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Some Of The Best Local Brands That I Love

Sep 4

6 min read

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Man and woman leaning against graffiti wall smiling in Local Laundry apparel
Local Laundry Photoshoot. Photo by Kassey Nixon

One of the greatest privileges of doing what I do has been getting to know the amazing owners of brands in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada. It’s one of my core pillars to support local businesses because there are SO MANY benefits to injecting your money into the local economy. You can see some of the work I’ve done with local brands in my Collaborations section, but I’d also like to take a minute to highlight a handful of my favourite businesses that also happen to be some of the best local brands in Calgary. This is far from a comprehensive list, there are just too many to highlight in one blog post, so look for more posts and Instagram content coming with local brands in the future!



Pinnovate DIY Studio

Pinnovate DIY Studio is run by the powerhouse that is Kiki Lally and what I love about how Kiki runs Pinnovate, is her commitment to the community. You’ll find Kiki and Pinnovate employees at charity events in and around Calgary donating their time and supplies to help a variety of causes. 

I’ve been proud to promote Pinnovate for a couple years now and my kids have LOVED their summer and PD Day camps.


About Pinnovate

We are a premier art and camp facility for children in the Calgary area. Our mission is to “Create Something Amazing” while children explore their artistic abilities and develop new skills in a fun and engaging environment. At Pinnovate DIY Studio, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of art classes and summer camps, designed to foster creativity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Our experienced instructors are passionate about their work and committed to helping every child reach their full potential.


ROWE Apparel

Following ROWE Apparel on Instagram and getting to know the owner Barb has been an education in the fashion industry and the realities of garment workers, manufacturing processes and the clothes that we buy, and for that alone I’m grateful. But as it turns out, the clothes Barb creates are amazing. I currently own 5 different ROWE pieces and if you aren’t already, I highly encourage you to follow ROWE on Instagram.


About ROWE Apparel

ROWE is crafted with the entire family in mind. We make premium, ethically-produced essentials in limited quantities. Our commitment is to make every ROWE piece, product, and process eco-friendly and people-friendly. This isn't fast fashion.



Feature wall with twelve records displayed above a record player
Feature wall by Oram Painting

Oram Painting

You don’t amass almost fifteen thousand followers on Instagram without doing something right and Oram Painting is doing something right. 


When I say I like to work with good people doing good things, Oram is the embodiment of what I mean. When I posted on my Instagram stories one day that I was thinking of painting a feature wall, Austin messaged me and offered to help! The results speak for themselves, and we got to hang out and talk about Taylor Swift for longer than I’ve talked about Taylor Swift before. Additionally, Oram is a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ and Trans rights and that’s a win in my books.


About Oram

We believe that a strong connection and good fit between ourselves, our employees, and our customers is the most important key to a fulfilling experience for everyone.

We are more interested in connecting, laughing and working with you, than making a sale and working for you.


A high quality and meticulous end result is a given in our company, but we think the journey to get there and the people we meet are the best part. At Oram, we are dedicated to raising the bar in the industry in terms of quality, but also the relationships we build with others.


Well Bean Coaching

Financial literacy should be a school subject of its own that is taught from elementary school forward. We could spend days talking about the why and why it’s not, but needless to say I think it’s incredibly important. 


Jolie is the owner of Well Bean Coaching and her superpower is taking complex personal finance issues and questions and making them make sense. But not only make sense, she sets you up with systems and strategies to make your money start working for you in a way it never has. Whether you’re drawing in debt or have millions in savings, Jolie can help. Jane and I spent weeks with Jolie and she successfully helped us set up forecasting for our money to help ease some of the anxiety we felt about our future. 


About Well Bean Coaching

I'm here to teach you about money, coach you in new skills and habits, and help you align your finances with your values.  I'm here to help you take action and be your cheerleader!


My primary goal is to get you excited about taking control of your money in ways that best fit what YOU need and want the most in life.  Even if you're new to the idea of Financial Coaching and you might be hesitant and skeptical.  Let's talk.  It's at least worth a conversation.

Unlike most in the financial services industry, my coaching is independent.  I don't sell insurance or investments and I don't give referral codes or affiliate links.  INDEPENDENT.  I do this because I want to build trust.  It will also grow your confidence in your learning and your own discernment skills.  I also want YOU to be independent, and that means you can research and learn and make important decisions on your own! My goal is that you will #striveforFI


That means working towards Financial Independence!



My daughter floating fully clothed at two years old with Swim Kids Calgary

Swimkids Calgary and Vancouver

Swimming and water safety are a life skill and, in my opinion, a must for every person. Whether swimming at a hotel pool, a community lake or the ocean, children and adults alike need to know how to be safe in and around water. Enter Holly and Swim Kids Calgary (and soon Vancouver!).


Swim Kids teaches children as young as six months old how to safely find air and/or and edge in water whether they’re playing for fun or accidentally fall in. Every year preventable tragedies strike families and Holly’s goal is to prevent as many of those from happening as possible. Both our kids went through the Swim Kids program and now have a safe and strong love of water.


About Swim Kids

At Swim Kids we know that kids around water is serious business. We also know that kids want to have fun. Our program is designed to teach kids how to safely enjoy the water by giving them the skills they need to independently respond in any situation, be it planned or accidental. Parents too can enjoy the water, knowing that their kids are prepared for every eventuality. 


Affiliate partnerships


I’m fortunate to have partnered with a number of brands for affiliate codes that get YOU a discount and help me earn a few dollars along the way. There’s absolutely no obligation to ever use my codes or links, but I’m incredibly grateful when you do!


Camp Brand Goods


Get 15% off your purchase by clicking here.


About Camp Brand Goods

Good things come in small packages. Camp Brand Goods is owned and operated by husband and wife team Connor and Leslie Gould, and runs with the help of a small but mighty crew. In true grassroots style, Camp was first established in 2011 where they gained a lot of traction at local pop-up markets and quickly transitioned to opening up shop online. In 2014 Camp Brand Goods opened The Livery Shop in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood in Calgary AB. In June of 2024 we opened our flagship store, CampLand, where you can find us in-person. 1119 10 Ave SE, Calgary AB, T2G 0W5.


Photoshoot with Devon & Lang. Photo by Kassey Nixon

Devon & Lang


Get 15% off Devon & Lang underwear by clicking here or using the code DASHINGDAD at checkout!


About Devon & Lang

Devon + Lang was founded by Tyler and Dayna McCombs in 2019 in Calgary, AB, Canada

From your first pair of D+L underwear, your life and daily comfort, will change forever!


And it doesn’t end there...


With every purchase made we donate underwear to organizations who support those in vulnerable communities across Canada. We have set a goal to donate over 500,000 pairs of underwear in the next 10 years.


We believe that new, clean underwear is a basic human necessity. The simple gift of clean underwear provides an opportunity for self-care, health, and well-being.



Coulee Outdoor


Get a 10% discount at Coulee by shopping through this link.


About Coulee Outdoor

Coulee Outdoor was founded in the Canadian Coulees with a purpose to create sustainable products that connect people together. We strive for a life of fresh air and meaningful connection. The smokeless fire brings us together, but it's not solely about the fire, the Coulee Connection is about people and nature coming together, harmoniously. Being active outdoors, connecting with loved ones, respecting nature, coming together, cooking, storytelling, campfire songs- it's the connection that gives life purpose and meaning and it's at the heart of who we are and why we created Coulee.


Sphere Optometry


Mention Dashing Dad and get a $50 credit towards your purchase!


About Sphere Optometry

Sphere Optometry, is a purpose-driven full-scope optometry clinic and optical shop in southeast Calgary.


At Sphere we believe in making a positive difference with every patient, in our community, our city, and the world, and our goal is to help our patients live fully and joyfully. We also harbour a deep love for independent hand-crafted eyewear, and delivering intuitive vision care. Simply put, we’re all about kindness and connection, ocular and wholistic wellness, and giving back to our local and global community.










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