KASIA | PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine | Volume 2 | Issue 5 | 2024

KASIA: PRODUCER, HEALER, CREATOR

"I have always believed I was meant to be an entrepreneur. Growing up in a small Saskatchewan town, my siblings and I often dreamed up "businesses." From selling lemonade to running our own version of Santa's Workshop, these ventures sparked the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped my life. Even as a child, I loved solving problems, bringing ideas to life, and making connections.

"One of my earliest ventures was selling toys door-to-door with my siblings. At six, I vividly remember trying to sell an Etch-a-Sketch worth $30. When an elderly man offered me 25 cents, I did not know what a quarter was, so I accepted it, only to be disappointed when I realized its value. That experience taught me a lesson I have carried ever since: always know your worth and never undersell yourself.

"When I was old enough to work, I embraced every opportunity, from babysitting and delivering newspapers to starting small businesses. People often commented on my work ethic, but for me, it was never just about earning money. I loved the creative process and the sense of accomplishment it brought.

"Education has also been central to my identity. I have always disliked being judged by appearance. I wanted to be known for my intelligence, wit, and depth. I wanted to be someone who could hold her own in any conversation and be one of the most interesting people in the room. This drive pushed me to embrace learning as a passion and work to develop myself into a curious, well-rounded individual. That commitment to growth continues to shape my life today."

"Although I had many friends and was part of the " popular" crowd, my happiest moments were often spent alone, creating. As a child, I would lose myself for hours building ideas, writing stories, and dreaming of a life far beyond the borders of my small town. I imagined living in New York City, modelling, writing, and building a life entirely on my own terms. Watching Sex and the City as a kid, Carrie Bradshaw's independence and creativity inspired me, it sparked something in me.

"At 14, I won a model search, but my mom made it clear I had to finish high school before travelling. I focused on maintaining a high GPA while balancing local modelling opportunities, all while preparing for the future I had envisioned.

"By the time I graduated, I was ready to go. I moved to New York, began modelling professionally, and started building the life I had dreamed about. Modelling became a defining chapter of my teenage years, taking me to New York, Miami, and Toronto.

"Those years taught me invaluable lessons in branding, presentation, and hustle, skills that have shaped every venture I've pursued since. It was a crash course in resilience and creativity, laying the foundation for everything that followed.

LAUNCHING KASI BAM BOO

"In 2018, I was a full-time political science student at UBC, a single mother to my one-year-old son, and had just been accepted to Yale University for a business degree in collaboration with UBC. Balancing motherhood, school, and the early stages of entrepreneurship was no small task, but it felt aligned with my vision of creating a meaningful life for my son and me.

"While writing research papers, I became passionate about addressing the environmental impact of fast fashion, an industry responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20%of wastewater. I wanted to create sustainable, timeless, and luxurious clothing, without the environmental toll of materials like silk.

"Between studies and caring for my son, I took private sewing and design classes, determined to bring this vision to life.

During a yoga class, the name "Kasi Bamboo" came to me, and by December 2019, I had officially incorporated my brand. Just as production was set to begin, the pandemic struck, halting operations.

"A supplier suggested creating bamboo face masks. Initially hesitant, I designed breathable bamboo masks with matching bags to reduce waste.

"Despite early challenges with customs, the masks launched and sold out within a week. Sales reached $122,000, with the masks appearing on Harbour Air Pilots, The League to Save Lake Tahoe, and even the London Subway.

"The pace was relentless, juggling 3 am packing sessions, full-time studies, and parenting. but it brought clarity. I realized I had to choose between law school and Kasi Bamboo. The brand won.

"Since then, Kasi Bamboo has been featured in Vancouver Magazine, BC Business, and more, highlighting my journey to create sustainable clothing.

"What began with face masks expanded into joggers, t-shirts, kids' clothing, bamboo bed sheets, and more."

LAUNCHING MYSTIC MEDITATIONS

"Spirituality has always been important to me. Growing up in the church, I sang in and led Sunday school, which instilled a sense of connection and purpose. Yet, I never imagined it would become the focus of my work.

"In 2018, I began studying shamanism through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, initially to support a loved one. What started as a personal exploration deepened my understanding of manifestation, energy work, and sound healing, forming the foundation for the practices I share today.

"I then dedicated myself to sound healing and spiritual work, driven by a desire to help others. Seeing a need for accessible wellness, I launched Mystic Meditations to offer healing sessions that truly connect.

"Mystic Meditations has grown beyond what I imagined, merging with Kasi Bamboo to create a platform offering meditation apparel, sound baths, retreats, and certification programs, all designed to empower and inspire.

"Accessibility became central to my work after my sister, a nurse, highlighted how inaccessible many healing services are. This inspired by-donation sound healing sessions, which have sold out, confirming the need for inclusive wellness practices.

LAUNCHING ZHI RECORDS

"While growing my business, I channelled my passion for music into launching ZHI Records, a label dedicated to ethereal house and healing sounds. Drawing inspiration from my work in sound healing, I began infusing my music with healing frequencies designed to connect and elevate.

"Performing at festivals became a natural extension of this creative journey, and receiving the FACTOR Canada Artist Development grant was a meaningful milestone, allowing me to expand my vision and artistry.

"My journey has taught me resilience, focus, and the power of trusting my intuition. Each decision I made during that time became a stepping stone, shaping the businesses and creative projects I've built today.

"I have always carried a deep sense of knowing, a quiet certainty that everything will unfold exactly as it is meant to. I do not just hope or believe things will work out; I trust in the process, guided by principles that keep me aligned with my vision.

"My purpose has always been rooted in helping others. As an entrepreneur building a conscious and holistic business, my focus is not just on success but on creating meaningful solutions that genuinely serve people. I champion the underdog, seek to fill gaps with what's truly needed, and approach my work as a form of spiritual activism.

"One guiding principle I live by is 'living from the end' - acting as though what I envision already exists. This mindset keeps me grounded, intentional, and focused on the bigger picture, allowing everything to flow naturally without force."

"Meditation has always been at the heart of my life and work. It grounds me, connects me to Source energy, and reminds me that I have the power to release resistance and choose thoughts that truly serve me.

"Radical humility is another principle I hold close. I remind myself that I am not defined by my body, mind, or achievements."

"Gratitude and generosity guide my path, allowing challenges to unfold and resolve with grace.

"The most pivotal moments in my journey have come through finding clarity and connecting to something far greater than myself. These experiences have taught me that when I align with purpose, everything I work toward not only succeeds but often exceeds my highest expectations.

"In my business, I've embraced bold and intentional steps to bring my passions to life. With Kasi Bamboo, I introduced sustainable essentials like bamboo face masks during the pandemic. I also trademarked my artist name, KASIA, and launched ZHI Records, blending music with healing frequencies. Music, spirituality, and sound healing remain central to everything I do, weaving purpose and creativity into every project.

LAUNCHING BLOOM

"On December 9th, I launched Bloom, a virtual platform that brings the heart of Mystic Meditations online. Bloom offers sound healing, meditation, certification courses, and personal growth workshops, all accessible from anywhere in the world. It is the next step in creating meaningful, sustainable wellness experiences.

"The next two quarters are about growth and refinement across everything I have built. For Bloom, I will be expanding the platform with new workshops and courses to deepen its content and reach, making healing even more accessible globally.

"Mystic Meditations will continue to grow through thoughtfully curated retreats, in-person sessions, and collaborations that enhance the in-person experience.

"On the retail side, Kasi Bamboo will evolve with plans to introduce new wellness products and elevate the brand's presence as a go-to for meditation clothing and sound healing essentials

"In parallel, my music work remains a distinct yet integral part of my creative journey. As KASIA, I am focusing on new music production and live performances, while ZHI Records continues to grow as a hub for ethereal house and healing sounds. I am excited to be preparing for the Juried Sound Recording: Single/ EP grant with FACTOR Canada in 2025. This will further support my music projects, and I have the best publicist. I am so excited to go through the whole grant process again.

"Everything I am building reflects a clear vision? one that is rooted in creating meaningful, accessible experiences and staying true to my passions.

"Everything I do is driven by a desire to leave the world better than I found it. For decades, I have devoted myself to the study of spirituality, academics, and music, building on a lifetime of learning and experience. It has been an honour to now share this knowledge through platforms and spaces that genuinely support and uplift others."

"The wellness industry is not perfect. There are people in it for a quick profit and others who take advantage of those who are vulnerable. Nothing makes me more upset. I have always felt like I am on a mission to do things differently, to offer something real and meaningful. The fact that doors keep opening in this direction makes me think I am exactly where I need to be.

"Music, for me, is deeply personal. It is how I talk to God. It is my connection to the divine and the constant thread in my life. Through ZHI Records and my work as KASIA, I get to share that connection with others. It is not just about sound - it is about emotion, energy, and meaning.

"As I look ahead, I see everything I have built - Bloom, Kasi Bamboo, Mystic Meditations, KASIA, and ZHI Records - coming together as a reflection of my vision.

"At the heart of it all, my goal is to create something real. I want to help people connect with themselves, find purpose, and feel supported on their path. This is more than a business to me; it is a mission, and I am so grateful to share it with the world. Everyone just needs to know that they are worth nothing less than everything."