Session 7: Mobile MentHerShip

Where: @rootsandardor’s Live Instagram Story

When: Thursday, May 4th. 4-5PM PST

For Who: Backpack Buddies (donations here pretty please, we’re matching)

Why: As Bob Dylan sang, "The times they are a changin'" and in 2020, the times are changing fast. We are all trying to learn how to swim in the wake of COVID, mostly upstream. Our visions for the future along with our routines, hobbies, and bank accounts are experiencing tidal shifts. We are all trying to navigate this "new normal" while holding out hope for a better, somewhat foggy, future. To be blunt, it's been one of the most challenging periods our small business has ever faced. It's enough to make you want to hide under the covers and watch Love Is Blind reruns until it's 2021 or the CRA re-locates your cell number.

But then we remembered the meaning of our name.

Our "roots" have always been in connection and community. It's how we've organically grown. It's how we've shared our voice and made a difference. And it's through our MentHerShip program that we have been blessed with the opportunity to hold the company of an group incredible entrepreneurs and employees. It's this tenacious and courageous network that have supported our vision and quest to build a more empowered future for both men and women.

Our "ardor" has always been to bring real stories to life on digital platforms. We've grounded our work in the belief that we're able to make genuine human connections and a lasting impact by sharing our voice online.

There is rarely a more important time to remember your beginning than at what feels like the end. Our foundational values have inspired us to bring MentHerShip back to our community in full virtual force. Starting next Thursday, we're launching Mobile MentHerShip, a series of interactive interviews with our greatest guests from our in-person events. The series is will take place every second Thursday during, you guessed it, happy hour! That means that the "spirit" of MentHerShip, which is of course, lots of libations, will persevere and we encourage you if you're of legal drinking age to prepare your favourite poison.

Over the past month we've witnessed these business leaders, who hail from a variety of industries, meet this rapid change with optimism and innovation. Miriam Alden, founder of Brunette the Label, has curated a digital rally cry for her community, inspiring the masses, deepening her brand, and launching new successful collections in isolation.

Jillian Sheridan has powerfully pivoted Legends Haul from a food supplier to robust online grocery store seemingly over night and with no shortage of quality, heart, or gutsiness. Ainsley and Hannah of Londre Bodywear realized they could make a significant impact on the lives of health care workers and their customers by turning their coveted bikini material... into chic mask material.

These MentHerShip alums are leading the path forward by reinventing the way we do business and making an impact along the way.

The event is FREE and anyone can tune in, but we are opening up this ongoing Eventbrite page to encourage whatever donation you can manage to Backpack Buddies. Whatever we raise over the course of the next month, Roots + Ardor will match with an in kind donation. Backpack Buddies is working to fight the now 7 day hunger gap children are facing in Vancouver. We hope you can give what you can to this incredible cause and take what you can with from you from our interactive, open, and never dull discussions.

We'll get through this together, day by day, small act of bravery by small act of bravery. And one big glass of wine at a time.

See you Thursday!

R+A