This is the story of how a COKANNA fan wears my clothes and how she came to be. I first met Claire McCaughey at a gathering of women in the Head Start program, an empowerment program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at the Centre for Health Innovation, formerly the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre.
Claire is a self-described introvert and I’m somewhat of an introvert as well. So, I think it was fate that we were able to connect that day. I later saw Claire speak at one of the Babes for Breasts Concerts. This fundraising concert was created by Ana Miura. It supported the Head Start program for many years so women could attend free of charge. Btw, the program is still free to attend.
Claire is a retired civil servant, a breast cancer champion, an Ikebana teacher and artist, a Master gardener, and the owner of Ms. Green Jeans, a local horticulture business. We share many of the same thoughts and values and have become friends. Claire has been a COKANNA photo and runway model and even has a jacket named after her.
Claire modelling the Claire zip-up jacket. Photo by Anna Epp Photography.
From day one, Claire has been a fan of my bamboo clothing line. I believe she owns every piece I have created, in every colour. She loves the bamboo fabric, the quality construction, that it’s Canadian made slow fashion, and she can wear it anytime, anywhere. It’s uncomplicated simple lines that are all about comfort and style.
Claire and I meet up every so often at the Morning Owl in Kanata, or a local coffee shop in her neighbourhood. It’s usually when she has purchased a few new pieces so we combine a curbside pickup with a coffee meetup. We catch up on what’s been going on in each other’s lives.
She wears COKANNA for yoga class, for gardening, for dinners on the patio, for art exhibits, for travel and sightseeing, and at home.
Claire in the charcoal grey Claire zip-up jacket sightseeing in Arizona with her dog, Paddy.
At an art exhibit in her Maxine tank, cropped cardi, and Joan trousers.
Claire and her husband, Jim Logan who is an aboriginal artist, spend their winters down in Arizona.
Claire in her silky blue Vesna cardi with her husband, Jim, at a family birthday party in Arizona.
Every year she’s excited to get back down there. She looks forward to not only the weather and diverse landscape but wearing several of her older COKANNA pieces sitting in her Arizona closet. They’re always waiting for her to come back and wear them.
Claire in one of the original Maxine tanks in fiery fuchsia.
This really touched my heart. It’s a testament to the quality because these pieces date back to 2015. And also to the simple, classic lines that stay relevant and fashionable.
I told Claire that whenever I think of new design ideas or I’m writing some content or copy for my online shop, I think of her. She’s my ideal real-life customer.
Thank you Claire from the bottom of my heart for jumping onboard right from the beginning. For being a dedicated fan and continuing to support COKANNA for all these years.
Here’s what Claire recently purchased during the Summer Blowout Sale:
- Joan bamboo trousers in charcoal
- Lindsay bamboo cardirobe in fiery fuchsia
- Black bamboo fleece toque with muskrat pompom
- Golden bamboo fleece toque with multi-coloured muskrat pompom
The Summer Blowout Sale is still on. Grab a great deal on Canadian and ethically made bamboo clothing and accessories and become a fan too!
Until next time,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support local breast cancer organizations who treat the whole person and not just the disease.