When I first walked into My Sister’s Closet boutique in Vancouver, BC, I felt as though I instantly belonged there. There was something about the wall-to-wall windows and warehouse feel playing off the scads of mirrors, plush chair and the beautifully dressed mannequins that fill the space that I instantly connected with. I knew from the instant I stepped through the open door that I was welcome.

I quietly explored the racks of one-of-a-kind clothing to the rhythm of the stereo in the Vancouver boutique. When I had an armload of things to try on, one of the volunteers came and prepared a change room for me. My first question, after I found my new favorite dress, was “What is this place?”

My Sister’s Closet is a social enterprise of Battered Women Support Services (BWSS). All proceeds go to help and empower women – especially victims of domestic violence.

I wanted to know more. And that’s when I was introduced to Mariana Garcia, manager of Retail Services and Programs. We talked with her about the retail store and the battered women it benefits.

What brought you to Vancouver and My Sister’s Closet?

Mariana Garcia: I traveled here six times. I really like Canada and Vancouver. I’m from Brazil but now I am a Canadian resident. What I like about Canada is the quality of life, the safety, the way people thank you. So, I decided to move here three years ago. I worked for large corporations but was tired of working for profit organization. I wanted to work for not-for-profit in a social enterprise, which is a way for social projects to be self-sustainable. This is my second job in this field. I worked for Enterprising Women Making Art (EWMA), then I applied for BWSS. What’s great about My Sister’s Closet is it’s not only social; it’s also green – reusing, recycling – and 100 percent of the proceeds to help BWSS, which is the organization that operates the store.

Mariana Garcia, My Sister's Closet

A community feeling. The store has no owner – the community owns it. It’s all volunteers. It’s all donated and the profit goes back to help women in the community.

Who are the women of My Sister’s Closet?

[The women are] very diverse. They are all ages, all races, all languages, all personalities; all different types of women. It’s a safe environment; and it’s fun. The customers should have the same feeling. People should feel open to bring their ideas. It’s a place for people to grow. Some people need a reference; some people want to give back to the community. Retired women can feel useful. [Volunteering] should help the volunteers in some way. One thing I notice is that when [the volunteers] come, some people are shy, but they leave with more confidence.

I also try to encourage the artisan work. We have the consignment, it’s empowering to buy and sell original art work and jewelry, to help support women artists.

What are the specific services offered through BWSS that the proceeds support?

There’s the Crisis Line, counseling, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, youth engagement in violence prevention, support groups, workshops and specialized support to further education, employment, training as well as supporting local artisans and women designers and the launch of our house brand, Zero.O.Lab.

While Marianna was busy in her office, I got a chance to chat with Sue, one of the long-time volunteers working at My Sister’s Closet before Mariana came on board. Sue told me “Mariana did a complete redesign of the store. She had excellent contacts and brought in an architect and designer and did a complete redesign. She brought in a new logo and signage and we were finally able to use the name ‘My Sister’s Closet’.” The old logo said only MSC. “And the day we put out our new sandwich board [with the new logo] people started coming in and they are still coming in. She introduced the idea of the consignment jewelry that helps women move in the marketplace and become self-supporting. Mariana also introduced events.” Like the clothing swap I was able to attend this May, which brought women in after hours for good food and conversation as well as women telling success stories and trading old clothes they don’t wear for new ones they love.

Connie, Sue and Jane

Mariana Garcia: Different ways, you can volunteer, you can shop, you can make donations of clothing. Donations come from stores as well as individuals. You can also donate money to the organization – to BWSS. And you can blog to get the word out. Think about mass-production and blind consumerism. We should be more aware of what we buy and what decisions we make when we shop.

Join BWSS on Facebook and check out their website.