“A Day in the Life” with Vancouver Fashion Artist Heather Dawson

Heather Dawson, the creative force behind Heather Lynn, embarked on a West Coast adventure with her family after high school in Ontario. Her blend of athleticism, kindness, and logical thinking imbues both her designs and daily life with a unique flair. Heather’s scientific background brings precision to her creations, complemented by her love for elegance and fine fabrics, adding sophistication to her brand.

By day, Heather teaches grade one students with her nurturing spirit, while evenings and weekends see her crafting sumptuous cashmere coats. Despite her occasionally reserved demeanour, she exudes warmth and it is always quick with a laugh and a cheeky joke. Heather finds joy in making a positive impact, whether through teaching or providing luxurious comfort with her coats.

Her commitment to community and uplifting others sets her apart, thriving in the company of inspiring women. Heather finds solace and inspiration in their collective efforts to spread joy and kindness. Being part of this supportive network is vital to her well-being, much like the soft embrace of her meticulously crafted cashmere coats. Heather’s resilience shines through, having endured eight strokes in the past five years, her ability to overcome and find gratitude is truly inspiring; adding depth to her character and story.

Heather Dawson
Excitedly prepping for the new school year, embracing my inner dork as we create a larger-than-life bulletin board display to welcome Grade One students alongside their teachers.
Heather Dawson
Everyday essentials: Heather Lynn coat, teacher bag, garment bag slung over one arm, and a delivery bag in tow. Ready for the day’s adventures, juggling our roles as small business owners with full-time jobs. And, of course, capturing the moment with an awkward hall mirror selfie.”Everything is content”.
In the company of my biggest supporters, my parents, in my favourite place, watching my favourite thing. Heather Lynn owes immeasurable gratitude to them—forever indebted for their unwavering support. Watching the sunset in Florida is a moment we treasure together.
In the candid reality of a small startup: arranging samples in the living room sparks where the magic begins. Despite its lack of glamour, this makeshift space ignites the creative journey of entrepreneurship.
Elevating our game: Ready for a remarkable pop-up event in Toronto, in collaboration with Very Polite Agency as Heather Lynn expands eastward. Despite the initial nerves (cue imposter syndrome), these events always leave me elated. Meeting so many wonderful people and introducing them to our products is truly rewarding.
A delightful surprise visit from my niece, Morgan, at the Kou Studio during a photoshoot. She had quite the eye for detail, insisting the model’s shirt be properly buttoned! Kids, always keeping us on our toes with their keen observations!
Heather Dawson
When a leisurely walk with the dog ignites inspiration: perpetually seeking growth and shifts in perspective. It’s remarkable how they emerge just when we need them most. As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”
Heather Dawson
Amidst the shimmering glow, these Vancouver city lights leave me breathless. Each night, I pause before bed, indulging in a moment of breath and gentle stretches by this window. It’s a serene conclusion to my day, filled with wonder and gratitude.

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Which ’hood are you in?

On weekdays, I’m based in Point Grey (for work), but I call downtown home. The Seawall? It’s my go-to spot in Vancouver, a place I love to visit whenever I can. Parking downtown can be a bit of a hassle, but luckily, getting around on foot is easy here. That’s one of the things I really appreciate about living in this city—being able to walk pretty much anywhere.

What do you do?

I craft a curated collection of women’s cashmere outerwear characterized by clean lines, meticulous attention to detail, and luxuriously soft, organic cashmere. My aim is to empower women to effortlessly exude sophistication and poise. Slipping into a superbly tailored cashmere coat is transformative—it elevates posture, ignites dreams, and instils confidence.

At Heather Lynn, our mission is simple yet profound: to extend this empowering experience to more women. We strive to inspire them to embrace the potent combination of strength and softness, allowing each of us to radiate our inner glow. Together, we stand tall, united in our shared journey toward self-assuredness and elegance. With each impeccably crafted piece, we invite women to embrace their inherent power and grace, knowing that true beauty lies in the harmony of both.

What are you currently working on?

I’m constantly on the lookout for fresh ideas and ways to enhance our offerings. Right now, we’re in the midst of creating a stunning, timeless trench coat for Spring 2025. Additionally, we’re busy developing unique colourways for fall and gearing up to introduce our fabulous cashmere socks. Oh, and let’s not forget about the finishing touches on our luxurious cashmere cape. It’s all so exciting!

Where can we find your work?

We are so fortunate that you can currently find us at Rebecca Bree in Vancouver and online. We thrive on collaborations with other luxury female-led brands, often appearing in pop-up stores together.

As autumn rolls around, keep an eye out for us at Bernstein and Gold in Victoria, Lewellyn Shop in North Vancouver, and various locations in Calgary, Ontario, and the Northern United States. We’re expanding our reach and can’t wait to bring our designs to even more destinations!

 

About Demian Vernieri 597 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.