Be The Muse

EVERYONE HAS A STORY...

DOMINIQUE HOULE

Model ✦ Photographer ✦ Social Media Co-ordinator

I’m Dominique, you know me as a photographer and model for KALMAKOVA Fashion Boutique. But for those of you dearios who are a bit curious and wish to know more, “come with us and you will see”…

I am a pianist, criminologist, school art teacher, cinephile and bookworm, dreamer, creator, plants[wo]man, foodie (especially where pastries are concerned), the daughter of an artist and an educator by profession - both of them the warrior poets that shaped every bit of me, bossy though caring sister and crazy but cool aunt.

More than anything, I love stories, whether they are retelling historical occurrences or moments of nostalgia, musical compositions or fictional tales. To name only a few, I’m the fantasy fanatic/geek that will make daily references to Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” & “The Dark Crystal”. I will add a touch of LOTR everywhere I can - from having a penchant for elvish attire to woodland settings, to appreciating food and “things that grow” as would a hobbit and I may or may not whisper “my preciousss” to cups of hot cocoa. I will sing along to roughly any Disney tune, though my favourite music genre is movie OSTs - in fact I was listening to soft piano covers of John William’s “Imperial March” whilst writing this short autobio. Through and through, I’m the “[girl] who wouldn’t grow up” and will always try to find “the best place by the fire” for a good tale as well as the manier occasions to play dress-up! 

All of which are key in why I am continually enthralled and inspired by KALMAKOVA. Endless possibilities, not just in that the designs and pieces are indeed versatile, but of places they’ll take you, stories they’ll make you think of, and adventures you’ll wear them on in return. 

Looking forward to every chapter 😉

~Dominique

STEPHANIE RICKEY

Model ✦ Social Media Co-ordinator

Hello there, it’s Stephanie, the woman with the dragon tattoo you may have noticed modeling a few of KALMAKOVA Fashion Boutique’s beautiful outfits. 😉 Here’s a bit about me and how I got completely hooked on KALMAKOVA...

I suppose there’s no better way to start then by declaring I grew up as a base brat across Canada :P  My story began in Digby, Nova Scotia, and has taken me to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Lac St-Denis, Québec, Gander, Newfoundland, and Kingston, Ontario, finally settling in Ottawa, Ontario.  Both of my parents are French Canadians from a little town in the Laurentians by the name of St-Jérôme. It’s no wonder traveling plays such a big part in my life, from different cultures to foods and landscapes to the woodland critter skittering across a path - big nature nerd here. As a little one, National Geographic documentaries were as much a part of my life as Saturday morning cartoons.

My professional life, initially working in social services and then transitioning into human resources, allows me to connect with people. My time outside of work involves hobbies such as baking (firm believer in starting with dessert or eating cake for breakfastJ, listening to music (love me some Metallica and Avenged Sevenfold), devouring a large variety of books from children’s literature to fantasy and anything in between, and simply living a life full of moments that are just amazeballz! 

KALMAKOVA is no exception as it brings all these things I love together! Not only are the pieces absolutely stunning, they can be worn in a ton of ways and on just as many occasions. They are so easy to pack and make traveling a breeze - making my traveler-self wink - you can easily bring outfits for hiking, exploring, or enjoying a casual dinner out, to an evening at the théâtre. There is nothing like finding clothing that feels so comfortable while making one feel beautiful at the same time.  I can’t wait to spy the next beautiful creations that are on the horizon.

~Steph