Lindsey is a mega-talented non-traditional traditional artist based on PEI! Here's a bit about her inspiration behind the artwork.
"I have really loved seeing the Island’s Pride month grow and change. I volunteered with ARCPEI in 2009- And recall that they could not even get street traffic stopped for a parade- They could simply drive down one side of the street at a given time and that was it. It didn’t feel like a celebration but like a reminder of how little this event was prioritized.
Moving home recently, and seeing that PEI now celebrates not just a parade but it’s own month of events across the Island- I’m super proud. You can see that lots of hard work and hours have gone into creating space for everyone. I’m an ally, friend and family to many who benefit from seeing themselves represented.
I’d thought of how I wanted to be able to give financially to Pride PEI, but it’s not always doable when running a small business. I have been volunteering hours, but it’s clear that the more we can help ease the financial strain of Pride events, the lower the cost is for attendance and the more accessible they become.
This piece is something that I was able to contribute with the skills I have. I feel so fortunate that those who had the talent to take this from a drawing to apparel stepped up with me. My skills are really with pen and paper, but it took a lot of work to take my image and turn it into a design ready for printing on apparel.
The process for me began with a pencil sketch of what were originally little starlings on a branch. I didn’t have to go far for inspiration- My yard has been a mecca for them lately. They went from pencil outline to watercolour, to ink. I generally have an idea of how things will turn out, but when there’s a mistake and it’s in ink, I just go with it. I had a lot of fun with these little guys, from a variety of colours to the little looks in their eyes."
I am thrilled that Local Legends Apparel in partnership with Lindsey Ross Fine Art and Golden Custom Clothing are able to offer this limited edition PRIDE Peeps t-shirt as a fundraiser for PRIDE PEI!
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Show your friends from away how to get around on PEI! Perfect for explaining the difference between Up West and Out West, starting an argument about the existence of Up East and pointing out Friggin Cavendish!
Use promo code LOCAL2019 for pickup in Charlottetown.
Pre-orders will be open until June 17th and shirts will be shipped by July 8th.
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There's nothing better than receiving a practical gift that is also gorgeous! AND There's nothing better than giving someone you love a gift that warms them on those cold, snowy days. Some of my current favourites are Louis & Jane and Little Bee Yarn Works!
Personally, I love waking up in the morning, brewing up a fresh americano and sipping it quietly from the mug that a good friend has gifted to me. I feel closer to them and I think of them. Sometimes I'll even send them a quick message to let them know they've crossed my mind or how much I'm enjoying their gift! Some of my favourites in the cupboard are from Village Pottery and PEI Potters Cove <3
The concept of self-care is likely something you've been hearing a lot of lately. It's a reminder to slow down, take a moment for yourself, and look after your own well-being. Some of my favourite self-care product come from Lou La Belle Skincare and sweet, wholesome, raw cacao treats from Nurturing Essence!
Reading a card and relating to it so well that it hurts is a specialty of three local gals'! Check out Lyndsey Paynter Fine Art, Kim Roach Design, and Tiffany Mac Design if you want a good belly laugh between friends this Christmas!
Being away during the holidays is HARD! Crawling under a blanket or into a cozy sweater and making a recipe that eases that homesickness is a lifesaver sometimes! You can get a local blanket from Spindrift Weaving, a cozy sweater from Local Legends, and the sweetest recipe illustrations from Glorey B, a fabulous local artist who has put a creative spin on treasuring family-favourite recipes!
]]>Man of Many Hats
From the minute you meet Todd MacLean his joie de vie is evident from his easy laugh, warm mannerisms and seemingly boundless energy. His engaging personality paired with multiple talents and an ambitious spirit have made Todd a Local Legend on PEI and beyond, though it’s impossible to say precisely which of the many hats he wears has earned him this title - perhaps it’s all of them!!
In music circles, he’s best known as a multi-talented instrumentalist with mad keyboard and sax skills that he’s brought to many bands over the years. His current musical outlet is co-songwriter/keyboardist/guitarist/saxophonist with the Amanda Jackson Band, whom he recently performed with on Earth Day at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.
Todd and his wife, Savannah Belsher-MacLean are also known by those with a penchant for historic buildings and unique spaces, for their inspiring restoration of Hazelbrook Homestead – which now serves as a venue for weddings and other gatherings, as well as a tourist accommodation. For anyone who’s had the pleasure of visiting the Homestead, the amount of work and love that went into its restoration is evident.
Many know Todd best as the creator and editor of Global Chorus: 365 Voices on the Future of the Planet, an inspiring collection of meditations and insights from 365 humans that care deeply about the future of the planet, including Jane Goodall, Nelson Mandela, Stephen Hawking and David Suzuki (to name just a few).
Local Legends had a chance to chat with Todd and get the scoop on what makes him tick, why he loves PEI and how writing and music have shaped his life.
Photo by Carla McKie
On Communing with Nature
Besides his immediate family, whom Todd credits with inspiring him to live life to its fullest, Mother Nature has clearly also had an enduring impact on Todd, who grew up on his family’s mini-farm in Meadowbank and now lives in Belfast, PEI.
“When I was little, I'd go to sit by the stream in our backwoods behind our house in Meadowbank – that taught me a lot, and gave me so much. I’m still filled with gratitude for that opportunity to commune with nature like that at a young age. I also spent a lot of time in the summertimes at our cottage in Savage Harbour when I was growing up. In our wedding ceremony, instead of doing something like a sand ceremony, [Savannah and I] both collected water from our home places – I had water from the stream in our backwoods, and Savannah had water from the beach there in Guernsey Cove [where she grew up] – and we poured them together as one.”
Photo by Melissa Harding Photography
For the Love of PEI
Choosing where to make your home can be a difficult decision for some, but for Todd and his wife, the choice was simple.
“Savannah and I have chosen to make PEI our home because of how much we love it. I think there's a natural instinct in all of us to be pulled back to the place where we grew up; luckily for us, it just happens to be one of the most wonderful places on Earth.”
When asked what the top 3 things he loves about living and working on PEI are, Todd didn’t hesitate with a list that most Islanders would wholeheartedly agree with:
Photo by Jeff Babineau Photography
Failure Fuel and a Help-Hungry World
Oftentimes, we aren’t privy to the many obstacles and even the failures a person endures on their quest to bring something to life. Such is the case with Todd’s journey to take Global Chorus from an idea he had in the shower to a published print book available in bookstores across the country and online.
“I wouldn't have done Global Chorus if my wife (along with a few colleagues whom I approached for advice) didn't say to me, "Just start doing it, and see what happens." And then, once things got going with the project, I worked a lot on what I liked to call "Failure Fuel": Whenever one door would slam in my face, I would immediately spring out from the energy of that door slam to find the next door to try. Because, let's face it, there's always another door.
So, to someone who has an idea that they want to realize, I say: Begin it, and pour your energy into it, wholeheartedly. The really good ideas (the ones that you KNOW are right to follow – and you know it with every fibre of your being), these come to us for a reason. I believe that, most often times, they're planted in our minds to bring some sort of help to this help-hungry world that very well could use that idea of yours brought to life.”
On Living Sustainably and Working Collectively
When asked if/how his work on Global Chorus has changed his perceptions about the environmental crisis we currently face, Todd had this to share:
“It's helped crystallize for me how it's all about our ability to focus, as a global community. We humans can accomplish astounding feats, either individually or collectively, when we focus on a goal. Unfortunately, most of us are presently either too distracted or uninformed, or simply, for whatever reason(s), the majority of us do not believe that the quest to live sustainably bears enough importance at the present time. Those who are in the know must do all they can do to help adjust the collective global focus toward the goal of sustainable living.”
What’s on the Horizon
You just know, before you even ask “What’s new?”, that someone like Todd is going to have a litany of projects on the go. There’s certainly no ‘resting on laurels (or yannys)’ for this energetic, creative Local Legend. Todd shared a few of the projects he’s currently working on and most excited about. We’ve listed them in separate paragraphs for an extra ‘wow’ factor!
It's so great to be a co-songwriter in Amanda Jackson Band, and we've been working hard recently on writing new material. Our debut album Fire in the Blue came out last year, and we've got our sights on doing a new album sometime soon.
I also have a solo musical project I'm recording now, at my father-in-law's (Gordon Belsher's) studio in Guernsey Cove.
I'm excited to be returning to Tara MacLean's Atlantic Blue at The Guild again this summer.
And I'm also excited about the five weddings and many groups of guests that we're hosting at Hazelbrook Homestead this summer.
And I have a new book project that is slated to get underway later this year: an environmental book targeted at a younger reading audience.
A Local Legend, Indeed
There’s no doubt in our minds that Todd’s a Local Legend, but if for some strange reason you still need convincing, Todd has another, lesser-known talent that surely solidifies his reputation as a multi-talented Local Legend:
“I can eat popcorn with my toes.”
Written by Shannon Courtney
]]>Our spring line-up is full of fun, summery vibes and we can’t wait to show ‘em off. We’ll be launching the new line at the Etsy Artisans of PEI Spring Market, which takes place April 28th and 29th at the Delta Prince Edward. We look forward to seeing you there.
]]>2017 seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye here at Local Legends headquarters, but when we look back at those 365 days, it’s like we’re miles and miles from where we started the year! Bottom line, we were (and still are) going through a major growth spurt - the kind that demands a second helping of Mom’s spaghetti dinner and maybe a third some days.
A big highlight of 2017 was bringing three new retail partners into the Local Legends family. We LOVE PEI for some many reasons, but one of the biggies is that there’s a really collaborative and supportive business community here - everyone is working together to help everyone succeed. Big shout out to all of our retail partners - Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Suppers in Rustico, Sea Garden in Springbrook, The Shore Market in Brackley, The Old General Store in Murray River, Kent Street Market in Charlottetown, and My Little Stash at Peake's Wharf.
Another big change for Local Legends in 2017 was the departure of our beloved co-founder, Aidan. Aidan was instrumental in bringing Local Legends to life alongside co-founder Ashley Green, but ultimately chose to leave the business to pursue other professional goals. His endless GIFs, knowledge of sporting folk and unique partnership ideas have been missed!
Rounding out 2017’s growth spurt, Local Legends upped its all-weather game by expanding our line to include winter accessories and 902 sweaters that complement the tanks and tees we’re known and loved for!
Yes, yes, we realize 2018 is already well in motion, but we’ve been super busy plotting all sorts of Legendary stuff to roll out to you all! First up, we’re pumped to announce that Local Legends Apparel will soon be available through NEW retail partners - stay tuned for more deets on this front.
Our spring line-up is full of fun, summery vibes and we can’t wait to show ‘em off. We’ll be launching the new line at the Etsy Artisans of PEI Spring Market, which takes place April 28th and 29th at the Delta Prince Edward. We look forward to seeing you there.
Speaking of April, it’s kind of a big deal here on PEI thanks to Burger Love, the month-long culinary competition celebrating burgers and Island beef. Here at Local Legends, we were delighted to sponsor Al Douglas’ Burger Bus in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. This year the burger bus crew hit up 12 restaurants in 6 hours. We definitely took one for the team here folks! And we’re already brainstorming a limited edition of ‘burger pants’ to help folks enjoy next year’s Burger Love even more. Hint: elastic waistbands will be making a comeback!
The back half of 2018 is going to be a busy time too, with the PEI Beer Fest and Farm Day in the City in September, and pop-ups at several Christmas markets. We’ll give you a heads up on these events closer to the date.
Finally, we’re stoked to announce the return of our Local Legends Stories after a bit of a hiatus! We loved connecting with inspiring, legendary Islanders and sharing their stories with you and you told us you loved ‘em too, so they’re back. If you know a Local Legend that you think we should profile, please shoot us a note with their name, contact info and a few words on what makes them legendary.
We'll have some new products for the cooler weather, such as a crew neck and a zip-up hoodie!
Some noteworthy upcoming dates are:
New London Fair - November 5th at the New London Community Complex
Victorian Christmas Market - November 24th - 26th in Historic Downtown Charlottetown
Etsy Holiday Market - November 25th and 26th at Murphy's Community Centre
Thank you for having us as part of this joyous occasion, Jess and Mike!
Thank you all for your donations and purchases.
]]>All amped up for the 2017 PEI Beer Festival?? We are! We'll be set up selling our gear and limited edition beer fest tees for the weekend. If you'd like to get your mitts on a couple, simply like & share this post, then comment below with who you'd give the other tee to! The draw will be made next Thursday! 🍻 Cheers!
10% of all profits from the booth will go to local initiatives.
]]>We're running a contest over on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
We just dropped our new apparel over on Instagram! We're excited to release our first tank tops with all original designs! These ultra premium shirts will have you set for beach days and summer nights, honouring our beautiful Island coast and the classic weekend routine.
Wanna be the first to get your mitts on them? Simply LIKE our Facebook page, COMMENT with your favourite PEI beach, and SHARE this post for a chance to win all three tanks!
]]>🚨🚨 CONTEST ALERT 🚨🚨
Holy cow! Local Legends Apparel is boarding Al's Burger Bus 2017 on Friday (11:00am - 6:00pm) to tour around to 13 different PEI Burger Love participating restaurants and we want TWO friends to come with us! LIKE our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages, and follow the instructions on those pages for a chance to win.
Prize package includes TWO seats on Al Douglas' Burger Bus and TWO Local Legends original t-shirts to wear on your great adventure of beefy proportions!
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
We will be posting on all channels throughout the day to give you a front seat view of what happens on Al's Burger Adventure!
🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
]]>We're featured in the Guardian this week! Take a read:
"CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Islanders now have a way of expressing their love for P.E.I., without having to say a word.Local Legends is a new clothing brand created in Charlottetown, which aims to promote living in P.E.I. and pride in being an Islander.“I wanted to make a company where I could express my love for the Island,” said Local Legends co-founder Aidan Northcott.
The 25-year-old is originally from Stewiacke, N.S., but moved to the Island in 2011 to attend UPEI. Since then, he’s met his girlfriend, along with many close friends, and has fallen in love with the province. Northcott had always been interested in creating a clothing company, and after falling in love with his new home, wanted the company to replicate that same love.
Ashley Paynter was a friend of Northcott’s who was working at the P.E.I. Brewing Company where she would help design the logos for beer bottles and cans. To go along with that, the 29-year-old had also created an ‘Honourary Islander’ shirt that she was selling at her mother’s gift shop in Springbrook.
Northcott reached out to Paynter about his idea and the two partnered up, selling the ‘Honourary Islander’ shirts as their first product. From there, the two created multiple other shirt designs that encourage Island pride, including ones with their company name, Local Legend. Paynter said Islanders are proud of where they come from, so they should have a shirt that reflects that pride.
“No matter where you go, whether it’s out west to work, or just simply going on vacation down south, you’re always proud to tell people you’re from P.E.I.”
Local Legends was founded on June 2, 2016, and began selling its clothes online a month later. The official launch for the company came towards the end of July, and since then, Northcott said the response has been amazing.
“Everything we’ve heard back from people has been really positive. We’ve had people who buy clothes from us to send to their relatives who live elsewhere because they love being from P.E.I. and they want to show off that love.”
Though the company is still young, both Northcott and Paynter want to continue to grow and expand their business.“We want to make more types of clothing, get in on more Island events and have more retail space to sell our clothes,” Northcott said.“Our ultimate goal is to one day have our own Local Legends store. That’d be phenomenal,” Paynter added.
Along with shirts, Local Legends makes hoodies, baby-sized shirts, and recently launched a line of athletic shirts. All of which have designs that promotes being from P.E.I."
]]>The other day we received some strange mail. The return address was from postal code H0H-0H0; we skeptically opened the letter and we’re glad we did. Here’s a very special edition of Local Legends Stories!
“My first visit to Prince Edward Island was in 1775, following the Raid on Charlottetown. I received lots of letters from boys and girls that year and decided I needed to make my presence (get it?) known during a stressful time for families. It was on that first trip that I first heard the stories of Island summers.
I’ve made many trips back over the years and have seen lots of history. In 1864 I left lumps of coals in the stockings of all of PEI’s Fathers of Confederation – That George Coles just could not get along with John Hamilton Gray, it took them way too long to join Canada! However, given all of my trips to the Gentle Island for work, I was never able to get here for the great summers that my elves talked about! I wanted to see the sand that they said matched my suit!
Finally, it happened. July of 1979 still brings back such fond memories for me. Much of my time was spent on the long, winding beaches of the North Shore, from Cavendish to Tracadie. I brought Comet with me to make the travelling back and forth easier. It was safe to say that I fell in love with PEI that wonderful summer.
Nowadays, advances to modern technology make my business trips to PEI are made a little faster; this gives me more time to enjoy myself! I get to eat that extra cookie and drink a little extra milk in each house. Shout out to the families that leave some cooked up potatoes for me; if I don’t finish them, Donner certainly does! Special thanks to George Arsenault: Mrs. Claus certainly enjoys a Boxing Day taste of your homemade potato vodka! I’ve discovered that I have family here too. I have a third cousin whose last name is Gallant… Do you know him? His father is Bill.
I can’t wait to visit all you good boys and girls in a couple days. Have a very Merry Christmas! Ho Ho Ho!”
S.Claus // Toy Distributor
Well, that was a treat! Do you have a story like St. Nick's? Send it over to hollah@locallegends.ca, or message us here!
]]>This coming weekend we are in good company as we take part in our first ever Pop Up Shop with DWN TWN FOX. You'll be able to shop at City View Bakehouse, Crochet4Chocolate, DWN TWN FOX, Kim Roach Design, Local Legends Apparel, and Sakurah's Flower Studio all under one amazing roof. Large thank you to Laura Morneau of DWN TWN FOX for organizing the event, and to Confederation Court Mall for accommodating us on such short notice! Join us for some Christmas Cheer December 18th between 12:00pm and 6:00pm at 41 Allen St, Charlottetown.
Aidan & Ashley
]]>We want to thank everyone who came out on a rainy weekend and supported Local Legends at the Victorian Christmas Market this past weekend! Safe to say we think there will be some happy faces on Christmas morning! At the end of the day, we raise $60 for the Food Bank and that's something to smile about!
The fun isn't stopping there though! Don't forget, we'll also be at the Sip & Shop, presented by DWN TWN FOX on Sunday, December 18th at Upstreet Craft Brewing! See you then!
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