Sarah Murray, Style Director

I have worked in different facets of the fashion and journalism industries since 1996. When I relocated to Vancouver in 2002 I managed a clothing store until the world of freelance writing unfolded. Then Girl Fabulous jewellery asked for a press release and working with the media took on a whole new meaning. Eventually enough word of mouth spread to justify quitting that retail job and starting The Honey Mustard Fashion and Media Services in 2004. It is our goal to make the Vancouver fashion industry profitable and recognizable.

As I worked in Vancouver fashion I became aware of a gap in knowledge amongst the general public. People wanted to wear local fashion but they didn’t know the designers or where to buy them. So I started Fashion High to try to answer those questions through a network of fashion industry professionals that participate in fashion shows, market places, a dress local sticker program and more.

As a social entrepreneur I work for myself yet try to help people along the way; whether it is writing a press release for the not-for-profit Fashion High or the designer for whom I spent five hours brainstorming about an upcoming event. It’s the social aspects of The Honey Mustard that frequently leaves me feeling inspired and informed, and that passion finds its way into my work.

At heart I’m a fashion girl. My closet is jammed packed with clothes. Thank you David Suzuki for pointing out that clothes are a necessity. So even though it doesn’t look like I’ll be making it to the Grammy’s any time soon I’ll still hold on to the dress. It is fun to get dressed up and play make-believe, all the while knowing exactly who I am.

Ava McCauley, Associate Style Manager

Fashion seemed a natural choice for me, the little girl who was always more interested in Barbie’s outfits than the doll. After working in retail and as an assistant buyer, I came across Blanche Macdonald Centre where I built my knowledge of the industry while studying merchandising. My time there was exciting and stimulating, and I found myself interested in all aspects of the business, from styling, to event production, to wholesaling and manufacturing.

I pride myself on my ability to reach people, and balance my professionalism with a sense of humor and charm. I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, and am truly a West Coast girl at heart. I love the inviting, laid back feel, the chill ocean air, even the rain! I have a knack for creating beautiful things, and being surrounded by the splendor of the city continues to inspire me every day.

Laura Norbury, Associate Style Administrator

Creativity is my genes. I grew up with a mother who was always wearing the latest trends, made my Snow White costumes, and pieces for her self too. Her father before her was a buyer of women’s clothing in England; so naturally I found myself drawn to fashion.

Despite this, fashion was not my first direction. My initial reaction was to go to school for psychology. I moved to Vancouver from Vancouver Island in 2005 and worked in the human aide field for two years until I discovered Blanche Macdonald and their Fashion Merchandizing Program.

Attending Blanche has been an eye opening experience; it expanded my knowledge of fashion and allowed me to build valuable connections and friendships with people in the fashion industry, while honing my skills for organizing events, styling and writing.