DIGITAL MAGAZINE [SUMMER 2022]

“As the warmth of sunshine cheers us through summer, I am enthralled by the lustrous stories, and relatable experiences from commendable FAshion, BEauty (including lifestyle, music and art) and FOod muses - Domingo Lumanog, Justin Mulrain, Connor Gottfried, Sumit Munjal and Chef Emmanuel Guardado (Que Chivo). This season, they relayed important wellness conversations of how they find pockets of care for their emotional, mental and physical well-being; including the Mach Media team who fronts our Calgary Issue 6 cover, photographed by our Managing Editor, Priscilla @banhmiigirl!

There is also much to cherish in planning out summer-scapes with our families and friends, as we anticipate wowzers at some of the city's boisterous Stampede and Calgary Folk Fest this July. I am also looking forward to my personal favorites - the Stampeders games, as well as the Calgary Pride Parade & Festival. Our Assistant Editor, Reina @silkandtee.fashion rendezvoused two pioneering fashion boutiques located on 17th Ave, to pitch you versatile and wearable styling tips that you may shop locally with Kate Hewko and Leo Boutique, as you outfit through your summer-scapes."

~ Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Liana

Liana: ​Highlight your role in Mach Media, and how you originally became interested in your area of expertise.

Emily: Currently, I am a Content Writer for Mach Media - focusing on writing captions, scheduling, and managing a few accounts on Instagram and Facebook. During the process of growing my own food Instagram, I started to realize how big the food scene was growing in Calgary. It got me thinking how big of an impact digital marketing and content creating had become, for the growth of many businesses. When Rachel was looking for Content Writers, I knew I wanted to get involved because of my love for both food and marketing. As someone who grew up in Calgary, it was exciting to see restaurants thriving due to effective marketing strategies!

Liana: Describe your joy being a part of Rachel’s team, and the pride seeing Mach Media’s growth since you joined.

Emily: I have seen Mach Media grow from the ground up and ​it ha​s been crazy how much it has grown, especially in the past few years. I have the most joy being able to get involved in a business that is focused on creativity and producing good quality content. I have learned so much from Rachel in terms of content creating and marketing – working for her is a breath of fresh air since it is so different from my full-time job.

Liana: What does wellness means to you, and how do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Emily: Wellness is about having a good balance of everything in life. It means not only being physically healthy but also mentally healthy. It is treating yourself or giving yourself some “me-time” every once in a while, to focus on your personal goals and aspirations. Every day is so hectic, I believe it is necessary to take time to yourself and focus on your inner thoughts and take a break. My favorite physical activity is taking spin classes. It really helps me de-stress, and get in my daily cardio. This summer, I want to get back into hiking and possibly go travel and explore the world. I try to get active at least three to four times a week, to feel my best.

Liana: Where on 17th Ave would you enjoy dining and shopping, this summer?

Emily: Currently, my go-to are Lulu Bar and Lonely Mouth Bar, offering fantastic food and drinks! I do not shop on 17th Ave that much, but my favorite would be Purr. It has been around for a while, and their clothing is super cute with a vintage look!

Liana: ​Highlight your role in Mach Media, and how you originally became interested in your area of expertise.

Mary: Presently, I work as a Social Media Copywriter for Mach Media - creating copy specifically for local restaurants in Calgary. I graduated in marketing, but never really had any prior work experience in marketing during my undergrad. So, when a close friend forwarded the opportunity to work for Mach Media Marketing, I took the chance to apply. Fast forward a year and a half later, I am looking forward to handling a broader role, taking charge and working to grow two social media accounts.

Liana: Describe your joy being a part of Rachel’s team, and the pride seeing Mach Media’s growth since you joined.

Mary: It would have to be the impact in helping to grow some of Calgary's local businesses, helping to draw attention and love to family-owned and operated shops. Most specifically, learning and sharing the charms of different cuisines that Calgary offers and amplifying them through social media.

Liana: Where on 17th Ave would you enjoy dining and shopping, this summer?

Mary: I​ a​m not much of a wine drinker, but I do enjoy being around the company of others, which usually takes place around a table and enjoying meals together. My favorite spot on 17th Ave that I will frequent this summer will be Maven. I love how the menu options are inspired by the chef's travel experiences. As someone who loves and craves travel, it was nice and comforting to see dishes from some of my favorite countries​. ​I do the majority, if not all, of my shopping online. On the rare occasion I am out shopping, it will most likely be at the pop-up ReLove Market and The Nines. Both are local secondhand and vintage shops where I often find myself leaving with something new to add to my closet. 

Liana: Share with us a mantra that reminds you the importance of mental well-being?

Mary: "Do what makes you happy.", has been a guiding mantra in my life. Looking after your needs and wants, ultimately leads to a happier version of yourself. For me, this means being surrounded by people I love, checking off things on my bucket lists (eg. travelling and learning about new cultures and lifestyles), and creating memorable experiences for myself. Learning from past experiences that drained my mental and physical well-being, has helped me create a bigger appreciation for experiences that allow me to thrive and be happier.

Liana: ​A brief overview of your fashion editorial contribution for this summer issue, and why you would recommend others to shop at these featured local boutiques/stores?

Reina: With Covid restrictions lifted, more people are now traveling and excited to attend events in the city again. So, it only made sense that the editorial revolved around vacation and summer outing looks. For the outfit curation, the 'Vacation Looks' are from Leo Boutique and the 'Summer Re-Emergence' are from Kate Hewko. I chose Leo Boutique because they have a great selection of light, breathable pieces in summery hues; whilst Kate Hewko stocks a great variety of accessories, separates and one-pieces that deliver maximum versatility.

Liana: How do you spend time to maintain a healthy and thriving lifestyle? 

Reina: My workout schedule is regimented. No matter what, I always carve out time on weekday mornings to go to the gym. It has become so innate now. If something more pressing needs that time slot, I try my best to rearrange the rest of my day to make sure I have time to work out. Going to the gym is not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’. On Saturdays, I like to go for runs in the morning, and then grab a Rose Latte from Hutch Café. Thereafter, I spent some time in one of my favorite local bookstores in Eau Claire Market. I have also taken up golf this year. So, I will be spending a good amount of time improving my swing! 

Liana: Now that summer is here, where on 17th Avenue are you looking forward to enjoying Calgary’s patio season with your family and friends?

Reina: Narrowing it down to two was hard, but I would have to say The Living Room and Buon Giorno patios are my favourite. You start with a Shaft which is a drink The Living Room invented. The beef tartare and yuca fries are a must, and I cannot talk about the Living Room without mentioning their extensive wine list! In the heart of 17th Avenue, their patio is roomy, comfy, and the perfect place to watch people. If you are in the mood for something heartier, Buon Giorno is a must visit. Serving homemade pasta and tiramisu since 1987, they are as authentic as it gets if you are craving prime Italian. Their patio reminds me so much of Europe; small, quaint, shoulder-to-shoulder with other diners enjoying my bolognese and Chianti. For those who love pasta so much they cannot choose one, Buon Giorno has a pasta trio option, where you can order three pastas in smaller portions!

Liana: Share with us a book you have recently read, that reminds you the importance of mental well-being.

Reina: It is actually a book that I am still reading, which has had an immense impact on my mentality and perspective. It is called ‘The Daily Stoic’ - centered around logic, wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living; featuring excerpts from ancient Stoics - like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, in daily digestible pieces. I have tried reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius before, but it was an odd read because there was no sensible sequential order, just an array of his quotes and thoughts between two covers. Ryan Holiday does a really good job of separating the themes in The Daily Stoic, and operating his interpretations on the works from antiquity. When I bought this book, I did not know what to expect. The more I delve into it, the more I started to question and rethink my perceptions, actions, emotions and get down to the fundamental parts of my identity and character.  

Photographer: Liana @fabefo_com

Location: Kate Hewko @katehewko