Fashion Entrepreneur Rebecca Rawlinson On Finding Her Groove In The Garden And The Perfect Niçoise
Welcome to an interview series I like to call: 10 Questions + A Recipe. In which I ask inspiring humans to share a bit of their personal wellness world and demand that they also divulge a favourite recipe. First up: the effervescent Rebecca Rawlinson, style icon and owner of the Rebecca Bree boutique in Vancouver, B.C.
It’s impossible to think about my dear friend Rebecca without immediately picturing a colourful bouquet at the same time. She brightens any room she walks into and is very often in that room—or outdoor space—with some kind of floral arrangement. She also happens to have the most incredible, colourful shoe game after 17+ years in fashion working with brands like Oscar de la Renta. Her eponymous boutique opened in 2011 and she’s been bringing a signature joyful-with-an-edge style to closets in Vancouver ever since.
Rebecca’s vivacious energy and love of life is infectious, but she also keeps it real and isn’t afraid to tell you like it is. I thought of her immediately when brainstorming for this series because that kind of everyday joy and vitality shines through both light and shadow in life. (No toxic positivity here, thank you very much.) And challenging days during the pandemic were exactly what brought her to a new routine to nurture her wellbeing and mental health.
These days you can find her in the garden most weekends, elbow deep in the dirt.
The mounting evidence of benefits seen in spending time with your hands in the earth and tending to a garden are vast and varied. The microbiome of the earth’s soil and our own are quite similar and there has been research to suggest the connection of the two can support a reduction of stress and inflammation. Plus, there’s the potential for getting moderate exercise, social engagement, improving mood, stress relief, and even reducing fatigue.
But while flowers have been a lifelong love for Rebecca, gardening was another story. She shares it with us below.
What inspired you to start gardening?
Flowers have always been a big part of my life. I must have flowers! Always and always! My mom was very into gardening but it took me a while to get the gardening bug. I started gardening during Covid. My husband and I started watching a British gardening show called Gardener's World and were instantly hooked. We had a bunch of pots on the patio and were growing things well.
Have you always had a green thumb?
I had no experience before. We lived in a duplex in East Vancouver with very little outdoor space. After about a year or so we just wanted more space to grow and breathe! We now live on a 1/4 of an acre in Lynn Valley. I thought I was a terrible gardener because I always killed my indoor plants. I guess I just needed to be outside! We have our hands full now with a garden named Valley Blooms!
How does being in the garden affect you and your day?
Being a small business owner, I deal with a lot of ups and downs on a weekly basis. It can be very stressful. Especially since Covid. A lot sleepless nights! Gardening on the weekends has really helped me balance my mood, has helped with sleep, my gut health, and I am just an overall happier person. Oh, and it gets me off my phone!
Best thing you've eaten from your own garden so far?
The tomatoes I grow always blow my mind when I take a bite. They are so sweet and juicy and delicious! I was never a huge tomato fan until I grew my own. Also, my shishito peppers last year were SO yummy.
Always in your fridge?
In the Spring/Summer, fresh squeezed orange juice. I am a bit obsessed. I also can't get enough French butter (from Mon Pitou). French butter, radish from the garden, and Maldon salt? Divine.
What gives you energy?
A great sleep. (Which is tough these days being in perimenopause. Ladies, can I get an AMEN?!) And eating the right kind of food. Being in nature.
Last but not least, what is your go-to, feel-good recipe?
One of my favorite meals to make at home is a classic Niçoise salad. Butter lettuce, tuna, olives, radish, green beans, red potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and a Dijon vinaigrette. Ideally make this in the summer when lettuce, radish, beans, and tomatoes are fresh out of the garden. I always make a side of garlic bread on a crusty baguette. Mmm!
Visit rebeccabree.com to shop and follow along with Rebecca’s gardening journey @valleybloomsgarden.