavier, more pungent rum style. While the result is a robust one, the spirit remains smooth and cocktail-friendly, which only adds to its appeal.
Along with fantastic rum, Jamaica is also a popular tourist destination for Albertans and with a range of resorts from which to choose, it’s easy to understand why so many of us travel there to escape our long, cold winters. Many visitors get their first taste of Appleton Estate rum while holidaying in this island country, thus developing a life-long devotion to it. If you’re heading to Jamaica soon, make sure to carve out some time for the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience in the heart of the Nassau Valley to get up-close and personal with the legend, lore and distilling process of this award-winning rum.
Appleton Estate’s history dates to 1749 with the distillery situated in one of the few areas of Caribbean rum production to boast terroir. Lush climate, fertile soils, the Nassau River Basin, and a daily rain shower at 2:30 p.m. create unique growing conditions for several varieties of sugarcane. Strict ageing requirements and blending of various barrels are essential components to any final rum and at the heart of the master blender’s final decision. The tropical climate is also important in creating a smooth, mellow spirit due to an ageing process that is approximately two to three times faster than that of a cool climate.
Dr. Joy Spence joined the Estate in 1981 as chief chemist and, in 1997, became the first female master blender in the spirits industry. Her success has included creating many of the blends that have made Appleton famous today, including the Joy Anniversary Blend and the 50-year-old Independence Reserve. From cane to cup, every bottle is crafted with Dr. Spence’s enthusiasm, expertise and passion.
In Edmonton, it’s easy to walk into any liquor store and find the Appleton Estate Signature Blend on the rum shelf. With combination aromas and flavours of both fresh and dried fruits with hints of banana and molasses, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail like the daiquiri.
Any of the Reserves and limited edition products are delicious investments, but the recently released Double Cask is really something special. The rum, aged in single malt whisky casks unites two worlds—Jamaica and Scotland—and should be on every spirit lover’s list. Rum notes of dried raisins and apricots, orange peel, baking spice and vanilla, combined with Scotch notes of caramel and heather are evident in the glass and make for a complex and innovative rum. This unique product is a testament to Dr. Spence’s expertise and skill in the art of blending.
WWW.APPLETONESTATE.COM
Yields 1
Ingredients:
2 oz Appleton Estate 8-year-old Reserve
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
0.50 oz simple syrup
Lime twist
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a lime twist.
Jamaican Daiquiri
Sculpting Life
The promise of lovely things in the hands of Alan Henderson
Artistry revealed itself early in Alan Henderson’s life. As a child, he would reach over the counter as his mother baked, grabbing chunks of dough he molded into shapes. Henderson vividly remembers the first sculpture he ever made of clay; a pirate imbued from his innocent imaginative mind. “Even from a very young age, I would be doing drawings or I’d be making a model of plants,” he recalls.
Through his education, he refined his craft and explored art forms within printmaking, illustration and painting, though there was one art form which captivated Henderson. “In art school, I would always end up in the sculpture studios,” he says of those years.
His first sculptures were small bronze pieces featured in local galleries. Later, in creating large sculptures, he found meaning embedded within space. “Public work is great because you have a place to put it, and the place could give it meaning,” he explains.
A sculpture of Albert the Great located in St. Albert was Henderson’s first monumental commissioned piece. The sculpture was commissioned by The Continuous Learning Community (CLC) Society, an organization committed to upholding the value of lifelong learning.
Henderson believes every monumental piece intrinsically exists within a certain time and place, embedded within the past, the present and the future.
“With sculptures near the mountains, I want a sense of calm and mass,” he explains. “It should seem like a thing that has always been there, a work of art that has always been in that space. The space would be incomplete without it.”
Henderson’s most meaningful piece holds love within a moment in time. “It's a clay portrait of my late wife that has never been fired or cast. It was on our honeymoon, I bought a bunch of clay and was doing a portrait of her up on Salt Spring Island. That will always have a soft spot in my heart…it never got finished.”
Henderson incorporates his understanding of life within his work, creating contemplative embodiments of life’s meaning. He explains that his art focuses on what's behind the eyes, what's beyond the surface. His art allows transcendental evocation, drowning the viewer within a moment in time with which the breath of life touches the essence of their own being.
Henderson hopes his art provides a surface to touch, a tangible object giving meaning to our existence.
“The most gratifying thing in this moment, and the one thing you need, is something to touch. You must touch some surface somewhere. Once you have that and you’re established, you have something. Your mind can settle. That's what art can provide.”
Above all else, Alan Henderson offers that the most satisfying thing is not to be totally satisfied. “Art promises something like a name for what is always just beyond our comprehension, and promises are lovely things.”
PHOTO BY EMMA HENDERSON
The "M" Word
How one woman's struggle sparked a menopause movement
WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABI AJIBOLA
In June 2022, Jesse Schewchuk found herself in a dark place, overwhelmed by symptoms that left her feeling like she was losing her mind. “I struggled with memory loss, severe depression, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep deprivation. My skin became dry, I gained weight unexpectedly, and I felt like I didn’t recognize myself,” Schewchuk recalls. Despite being fit and healthy for most of her life, simple tasks had become increasingly difficult to perform, and her confidence was shattered. She began working with a naturopath who soon determined that Schewchuk was post-menopausal. The symptoms she was experiencing were caused by the rapid loss of estrogen that happens during this time in a woman’s life. The waitlist to access the menopause clinic was long and this further frustrated Schewchuk.
At the time, Schewchuk was a successful television producer. Her experience inspired her to create a two-season documentary series titled “Making the "M" Word Mainstream" where her mission was to create a movement encouraging women to speak up about menopause. Her work revealed that many women struggled with peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause without understanding what was happening in their bodies. Women shared stories of broken marriages, career difficulties, and suicidal thoughts but were often dismissed by doctors when seeking help. This sparked a desire within her to raise awareness and demand better care for women.
“We think that menopause is something we need to start to think about in our 50s but that does a great disservice to women,” Schewchuk shares. “We need to be having these conversations decades earlier. We need to start listening to women.” Her efforts grew into a not-for-profit business, The Menopause Mission, and a persona, “The Menopause Muse.” Through public speaking, she supports women, letting them know they are not alone on this transformative journey. Her work is shifting the narrative, answering questions and creating a community for women who have felt ignored or misrepresented.
While all women will eventually go through menopause, Schewchuk assures that there are ways to make the transition easier. Sleep is a major disruptor, so prioritizing rest is crucial. She also advocates for strength training to alleviate symptoms and strengthen bones as we age. Adding more protein to your diet can also help. Finally, Schewchuk recommends finding a supportive community where you won't be judged for sharing your journey. “When you enter a room full of women and realize, ‘This is normal? This happened to you, too?’—especially after feeling dismissed by medical professionals—it’s a validating experience that fosters self-compassion and learning.”
Schewchuk’s next goal is to increase her speaking engagements so she can reach as many women as possible. “We have to inform people what's going on because this is impacting everyone,” she remarks. “It impacts women’s workplaces, families, partners, friends, children—everything. Women are the glue that holds everything together, so when the glue is falling apart, so does everything else.”
Colour Me This
Peace and tranquility have entered the room
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
It’s time to warm things up! In the realm of kitchen colour schemes, that means goodbye grey-on-grey and hello to hues that soothe and comfort, courtesy of Mother Nature.
Think shades of green and blue that run the gamut from sage and sea, to dark forest and royal navy. Softly patterned, light-toned counters with complementary tile or panels of stone on backsplashes help to create calm and welcoming spaces. If you are drawn to the dark side, black is still a popular choice that can be both bold and elegant when balanced with other shades that temper its dominance. Wood or luxury vinyl plank flooring in light to medium tones with a grain that doesn’t overwhelm ties elements together and works with all colours, including stone-cold grey. Envision the spectrum of the Canadian Shield and you’ll recognize the compatible combination of greys and browns.
Home is where the heart is, and the heart is always the kitchen. Make it the place you want it to be.
