Meet Joan

Meet Joan, the woman behind the Joan pant. Joan says it’s difficult to find pants that are wide enough in the leg. She likes the comfort of a legging but doesn’t like the snug fit and look.

I wanted to change that. Joan is a fantastic fit and role model. She let me take her measurements. She measured and brought in pants that fit her well particularly around the knees. I made samples. She tried them on. We made adjustments. After several iterations, we found the right look and fit. Then, it was only fitting to name the new pant in her honour.

Joan’s had two knee replacements. Both were painful operations with long recovery periods. But, Joan is a tough lady and determined to enjoy all the things she did prior to her knee problems. While others might have hung up their skates, Joan was back on the ice within 3 months of her first surgery and 6 weeks after the second one. To see her skating around the rink today…well, not actually today but before quarantine…you’d never know she has two bionic knees. Or maybe, that’s the secret, she’s got bionic knees. Remember the Six Million Dollar Man? Come to think of it, I seem to recall a Bionic Woman too.

Joan the woman

Let me tell you more about Joan so you know why I love, admire, and respect her so much. Joan is Ottawa born and raised. She lives on a small farm just outside of Ottawa with her husband of 47 years. They raise turkeys together. Around the holidays, Joan can be seen delivering turkeys out of the back of her car in the skating rink parking lot.

Joan has 2 daughters and 3 grandkids she adores. She loves to travel especially to places where she can indulge in some hiking. She was in Costa Rice in February. Luckily she arrived home before the pandemic struck with a vengeance.

Meet the women behind the Joan pant designed for arthritic knees

Looking happy and relaxed in Costa Rica

Closer to home, Joan spends a lot of time in the Gatineau Hills either hiking or snowshoeing depending on the season. That is when she’s not working as a bookkeeper for small businesses in the Ottawa area. On the ice, Joan does pattern dances and figures and has even competed on a synchronized figure skating team.

Joan the pants

Joan says, “I love my Joan pants because they follow me everywhere – to work, to skate, to hike (but I don’t always let them. I’m afraid of ruining them if I fall 🙂 ) – and even out to dinner. They always look neat. A true multi-functional pant.”

Joan Trouser - Midnight Black

Joan Pant in Midnight Black

Thank you, Joan for inspiring me to create a pant that works for you and other women who like a wider leg pant that feels like a legging but doesn’t look like a legging. They are more substantial in weight than your typical legging in soft and breathable bamboo french terry.

To get your own pair of Joan pants: BUY NOW

Until next week, be safe and well.

~ Colleen

Colleen Kanna, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

 

Colleen Kanna is a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer.

She is the creator of COKANNA Canadian made bamboo clothing for women that’s all about comfort and style.

Colleen supports Rethink Breast Cancer’s metastatic breast cancer support, education, and advocacy work.