It’s the one year anniversary of Covid-19. For me, I think of March 16, 2020 as the first day of lockdown here in Ontario.

One year ago

Schools closed for March break and the Province of Ontario decided to keep them closed for 2 weeks following the break. I remember feeling relieved. There would be a 14-day quarantine period before our kids returned to school. Little did we know.

It took 3-4 hours for grocery shopping. We lined up outside the store waiting patiently to be let in one by one. Then we wiped down and disinfected everything before putting things away. Toilet paper and Lysol wipes disappeared off the shelves. Gas prices dipped down to 64 cents per litre, a far cry from $1.22 per litre one year later. Almost no one was wearing face masks and now it’s odd to see someone without a mask.

So much can happen in a year. Many people have died, many have lost their jobs, healthcare and front line workers became heroes. Small businesses have been hard hit especially restaurants, retailers, and face-to-face services not deemed essential.

Not wanting to sell

I remember not wanting to sell or promote my bamboo clothing because, of course, clothing was non-essential, even seemed frivolous. After a couple of months, I finally worked up the courage to message long time customers about a new dress I had coming out. I was almost apologetic. People responded back with kind and encouraging words. And then, I got one thumbs down. I was mortified and shut my computer down for the rest of the day and spent the next day feeling guilty.

But then, I started getting messages from customers telling me how much they loved their bamboo leggings. They were wearing them every day and many were wanting a 2nd pair.

So I came out of my shame-filled self indulgence and decided this is how I will be of service during these unprecedented times. I will provide women with a little comfort at a time when they need it.

One year later

Who would have thought during that 1st week of quarantine we’d still be here a year later. Who would have thought they could develop a vaccine in less than a year.

One year later. It seems like time has stood still but yet so much has happened. This period of time will go down in history and be studied and analyzed for generations to come. And, we are here living it.

One year later, I’m relaunching my Carolyn reversible dress. I think we’re all ready for something fresh, fun, and frivolous. Soon we’ll all be vaccinated. We’ll be able to go out for coffee, lunch, and dinner, to the theatre and movies. We’ll be able to hug each other again, and we’ll need something nice to wear. I’m so ready.

Mary Elin in the Silky Blue, Midnight Black, and Fiery Fuchsia Carolyn reversible dress with pockets.

Shop the Carolyn

Be safe and well,

~ 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 Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.