Interview with Catherine Éthier

Columnist Catherine Éthier gives us a touching testimony about her struggles

Known and loved for her unique style, effervescent personality and biting humor, the columnist Catherine Éthier makes fans wherever she goes.

It’s with courage and modesty that the talented creator talks to us about her struggle with compulsive buying disorder.

When did you realize that your spending habits had become problematic?

I have been struggling with compulsive buying for several years. I’m able to face it, now, and I’m working on handling the consequences but the last few years have been trying. It’s important for me to talk about what I’m going through. On one hand, it’s part of my journey, on the other hand, there’s great strength in naming these things, in breaking the perfect perception the public may have of us and in using our experiences to help others.

I started losing control about two years ago. I always liked buying clothes and accessories, but online shopping had become a kind of escape. I could go shop online five times when I would be writing a text that was stressing me out. I saw it as simple procrastination, just like washing the dishes or wasting time on Instagram, but with $500 boots.

I was addicted to the euphoria that came with the act of buying online, however short-lived it was, and I was rationalizing my spending by telling myself that I needed to be fashion-forward for work. In fact, I had enough clothes for all the launches in the world for the next ten years.

 

How did you manage to get through it?

I started opening up to the people around me. I waited a long time because I’m not one to talk to people about my problems, but I had gotten to a point where I had no other choice. I had hit rock bottom. I was ashamed of this addiction that I found to be absurd, of this privileged problem, of this compulsive spending that completely went against my values. I wasn’t able to show myself the compassion and kindness I needed to get back on my feet, something my family and close friends were able to do.

I knew that I had a problem, but it’s only when I started talking about it that I realized that I needed help, that I wasn’t a bad person and that there were solutions. I had to admit my problems to others before I could start forgiving myself and, in a way, start breathing again. Talking is the last frontier of shame.

What are the tools that help you the most in your fight against this addiction?

There are a lot of different approaches, but for me, it’s very beneficial to reflect on the way I spend. Instead of letting myself get blinded by sales, I tend to opt for quality, responsible production and local purchasing. Fortunately, there are several resources to learn how to better manage our spending and also, a number of professionals able to help regain control of our finances.

Everyone overconsumes to a certain degree and the society we live in constantly pushes us to buy things without thinking about the consequences. Thinking about the very real individuals on which my purchases have an actual impact helps me very much. They aren’t only objects; there are people behind those objects.

Finally, talking about it with other people is very helpful to me. When we live in shame and judgment, we always underestimate the empathy and understanding that other people are capable of. Realizing that we are not alone, and that there are tools to help us pull through, makes all the difference.  

Protected and Commited thanks to Mineral Filters

No compromise! Good for your skin and the environment!

It is now possible to protect and beautify your skin in the sun, while still doing your part for the environment thanks to our 100% mineral filters and vegan suncare products!

Mineral Filters vs Chemical Filters

Enjoy the sun and protect your skin all while doing your part for the environment, thanks to our 100% mineral filter suncare that helps preserve ocean health and coral reefs!

Suncare products can be mineral-based or chemical-base. The first one are known to  be harmful to the environment, while mineral filters are safe for you and  to aquatic life and coral reefs.

What is a mineral filter? 

A mineral filter* formulated with zinc oxide forms a thin protective layer on the surface of skin working as a shield against sunrays. Mineral suncare provide a strong coverage and are effective immediatly.

They basically act as shields against UV rays: just like a boomerang, they deflect UV rays away from skin before they even come in contact with the skin. 

On the other hand, chemical-based suncare takes longer to become completely effecive and act more like a sponge. Once filters have completely penetrated the skin, they work by letting the UV rays penetrating the skin surface before neutralizing them and turning them into heat.

Which one to choose? 

100% Mineral Fluid Flawless Skin SPF 30

Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association, this Mineral Fluid is suitable for every skin type!

Squeeze a dime-size amount of our 100% Mineral Fluid Flawless Skin* into the palm of  your hand, then apply on your face by blending outward. Gluten free and 100% vegan, promotes hydration of skin and provides it with protection against sunburns, dryness and discomfort due to sun exposure, and signs of aging.

It creates a thin veil on skin that blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines for a natural finish.

Silky and lightly pigmented, it is suitable for every skin tone. Can be worn under makeup or as touch-ups during the day. Protected against UVA/UVB rays, skin is moisturized, radiant and revitalized.

 

We love how it is effective immediately after application, its light and non-comedogenic formula blends quickly and provides softness and comfort to skin.

*100% mineral sunscreen, which is more respectful of the oceans.

100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Our 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 moisturizes, protects and soothes skin over the entire body and still preserve ocean health and coral reefs! This sunscreen lotion preserves even the most sensitive skin against sunburns, dryness and discomfort due to sun exposure, and signs of aging. 

We love its light and non-greasy formula that penetrates quickly the skin without leaving white traces behind.

Its 100 % mineral and vegan formula, is gluten free, paraben free, perfume free, colorant free. Don't forget to bring it during your next family outings, because it is suitable for the entire family and children aged 6 months and older!

Interview with Joannie Houle

Get to know the passionate woman behind the illustrations of this month’s beauty box!

Native to the Lanaudière region and living in Montreal, artist and illustrator Joannie Houle gets her inspiration from the beauty and colors of nature in order to create.

Joannie Houle

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a self-taught artist. I’ve always been very artistic; from a young age, I was already attracted to the visual arts, but also by the cinema, dance, music… Art has always been a part of me. I’m very sensitive, emotional and always looking for more depth and meaning in my life as well as in my work.

 

You talk about art and illustrating with palpable passion. Did you always know you wanted to become an artist?

No! I studied marketing. When I entered the work force, I was using art to escape, relieve my anxiety and get away from it all. I quickly realized that working in an office wasn’t for me.

 

HOW DID YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION TO A CAREER AS AN ILLUSTRATOR?


At first, I was painting more than anything else. My work has been exhibited in several galleries in Montreal and Quebec, then I slowly started to turn to illustration through an Etsy boutique. Unlike paintings, illustrations are more affordable and accessible. Selling online allowed me to reach a greater audience and become better known to, eventually, do freelance contracts, posters, textile illustrations, collaborations with companies and all sorts of other projects.

Not only was I able to express my creative side but I also found my bachelor’s degree in marketing to be very useful for the management of what would become my company in 2015. I’m a very anxious but very organized person. I need this structure to create in peace.

You’ve been talking about anxiety; in what way did your art influence or was influenced by your own experience with mental health issues? 

At the time I started illustrating, right in the middle of a major professional reassessment, I was also going through some intense turmoil in my personal life. I was suffering from panic attacks, generalized anxiety, insomnia… Art saved me in a way. It’s well known that it has beneficial effects on mental health. As for me, it helped me center myself, find balance and well-being; it’s through art that I learned to surpass myself and rebuilt my self-esteem.

Creating gives me joy but also the energy I need to keep moving forward. It wasn’t easy to admit that I hadn’t taken the right decisions regarding my career but by experimenting with different mediums and styles, I found my identity and learned how to follow my instincts. Ultimately, art became both my new purpose in life and the tool that would allow me to pick myself back up.

 

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Nature! Plants, flowers, colors, details, creatures. Beyond the beauty of what nature holds, there is also its strength and diversity. I love birds, for their beauty and the sense of freedom that they evoke. I also love design and beautiful things. I like keeping up with the trends and it influences the colors and styles of my illustrations.

Joannie Houle
Revivre

Why did you choose the Revivre organization?

It’s an organization that helps people living with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. They provide invaluable help to people in need. When I, myself, was suffering from depression and anxiety, I had the immense chance of being in the care of extraordinary people who did everything they could to help me. They took care of me and allowed me to question myself, rebuild myself and move forward with the next step in my life. It means a lot to me to know that people like them dedicate their lives to helping other people.

Mental health affects everybody, directly or indirectly. Stories like mine are a part of life and something positive can come out of it, as long as we have access to the necessary support. I received it when I needed it and I believe that everyone should get that chance.

 

Follow Joannie on her creative journey! 

Check out her work and online shop  www.joanniehoule.com 

Follow her on Instagram 

 

Innovation Alert : Gemmotherapy

A genius of plant of life still unequaled !

To create the NEW Anti-Age Global line, Yves Rocher Botanical Beauty researchers drew inspiration from ancestral knowledge: Gemmotherapy, the science of buds!

Gemmotherapy is the science of buds.

This name comes from the Latin «gemmae» which etymologically means «precious stone». Buds are remarkable because they can give birth to any part of the plant.

In their core, they concentrate all the elements that are essential for life and for plant growth: vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Buds’ capacity for development and transformation is also linked to the significant presence of precious plant cells in their tissues, cells with an exceptional renewal capacity.

 

Scientists from the Yves Rocher Brand have succeeded in bringing together this ancestral inspiration and Botanical Beauty innovation in our new Anti-Age Global skincare line.

They have selected a patented plant biotechnology process that allows them, using a single extract from a selected and preserved plant, to create an innovative active: BOTANICAL BUD NECTAR.

It is at the heart of buds that our Botanical Beauty researchers have selected a precious Botanical Nectar for its unique regenerative ability. It works at the core of skin for an exceptional regeneration of its appearance after 72h and improves its cohesion to recreate perfect harmony* thereby contribuing to a global anti-aging action.

*In vitro tests.
Botanical Bud Nectar: 3 patents filed in France

Product focus : The Supra Essence

With over 94% ingredients of natural origin,  the new Anti-Age Global formulas are vegan, and respects both the skin and the planet! Let's take a closer look at one of the products from this new line: The Supra Essence

How to use it? 
Take a few drops, using the pipette, designed to give you the right dose. Then, apply light pressure on your face and gently massage it from the inside to the outside.

The fluid and moisturizing texture of the Essence should be applied mornings and evenings all over the face and on a well-cleansed skin.

What are its benefits? 
Skin appear intensely renewed, with all the signs of age corrected**.

Day after day, the skin texture feels smoother and more radiant. Day after day,  wrinkles appear reduced, skin becomes firmer and  complexion is more even. In 1 month, the skin is replumped and revitalized.

After 28 days, the radiance of the skin's complexion is boosted by 111%*!

*Semi-structured sensorial scale.
**In vitro and metrological tests on volunteers.

Have you tried the Anti-Age Global routine? Tell us what you think!

Interview with Guylaine Guay

Author, comedian, lecturer, actress and mother, Guylaine Guay has touched the heart of Quebecers as a features reporter and through her many roles on the small and big screens.

Mother of boys living with autism spectrum disorder, she puts her humor, honesty and big heart to good use in her writing and her work with the Véro & Louis Foundation of which is she the sponsor… and muse.   

Guylaine GuayPhoto credit: Andréanne Gauthier

You said that you wanted to talk to us about the role of mothers in 2018. What place does this role occupy in your life?

I would say that I’m a woman, first and foremost, and a mother second. I know that this may sound surprising; we’re not used to hearing a mother putting her role second but it’s my philosophy that if Guylaine isn’t doing well, if she’s not happy, then she won’t be able to make her children happy.

Therefore, I make sure that I take time for myself without feeling guilty, when I need it. My family knows I’m there for them but that I also need alone time and silence. And it suits everyone very well. I think that when we explain these things, when we name them, those close to us understand and accept them.

Tell us about your two boys, Léo and Clovis.

My eldest son, Léo, is almost 18 and my youngest is almost 16. They are both living with autism spectrum disorder. Léo is verbal, more functional and Clovis is nonverbal. He understands everything and communicates with his entire being but doesn’t speak.

Clovis got his diagnosis first. He was 3 and showed more apparent signs of autism, he walked on tiptoes, didn’t look us in the eye and didn’t speak. Needless to say, it was a shock. There was still very little information about autism at the time. People hardly talked about it. I had to do a lot of research on my own.

Years later, Léo was also diagnosed. His diagnosis didn’t come as a surprise to us, but rather as a relief, knowing what you’re facing makes things much easier. It allowed him to have access to the schools and services he needed. It’s very comforting for a parent to know that their child is in good hands. Unfortunately, not everyone gets that chance.

What were your more precious tools to face your children’s special needs?

When I got pregnant with my first child, I was living in Nuvanut I was on the pill… His arrival was such a surprise that I saw it as a sign! I had never intended on having children, so I had never dreamt of the perfect child. Therefore, I didn’t have to mourn that lost and I was able to accept my sons as they were. Accepting the diagnosis helped me a lot. I took on that challenge one day at a time without letting the fear of the unknown overwhelm to me.

I also owe a great deal to my natural ability to accept differences; at home, perfection and social pressure don’t exist. I have no interest in what other people think or in competition. Finally, openly discussing the condition with others helps tremendously. Talking opens hearts and minds.

Tell us about the Véro & Louis Foundation of which you are the sponsor and to which you decided to donate a $1 per Act Beautiful Beauty Box sold.

It’s a magical story! In 2014, I wrote a book, Deux garçons à la mère, which told the story of my daily life with my sons. In a chapter about their future I wrote this short sentence: "I dream of a big house filled with love and I know someone who’s very generous will read this line''  Véronique Cloutier read it and got in touch with me.

A year and a half later, the Foundation was born, with the mission of building and managing houses adapted to adults aged 21 years old and older living with autism spectrum disorder. From this age onwards, people with autism are no longer supported by the public system and a number of them, like my son Clovis, will always be in need of assistance on a daily basis as well as an environment designed to provide them with comfort and safety. The Véro & Louis houses will be able to accommodate them in the long term. When he turns 21, Clovis will be able to go live in one of the houses and stay there for life.

It’s an entirely new model that we hope will be replicated throughout Quebec. The construction of the first house has started and it is located on beautiful grounds in Varennes. What touches me the most about this project is that it re-establishes the rightful place of difference. We’re telling people who are different that they too have a right to new and beautiful things. To a happy life. This house gives me peace of mind, and I hope to help as many parents as possible get it as well.

 

Véro & Louis FoundationPhoto credit: Véro & Louis Foundation

Lastly, what advice would you give the parents of children living with autism spectrum disorder?

Even though, everyday life isn’t always easy, don’t be ashamed of your children. Be proud of their difference.

Interview with Sophie Bienvenu

Born in Belgium and settled in Quebec for over 15 years, Sophie Bienvenu quickly established herself as one of the foremost writers on the local and international literary scene.

Her first novel, Et au pire on se mariera, received numerous awards and was adapted for the stage by the Ex-Libris company and the big screen by filmmaker Léa Pool. She has since written two other novels (Chercher Sam, 2014 and Around Her, 2016), a children’s book (La princesse qui voulait devenir générale, 2017) and a poetry collection (Ceci n'est pas de l'amour, 2016). She is currently writing the screenplay for the film adaptation of Chercher Sam and two TV series.

Sophie BienvenuCrédit Sarah Scott

For the past few years, you have been calling for the use of the word autrice, rather than the more common auteure, to describe your profession. Why autrice?

When I started using it, it was a feminist statement. Why would we say auteure when the feminine form of -teur, is -trice? After noticing that it was being used by French feminists, I did some research and found out that in the 17th century, the Académie française – formed exclusively of men – decided to erase from the language all the feminine versions of powerful or public speaking professions on the pretext that there were reserved for men.

The word autrice, in use up to that point, disappeared with several others. Language is my profession; it’s important for me to use the right words because every word represents a choice. Using autrice is making sure that the feminine form is not only read but also heard. 

 

IN WHAT WAY DID BEING A WOMAN INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?

 Without being an obstacle in itself, being a woman probably didn’t do me any favors. The literary world remains quite macho; it is clear in the number of publishing companies run by women or even the amount of writing done by women compared to the number of literary prizes awarded to them. 

Though great wealth can be found in the feminine experience, people are more interested in male characters with which they are used to identify, regardless of their gender. We easily identify with men, white people and straight characters because they are so widely represented that we perceive their experiences as being universal. However, when we write a story featuring a female character, it immediately becomes "chick lit".

When I started this profession, I didn’t really think about all that. As I was writing my first novel, I didn’t consider myself to be a feminist, but today I openly am. My personal journey has evidently influenced the way I write. The more I find out and evolve in my militancy, the more I feel the need to tell women’s stories and have a feminist and intersectional message in my works.

What do you mean by intersectional feminism?

For me, intersectionality is the encounter between feminism and anti-racism, two inseparable battles that are very important to me. While aware of the oppression I am subjected to as a woman, I acknowledge my privileges as a white person. It is my duty to use them to support the women who don’t benefit from those privileges and make sure that they also have a seat at the table.

Feminism means to claim the right of women to make their own choices. To say what they think, wear what they want and live as they see fit. There is no single choice that is valid or a single outlook on life. In my opinion, it is important to change perspectives; avoid judging what is good for other people through my privileged eyes and impose my values on everyone else.

I find white and occidental feminism hypocritical in the way it infantilizes women from different cultures and tries to control them on the pretext that it wants to free them, assuming that they are incapable of making decisions for themselves. Deciding on behalf of another woman has nothing to do with feminism. The right to choose should be granted to all women whether or not their decisions are ones we would make for ourselves. 

How do you broach the subject in your stories?

It’s important for me to talk about women in their plurality, complexity and difference. I make an effort to include a greater diversity of characters but most importantly, to do it correctly. For my next novel that takes place in the Caribbean, for example, I had discussions and will continue to have discussions with several Caribbean women in order to properly represent them. It’s not enough to write a character, color them brown and say that they are Caribbean.

In literature, too many female characters are stereotyped. In detective novels, there’s the sexy girl or the serious girl; these days, everywhere we look there’s the perfect, quasi-superhero female character. The way in which writing meets intersectionality is that there isn’t just one woman’s story; there are as many different women as there are stories to be told.

As you know, Yves Rocher Canada made a commitment to donate funds to the organization of your choice as part the Act Beautiful campaign. Why did you choose the Centre des femmes d’ici et d’ailleurs?

 It’s an organization that represents the society in which I would like to live. A place where women from all origins can come together, share and help each other. I love the idea that a woman coming from elsewhere without any points of references, resources or even speaking the language, can go to the Center and receive services suited to her needs. We often speak about the integration of new immigrants, but integration isn’t possible without breaking the solitude.

The Centre des Femmes d’Ici et d’Ailleurs is a place of mutual support for women with, rather than in spite of, their differences. And female solidarity is one of the most powerful and transformative thing there is.

Centre des Femmes d'Ici et d'Ailleurs

Interview with Natacha Besançon

Natacha has been a midwife for the past 6 years on the island of Montreal at the Côte-des-Neiges Birthing Center, Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre.

 In 2018, she decided to go work on occasion for the Tulattavik Health Center in the Ungava Bay in Nunavik in the Inuit village of Kuujjuaq. She tells us about her experience and her first contact with the Inuke woman.

Natacha Besançon

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MIDWIFE? TO CHOOSE A PROFESSION WHICH ESSENTIALLY REVOLVES AROUND WOMEN?

It is primarily the philosophy of the Quebec midwife that steered me on this path. She aims to encourage women’s empowerment, free choice in the transformative process that are pregnancy and childbirth but also the holistic approach intend on creating a link between the needs of the body, the psychosocial and at times, even the spiritual aspect of the experience.  

WHAT LED YOU TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM PRACTISING YOUR PROFESSION IN MONTREAL TO THE COMMUNITY OF WOMEN IN KUUJJUAQ? WHY MAKE THIS DECISION?

The willingness to put my expertise to the test and learn more in a completely different environment. Kuujjuaq is a small northern town inhabited by 2800 souls, who make up a community, now settled down in one place, living between tradition and modernity, and where issues relating to pregnant women are so far removed from that of Montreal women. And yet, the need is the same: make this experience transformative and positive.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS AFTER YOUR FIRST 3-WEEK STAY IN KUUJJUAQ?

The remoteness of the town calls for an extraordinary multidisciplinarity between the different personnel members; there is unique cohesion among the treatment team because it is essential. Kuujjuaq is one of the treatment centers that welcome pregnant women from different surrounding villages. They come to the center a few weeks before their due date and leave a few days after giving birth. We hope that someday there will be enough midwives, preferably from the local population, to allow them to stay put. I’m inspired by the resilience of these women with often difficult life circumstances. I admire the intergenerational feminine support, although dysfunctional at times, which characterizes the childbirth experiences I took part in while I was there. The woman giving birth is surrounded by women of all ages, family or community members, who saw her grow up. I seem to have a lot more to learn and see, that’s why I’m going back for two months this summer.    

WE THINK THAT YOU COULD INSPIRE WOMEN TO TAKE INITIATIVE IN THEIR OWN FIELDS. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO WOMEN’S CAUSES?

Give yourself room to grow, overcome your fears; don’t let them stop you from reaching your potential. Be at the service of others, be part of a group instead of putting individualism first. Step outside your comfort zone to always learn more about yourself and others. Just like a woman giving birth, we are capable of unexpected strength, go through hardship and reveal our most beautiful qualities.

AS YOU KNOW, YVES ROCHER CANADA MADE A COMMITMENT TO DONATE FUNDS TO THE CAUSE OF YOUR CHOICE THROUGH OUR ACT BEAUTIFUL CAMPAIGN. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS CAUSE? WHY IS IT CLOSE TO YOUR HEART?  WHAT’S THEIR MISSION?

I chose La Maison Bleue in Côte-des-Neiges. It was founded in May 2007 to break the isolation of pregnant women living in vulnerable situations and provide them with the necessary resources in order for their child to be born and grow up in conditions conducive to their full development.

Inspired by the courage of these women, the co-founders set about creating an entire community of mutual aid around these women and their families, a network of support made up of health and social service professionals (family doctors, midwives, nurses, social workers, special education teachers and psychoeducators) of therapists and volunteers providing a welcoming environment where the women have access to care and services given on a human level.

La Maison Bleue

It is located next to the Birthing Center where I’ve been working for the last 6 years. This non-profit and charitable organization now has three houses in Montreal (Côtes-des-Neiges, Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel). Though I have projects in Kujjuuaq, I’m aware of the numerous needs of families here in Montreal and I would like them to benefit from your campaign. I thank you on their behalf.

La Maison BleueLa Maison Bleue
La Maison BleueLa Maison Bleue