Made in Vancouver is a collaboration between Vancity and Daily Hive. Together, we highlight the local businesses, organizations, and individuals who help create a healthy local economy.
This small business collaboration in Vancouver is looking for creative ways to give back to its local community.
Leah Yard Designs, owned by Leah Yard and Unimpressed Screen Printing, owned by Leah’s partner, Kyle, has Collaborated in the production of a small group of clothing called SERIES.
The SERIES line includes Satchel Bags, Tote Bags, T-Shirts and Hoodies with Leah Yard Designs glamorous touches throughout. They were describing SERIES’ style as “West Coast Casual”.
The best part is 15 percent of each ingredient Purchased from SERIES to the East Midtown Women’s Center.
Vancity has been supporting people in our communities since 1946, like local entrepreneurs. As part of our Made in Vancouver series highlighting local businesses, we spoke to Leah Yard Leah Yard Designs founder and co-owner of SERIES on how their brand is giving back to the community. Learn more about what Vancity does in your community at vancity.com
“The inspiration behind our collaboration was to give back to the community in which we operate. When we see someone struggling with DTES, we want to help them, but we don’t have the training to help one individual,” Yared told us in an interview.
“As business owners, we have unique platforms and skills that we can use to help support those who have been trained. We chose to collaborate with the Downtown Eastside Women’s Center because we recognize the disproportionate risks that women at DTES face.”
They got their brand concept when they were transferring files businesses to their new studio spaces just a few blocks from downtown Vancouver’s east.
“Although it was Festive for us professionally, we cannot ignore the devastating conditions of those who live in the neighboring streets. Trying to help, YARD told us, SERIES were born.
“Our business is completely different, but together we managed to create something meaningful. ”
They hope their small business will help Other small businesses are finding creative ways to give back.
“IIt’s hard to feel like you can’t make a difference, but every little effort has a ripple effect. “If we all work a little bit where we are and with the skills we have, we think we can make an impact,” Yared said.
They attribute their success to the community itself and all the support they have received.
“The support of our community has been amazing. We are so touched by how eager people are to help and give back. None of this would be possible without the support of our customers.”
Be sure to check out their collection series here.
“We want people to believe you can make a difference, no matter how big your brand is. Small efforts make big differences in the world, and we both really believe in that.”