Best Travel Bag, Mai Tran from Cavology & Taiwanese Deserts
Best Travel Bag, Mai Tran from Cavology & Taiwanese Deserts
Plus - Happy Birthday to Me!
Totes Magotes
Many years ago I backpacked a lot with a very utilitarian cross shoulder canvas bag from MEC. MEC don’t seem to sell it anymore, but it looked a little like this. I still have it for nostalgia. It even comes complete with a scar where a pickpocket in Thailand tried to slash my bag and grab my wallet (he was unsuccessful).
The whole point of this pre-amble is that after a 1+ of carrying around a cross shoulder bag, my shoulder was shot and no amount of weight training makes it better. It gets sore pretty quick carrying any kind of bag on my shoulder for too long.
I’ve really struggled over the years, mostly when I travel. I want something big enough that I can fit a water bottle, etc. but something that does not hurt.
When I went into a random store in Maine I spotted Totepack No. 1 and have not looked back. You can wear it as a backpack or on the shoulder (handy in museums). It has a zip top (theft safety), two internal pockets (one so hidden I didn’t find it until after a year) and an outside pocket so you can stow passports, etc. safely. Lastly, it has a cord for keys so you don’t have to hunt around. I’m on my second one.
I’ve also recently discovered the Bellroy version which has peaked my interest.
If you have a wonky shoulder or struggle with shoulder bags, what do you use? I’m always interested!
Q&A with Mai Tran from Cavology
Mai Tran from Cavology is a part-time Montreal, part-time Tampa resident who left a career in law to pursue a career as an entrepreneur making the cutest dog goods for the modern dog including rope leashes and harnesses. She dishes on what it’s really like being an entrepreneur and a few of her favourite things.
Let us know a little bit about who you are.
I am a lawyer turned content creator turned business owner! A passionate dog mom that was sharing too many photos of her Cavalier on Instagram and slowly, that turned into a dog-loving community on Instagram. Little did I know that my heart dog would become the muse to my dog accessories brand! I love creating content and developing products tailored to the lifestyle of modern dog parents.
Why did you decide to start your own business, versus work for someone else?
I was working as a lawyer and feeling like I didn’t really belong. I was often anxious and not feeling fulfilled or passionate. The Sunday scaries were a real thing!
I was a content creator on the evenings and weekends, and that was really fueling me. I looked forward to my creative time and felt so happy doing that. After a few years of content creation, I started making my own products (rope leashes, to be exact) in my own condo kitchen. They were listed online and slowly but surely, that became a business! I took the plunge in 2018 when I left my legal practice and started working on my own craft full time.
Can you remember when you first learned about your field of work? How did you discover what it was and how you knew it was what you wanted to do?
At the time, rope leashes were starting to become popular on Instagram. I saw beautiful colors and loved the trend. However, there was still something lacking and I couldn’t find the perfect one that I would use on my dogs. So, I made it myself. I researched online for dyes and materials, went to Canadian Tire to buy some hardware… and started making leashes!
Can you name the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a business?
There is no “off” day! I have learned that you will make mistakes and you will learn every single day. There will be new challenges that arise constantly and you will have to problem-solve, learn on the fly.
Can you name a moment of failure in your business experiences that you learned from or that helped you improve your business or the way you work?
Oh yes, there are so many. Receiving a bulk shipment of product that is not what I expected. I literally felt my stomach drop. I had to somehow think of a way to re-market the product and sell it as is, even though it wasn’t what I had asked for. The lesson is: be way more specific with your manufacturers and always triple check!
If you were magically given 3 more hours per day, what would you do with them?
I would try to better myself in areas where I need improvement. Whether it be learning, reading, relaxing, delegating. Anything to make my bandwidth and mental health better.
What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made in starting your business?
Freedom! It’s a weird thing because when you start a business, you gain freedom, but you also lose some. You don’t work for someone else, you have some flexibility, you do what you love. But on the flipside, you are ALWAYS on, others depend on you, it’s financially stressful too.
Can you name your greatest success (or something you’re most proud of) in your business experiences?
Stepping out of my comfort zone! I never thought I was a creative person or able to do something so crazy. But here I am!
What business books would you recommend to someone starting a creative business of their own?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
In your opinion, what are the top three things someone should consider before starting their own business?
Do I love this?
Do I have something to sell? (product or service)
Just do it
What’s the first app, website or thing you open/do in the morning?
Messenger (family group chats), Instagram (my fave app)
When you first decided to start your own business, how did you define what your business would be?
I didn’t have a plan of what it would be in the future. I just took it day by day and wanted to go with the flow.
A few favourite links:
Cavology - Dog Goods for the Modern Dog
Thank you Mai!
A Cool Treat that’s Not Ice Cream
My friend, who is originally from Taiwan, introduced me to Meet Fresh. They have a location downtown and Ville St-Laurent where they sell Taiwanese desserts. They are a bit hard to describe but basically shaved ice with a variety of toppings from peanuts, beans and taro balls to strawberries. The texture won’t be for everyone, but I brought my kids to try the strawberry shaved ice and they loved it. Portions are massive and enough to share. I personally love taking these little dips into different cuisines with very little downside. Worse case, they hate it. Best case, we try something new without having to even leave Montreal.
I thought lemon and coconut sounded gross but I was so wrong. Is Lemoncocco the perfect non-alcoholic summer drink? I bought mine at my local Metro.
These are the best nut snack I’ve ever had.
Tired of Sambas - I’m tempted by these very inexpensive and very cool sneakers. I’m also digging these and these in so many amazing colour combos.
I definitely want to try this DIY cake bar with the kiddos. It just opened up in Verdun.
Buvette St-Henri opened in the old Loïc.
La Spada is now open. It’s from the wonderful Steve and his team at Amerigo. I can’t wait to check it out.
Romies is a new restaurant from the team behind Arthur’s. There’s a LOT of buzz over this one and it’s all great.
Tony Bolloni is a new grocery store and sandwich shop on Monkland in NDG. They serve Italian subs and carry own brand and niche brand goods. Prices are reasonable and they even have Italian doughnuts. See on Instagram here.
Books
Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes - Honestly all the brand dropping and social competition felt exhausting. I can’t imagine being in a constant game of oneupmanship. But overall it was a good satirical read into the lives of the posh set in the Cotswolds.
Please note: I’ll be travelling & visiting family for the next month, so there will be no newsletter or podcast. The next post will be September 9th.
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. She offers studio, in-home and outdoor photography. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
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