By Spencer van Vloten
BC Disability
Hailey, a resident of Dawson Creek, BC, combines creative talent with a caring heart to make items which are not only stylish and cozy, but also help keep those in need warm.
Spencer van Vloten learned about Hailey's passion for toquing and giving back to the community.
Spencer: How did you start making toques?
Hailey: It all started February 2016. I received a set of looms and a ball of yarn, and made my first toque with Grandma's help! The yarn was hard to work with but I now work with yarn that has more stretch. I toque almost every day and make toques, scarves, headbands, and more. I have made around 400 items.
Spencer: What type of styles do your items come in?
Hailey: There come in styles such as regular toques, ponytail and slouch toques, beanies, and headbands-- in all colours. We also have sizes for adults, youth, and newborns.
Aside from headwear, we have legwarmers, infinity and cowl scarves, adult t-shirts, and have recently introduced cute penguin t-shirts for youth, along with mugs and gift tags. The variety lends itself well to a 'Make-it-Yourself' gift package.
I plan to add provincial and national flag patches to the Canadian flag patches we sell to use on items. These can be added to toques to personalize them.
Spencer: Helping people is a big focus of yours isn't it?
Hailey: Yes! I started making smaller toques and donating them to the hospital for newborns. I also give toques as gifts and to community organizations, and I add one to each of my yearly Operation Christmas Child shoebox's to help youth in other countries. As Hailey and Company, we hope to inspire care and giving in our community, country, and around the world.
"As Hailey and Company, we hope to inspire care and giving"
For Hailey (pictured), 'toquing keeps me busy and giving'
Spencer: I hear you do some teaching too, is that right?
Hailey: I taught some people how to toque a few winters ago, and now some of them are the "company" in 'Hailey and Company'. I’d love to be able to teach more people and look for opportunities to help others learn to make toques through pre-recorded online classes. Spencer: Aside from making awesome items, what else do you enjoy?
Hailey: I really like traveling, camping, biking, snowmobiling, and snow shoeing. I get creative through woodworking and baking and decorating cookies and cupcakes.
I am always learning new things. Right now it's learning sewing, computer keyboarding, haircutting, and the guitar.
Join us in making one small gesture of giving, as a little goes a long way!
“Hailey’s Toques” Order through Dawson Creek Art Gallery at 250-782-2601. First Come, First Serve as Limited Supply Available! “Keeping communities warm, one toque at a time”!
