Introducing our dear friend and total babe, Kiara Schwartz. Growing up between Switzerland and Canada, Kiara’s love for travel and exploration was instilled at a young age. Kiara pursued this passion into university and graduated with a strong focus in fashion and digital marketing, eventually moving on to work in the fashion industry where she met Brunette the Label founder, Miriam Alden. These two babes bonded over road trips across the prairies and worked together to sell a variety of clothing brands to clients, becoming great friends along the way. In March 2010, Kiara decided to combine her two interests into her very own blog: TobruckAve. Named after the street Kiara grew up on in North Vancouver, B.C., TobruckAve quickly evolved to be a fashion, lifestyle, travel, and wellness destination for all. Kiara now blogs full time, balancing her busy schedule with yoga and meditation.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
To me it means that together we can uplift the collective. When we stand by each other to support and hold space for each other’s experiences and growth, that’s how we free ourselves of limiting beliefs. So, babes supporting babes means everyone wins: you, me, the universe; it’s a collective experience we are here for.
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
Since I was little my favourite quote has always been “Believe in yourself and never stop dreaming” and I don’t even know where it’s from. This was true when I was young, and is still true now and whenever I notice I’m holding myself back, I just draw my attention to that quote and everything softens.
What does an average day for you look like?
There are no average days, they are all the best because we get to breathe, be here and be the creator of our day! If it is just average, add something in to elevate it. Everyday, I set my alarm at 7am because it seems to be the sweet spot for me to wake up immediately. I make coffee, go back to bed, and read. It’s honestly my favourite part of the day no matter what follows! It’s a little capsule of self-love first thing every day and is non-negotiable. Even if I have to leave the house at 7am, I will set my alarm early to make time for this. When that segment is over, there’s a lot of screen time: laptops and iphones seem to rule the rest of the day. The physically social parts of my days are events around town and photo shoots. I also have a part-time job running marketing and communications for Werklab. I love Werklab because there are so many wonderful humans that are creating things there, so much good energy, and being at that office uplifts my soul! Some days end with yoga or meditation, and then an evening of emails begins accompanied by watching a low involvement TV show — currently Greys Anatomy. LOL
What inspired you to start pursuing the blogging industry?
The beauty of this industry when I started was that there were no parameters! The digital marketing industry was new and exciting, we could make our own rules, set standards, and innovate every day. The curiosity and excitement along with truly trusting my gut was what made me take the leap into this. Knowing that I had the power to create my own lifestyle and where I went, my job and dreams would follow.
What’s your most used app?
Instagram – Duh! Haha although I wish it wasn’t. A close second is VSCO because well…photo editing, and then the Podcast app.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Goop’s instant facial exfoliator.
What emoji best describes you?
Girl with one hand up cause I am ready! 🙋
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
Fashion brand: @donni, spiritual: @spiritualmanac, and the coolest spiritual mind: @loganhollowell
What’s your favourite place to travel to?
I would have to say Bali, Tofino, and Switzerland. All offer a serious connection to earth in a very different way.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Oh yeah! I did Karaoke in Tokyo and we selected Journey – Don’t stop believing! Obviously have to go with that! haha
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
Besides my Mom who is the ultimate babe, I would go with a dear friend. She is always there for a laugh, a cry, a brainstorm, a spiritual night in with tea and moon cards, and most definitely always holds a safe space for anything that’s going on in my life, as do I for her. I don’t think a babe that supports to the fullest is a one way situation. We would both drop everything for a cry on each others shoulder and know that there is no judgment, just truth in our little circle. Thank you Sara for being my babe.
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s always a reflection of the way I am feeling. Currently it’s a very clear reflection of simplicity and timelessness. My lifestyle revolves around feeling good, and the reflection of that is curating a more sustainable wardrobe that’s less about fast fashion and trends.
What is the most fulfilling part of your career?
Creative freedom and sharing what makes my soul happy with others.
Do you have a morning routine?
Yessss morning rituals have become my favourite. I wake up with closed eyes, smile, breathe, stretch, and drink whatever water is left over in my water bottle beside my bed. I then make a coffee, read in bed for at least 15 minutes, and write in my Five Minute Journal.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Binge watching shows I have already watched on Netflix.
When I dance I look like….
I should be in the movie “Bring It On.”
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Noticing highly annoyed reactions to situations that don’t warrant that type of reaction and using mindfulness practices to slow down these types of behaviours. When something doesn’t work immediately, I try to not to let myself go to 1000 percent…notice the reaction, breathe, and wait to address it again with love. It’s a daily practice.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business
Not tuning into a place of jealousy and comparison.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into your industry?
The landscape is ever changing, just like with any other industry! Many say to be yourself and you will succeed, and although this is true I feel it is a cop out that may work for some and not others. The people it does work for is because their “self” has a niche and is solving a problem or something relatable. Identify who you are at your core, identify why you want to join this community, and identify something about these two points that you think is your niche, then share that with no expectations attached. This is advice I give myself as well, I haven’t even gotten to this yet, but I am on the right path because it is feeling good.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Kiara on Instagram @tobruckave
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.