Our Brand, Our Values, Our Community
We celebrate environmental values, sustainability, simplicity, and community. Through thoughtful design and local embroidery, we aim to capture the essence of island living. With eco-friendly practices and 5% of profits going to support various conservation efforts, we endeavour to connect a community of island enthusiasts and share our love of the Pacific Northwest with the World.
Our Beginnings
Island Life Apparel, born from a simple idea in 2015 during the founder's time at the University of Victoria, embodies his love for Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest. The arbutus tree symbolizes the brand, reflecting the beauty found along the coastlines of the Gulf Islands. Each apparel piece is a unique memento, celebrating shared experiences and love for the islands, starting with two favourites—Hornby Island and Salt Spring Island. As the brand grows, it aims to embrace all the Gulf Islands, staying true to the essence of the simple life, the good life, island life.
Our Privilege, Our Gratitude, Our Journey, Our Goal
Growing up on the North Shore, I was privileged and grateful for the support of my community. Dyslexia didn't deter me; early intervention helped. After graduating as an honours student, I pursued a career teaching and formed a deep connection with Vancouver Island and the islands of the Pacific Northwest. Now a teacher, I will start my Master's in Special Education, and continue my journey as a life-long learner.
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Our Vision, Our Reflection, Our Insight
As we grow, like a freshly planted arbutus tree enduring elements, Island Life Apparel aims for sustainable progress. Rooted in First People's Principles of Learning, we focus on community and growth, taking deliberate steps. Our vision is to create quality apparel reflecting shared values, the love for Pacific Northwest islands, and a simple, good life.
Our Process, Our Journey
Island Life Apparel values the environment, sustainability, simplicity, and above all, community. They offer island lovers a way to commemorate their experiences with locally designed and embroidered pieces. The brand seeks to build a community that celebrates love for the islands of the Pacific Northwest, reflecting cherished relationships and memories with friends and family.
Our Fear, Our Defiance
Growing up on the North Shore has been a privilege, and I feel lucky to live amidst such beauty. Fear of the unknown held me back, but Island Life Apparel became my act of defiance. Embracing risk and exploring the unknown led me to cherish the Gulf Islands and the connections they brought. Island Life Apparel is a celebration of challenging fear and embracing the simple, island life.
Our Foundations
I'm Michael Harvey, the founder, owner, and operator of Island Life Apparel Inc. Living in North Vancouver, I cherish time with my two older brothers, Max and Matthew. As a Secondary School Teacher, I spend my free time coaching, skiing, biking, and camping. Island Life Apparel celebrates the beauty and connections of the Pacific Northwest islands, reflecting cherished memories and friendships.
Why You Need a Sturdy and Reliable Tote for Your Everyday Adventures
When it comes to choosing a tote, you want something that can withstand the demands of your everyday adventures. A sturdy and reliable tote is made from high-quality materials that are built to last. It should have reinforced stitching and durable handles that can handle heavy loads without breaking. Additionally, a reliable tote should be simple in design and do the job it was made for, to get your gear from point A to B unscathed.
It’s not the place, it’s the people. It’s not the island, it’s the life.
People’s values and opinions differ and evolve, and to me, that is beautiful. There is no sole definition for what ‘island life’ looks like, and just like I have forged my own connections with the land and the people in the Pacific Northwest, so too can you. It’s not just about the island, it’s about ‘the life’. At Island Life Apparel Inc. regardless of how you choose to define it, I want everyone to have a piece of the good life, the simple life, the island life.
Island Life Style: Embracing the Tranquility of Island Living
Here's the Catch: You don't have to live on an island to embrace the island life. I have visited almost all of the Gulf Islands, and each one is linked to special people, and cherished memories. The Foundations of Island Life Apparel Inc. are not however laid in the ground like a traditional company, or linked to one specific island, but rather the interaction and the experiences that they facilitate.