Lynne Mulder | Women of Excellence Awards

LYNNE MULDER! Born into a family who believes in hard work, education, compassion and community, Lynn's commitment and passion to ensure all the citizens of Red Deer are offered the best quality of life possible comes naturally.  With a Masters in Education, Lynne continues to support and volunteer with various organizations such as Vantage Community Services, United Way Of Central Alberta and the Canadian Mental Health Association.  She is a strong community supporter, animal lover and a generous soul.  Lynne displays compassion, kindness, determination and dedication to creating a vibrant Central Alberta.  A strong, determined leader from nurse to Vice president of Red Deer College to Red Deer City Councillor, Lynne continues to make a positive impact in our community, no matter what capacity!

I didn't mean to make you feel bad. | Ethical Fashion

 I just wanted to say sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad.  Truly I didn't.  In fact, causing you to feel less then was one of the main fears I had when I started to share this journey...In case you are feeling a little lost, let me give you some context. ***cue that weird musical transition they always do in movies when they change scenes for a memory haha** The past few months have been filled with many wonderful events and photo sessions.  I got to met and chat with so many incredible women and like-minded souls.  I dressed in clothes that I feel great in (and didn't immediately get covered in food, dirt or duck poop)!  For this fairly introverted, rural Mama of two it was somehow completely energizing and exhausting in the best kind of way.It was during these wonderful get-togethers that I began to notice a reoccuring dialogue that went something like this... 

A says, "oh I love your shoes, where did you get them?!"

B uncomfortably replies, "ahh, shoot, you had to ask me in front of these capsule wardrobe people haha." 

OR

C says, "you look incredible in that dress, I would love to find something like that."

D looks towards me with shame, "ummm, Zara."

 There was a lingering guilt or shame or maybe it was something else.  Either way, I have begun noticing it more and more where people feel that they need to explain to me why they can't currently purchase responsibly-made fashion.  But let me tell you, whether it's a postpartum body, the initial investments, or the fact that you just really like shopping, you DO NOT owe me an explaination.  I never have and never will look at your outfit and decide what kind of person you are.  And in that same breath, I do not think buying ethically made clothing makes me a better person then someone who doesn't.  It is, quite simply, a place in my life that I felt a need/desire/ability to make a positive shift.I began sharing my journey because I couldn't have made this change without the incredible help of those who bravely shared theirs with me.  You might notice the use of the word brave there and feel a deep desire to roll your eyes, but it IS scary to put yourself out there.So, long story short, I will continue to share about responsible fashion because I think it is a fabulous and much needed conversation, but please don't let it discourage you and if you ever have any questions or thoughts please share!!  You DO NOT need to own a single piece of responsible made clothing to join this club and conversation!!!Warmly,Karmen

Nicole Leal | Women of Excellence Awards

 Nicole Leal, a dedicated and passionate artist, is highly regarded as a leader in the arts.  A 2013 graduate from Red Deer College's Performing Arts & Creation program, Nicole landed the position as the first female Artistic Director for Tree House Youth Theatre.  IN addtion, after a long history of volunteer work with Central Alberta Theatre, she was hired as their Production Manager.  Her work as an Actress includes Prime Stock Theatre's Bard on Bower, B.I.T.E, Butt Ugly, and alumna for RDC's main-stage performances.  Her roles in film include Ignition Theatre and the lead in CACHE production's film Are You Listening?.  In 2016, Nicole co-founded Red Deer's blooming Improvisation Group, Improv Jelly.  The arts community values her as a dynamic resource!

The Taylor Family takes on Westerner Days | Red Deer Family Photographer

  Ever since having a family of my own, photographing parents and their beloved little ones has taken on a whole new meaning.  I love tagging along on little outings or just spending some time documenting everyday life.  This session was a first though! Thanks so much for having me join you at the Westerner Days Fair Taylor fam, I am so totally in love your photos!  I hope that you are as enchanted as I am!Would you ever get your family photos taken at the fair?  If not, where would be your dream location?!  

Kyrstin Woods | Women of Excellence Awards

 Kyrstin Woods received her diploma in disability studies at Mount Royal University and has been teaming up with families for the past 7 years. She is also working towards finishing her undergrad in Psychology in her spare time. She currently teaches kids of all ages yoga at The Breathing Room Yoga Studio, in five schools and in family homes. She also runs the Adapted Yoga (for families and aides) and Self-Care Yoga (for parents). Along with this, she works one-on-one with children with special needs as a behavioural aide, community aide and respite worker. Kyrstin is an incredible light to everyone she meets and she has and continues to impact the lives of every child she works with. She is a strong advocate for children of all abilities.

May your portraits age like a fine wine!

 The truth is I don't want your portraits be that cheap pair of flip-flops that broke after one summer of use and then were carelessly tossed into the garbage.  I want your portraits to be that favourite pair of leather boots.  You know the ones!  The ones that just make you feel so darn gooooooood everytime you put them on!  I want them to hang proudly on your walls or rest lovingly on your coffee table. I want your portraits to make you smile every time you walk by that gallery wall or flip through the pages of your album.  I am wildly aware that this will not work for everyone's taste and/or budget and that's ok, because these days there are an incredible amount of photography options to choose from.  But for YOU, you know who you are..... you think less just might actually be more, you would rather have 10 stunning prints for your wall than 100s of files lost on a hard-drive.  For you, I want to create something one-of-a-kind, something long-lasting.  Seriously though, is it egotistical of me to want the photos I take to be the ones handed down to your great-grandchildren?  I imagine that they will lovingly look through them, perhaps they will need to smooth out a crease from it being accidentally folded into the gutter of a book, or maybe the ink will be slightly faded from sitting on that sunny livingroom shelf, and they will wonder to themselves about what life was like all the way back in 2018 with all it's strange, beautiful moments and trends.