Vendor: Light & Soul Apparel / Creations
Letting what’s inside, out, eh? That seems to be the modus operandi of Light & Soul Apparel and Creations. And they have a lot to let out. Defying a category with their impressive range of artistic mediums and products, Light & Soul is appropriately called, as one of the founders Kai Cabunoc-Boettcher states, “a creations company.” For this innovative and fresh collective of artistic creators, the sky isn’t the limit, but a challenge. 
(“Don’t Stop” Lime T-Shirt created by Cody Thompson)
Holy doodle, do I ever love those Albertan mountains and that horizon. But I digress… The list of their ventures include crafting longboards, painting, T-shirt design, engineering death defying stunts, playing music and making movies, accurately representing Kai’s assurance that “any form of creation is what we want to explore.”
The positive energy and collaborative spirit that drives this company is evident in Light & Soul’s mission statement (down with the glut of irony, up with intention: I LOVE to hear this sort of earnest enthusiasm- I get chills, for real): “Let inspiration fuel the fire. Let’s dream some ideas. Let’s manifest them into our reality. Let’s let life flow. Collaborations will be the keys to masterpieces and the seeds to our prosperity. Let’s create some ripples.”
(Sorry no photo credit: let me know where its due)
This sense of dynamic playfulness and seeking is present in their products, and the community of relationships and collaborations they have already built. Collaborating locally first with Giant 45 and currently with The Gallery (at 113, 1013 17 Avenue SW Between 9th and 9A) as a sales venue, Light & Soul has also worked to create some memorable events at the stores. With over 900 people in their facebook group, party photos and wall posts prove that they probably have had a good time with every member.
A larger audience is taking note, too, as not only has their apparel line picked up in out of Calgary spots like Spruce Meadows, AB and Victoria, BC, but they were recently featured along with the Gallery in EnRoute magazine’s Top 25. Major kudos.
(“Sleeping Lady” Lavender Girls Drop-Shoulder created by Katie Green)
And a helping hand? They’ve got plenty to give. Vibing on the same plane as the PARKSALE in terms of working together to build creative communities, Light & Soul’s value of collaboration includes giving back to fellow young artists. They sponsor a number of people: athletes, artists, dance crews and DJs. As Kai explains, “We are the generation who get to create what Calgary’s culture is. No one can say what it will be or what it won’t be but if we continue to follow our dreams a beautiful culture will emerge within this beautiful city.” Driving that force through creating a network of cooperative creation is making the most of our generation for sure.
(“Mother Nature” Natural 100% All Natural Organic T created by Katie Green)
You can check out their website, which is under construction, at www.lightandsoulcreations.com. We had the pleasure of working with them at our PARKSHOW fashion and art show last March, and we can’t wait to get outside with them at this year’s PARKSALE. Maybe they can use the extra light they seem to have to get the sun to shine allll day long.
