A former Torontonian, who was captivated by beautiful BC during her first visit to Victoria over 20 years ago. The Southern Gulf Islands, specifically Pender is her new love. This Royal Canadian Navy veteran, re-entered the civilian workforce in the business development sector after 18 years of service. Later, she worked to support the province's 29th and 30th Lieutenant Governors, as Director of Operations and Deputy Private Secretary for 7 years. Today she owns a charming little clothing store on picturesque Pender Island, where she uses her keen eye for fashion, to carefully curate a collection that encourages helps customers find their unique islnd style. After a career in uniform and 10 years in the business and public sector, this islnd grl dresses to impress herself and express her personal style. Better still, she can now help others to do the same!
Yvonne McKenzie (she/her)
Sales Associate
Scottish emmigrant, Yvonne has maintained a cross-cultural relationship with her birthplace and her beloved home in the Gulf islands for years. A life-long learner, she re-invented herself several times, initially training as a journalist, then signing on as a social worker in the judicial system, and finally becoming lay counsellor and and early childhood educator, starting a childcare centre on Pender Island and in Cairo with the first BC Canadian International school Egypt. She is a self-published author of poetry, sings in a community choir and enjoys playing mandolin with other Pender musicians. The original islnd grl, Yvonne has stayed connected to fashion through part-time work in the
Brooke Honey (she/her)
Sales Associate
Brooke's roots were defined as a farm girl growing up in southern Ontario in the dairy industry with a hundred cattle on several hundred acres.
She moved to Victoria in 86' with her parents and siblings and began to live the "west coast dream." She acquired an education in fine arts, photography & business leading to a career in the art industry. She then began working in photographic printing but found her footing while co-ordinating artists in a gallery setting. Brooke headed the River City Arts Festval from 2009-2012 in Campbell River. Later devoting a decade to the Village Gallery in Sidney, BC where she still remains today part-time.
*When Brooke is not working at the Islnd Grll Collective on Pender Island you will find her playing in the garden, drawing, writing or reading a good book.
