20 Under 20K

While it’s technically called “social distancing” we like to think of it more as physical distancing, because there are a lot of ways to connect with your community from the safety of your home. Below, some of the Vancouver-based businesses (with less than a 20K following on Insta) that deserve your social attention. —Vicki Duong

4 for Fitness

@bodybykong. Maintain a fitness routine while staying connected to the community, with Michael Kong’s at-home sweat sessions.

@tightclub. Through digital workouts done over Zoom, Tight Club keeps its pricing accessible ($8 per class).

@popqueencardio. Dance parties definitely feel less lonely when you’re jamming to today’s top hits. With two free classes per week, Pop Queen Cardio manages to makes those of us with two left feet laugh and sweat.

@shophalfmoon. Amp up your at-home gear with Halfmoon‘s handmade yoga bolsters, meditation cushions and other props.

4 for Beauty

@hellosunday.ca. Multi-task while responding to emails with a face mask? We’ve been loving the Hello Sunday vitamin mask to draw out impurities and leave skin glowing.

@apothekariskin. Natural deodorant is a product some shy away from due to the detoxifying stage (read: sweating out toxins) but, since you’re spending time at home anyway, now’s a good time to make the switch. Our personal fave: the lavender bergamot from Apothekari Skin.

@jiyubox. Take your beauty arsenal up a notch by discovering new, natural brands via Jiyubox, which delivers right to your door.

@fieldtriphair. Just because you’re unable to see your stylist doesn’t mean your hair has to suffer. Field Trip Hair Co. provides salon-quality products available for curbside pickup and delivery.

4 for Food

@woashwellness. We’ve been steadily sipping Woash Wellness Tea during this time, thanks to blends meant to help us unwind, digest better and even deal with period cramps.

@drinkcocofrio. Our new version of happy hour is supporting local brands while indulging in a cold one. Coco Frio vodka sodas boast a unique coconut-water base, making them fantastically refreshing.

@theaugustmarket. Empty shelves at the grocery store are starting to be a familiar site but smaller independent grocers with less foot traffic remain, for the most part, well stocked. The August Market has made getting the essentials even easier with curbside pickup and new-delivery posts on IG.

@mynakedsnacks. Customize your snacking with a range of treats; My Naked even has options to accommodate dietary restrictions and food preferences. Our personal fave: the Hearty Tamari that’s high in protein with the perfect amount of spice.

4 for Fashion

@bareknitwear. Our stay-home #OOTDs centre around comfort. Bare Knitwear works closely with suppliers to provide ethically and sustainably sourced knitwear perfect for staying cosy.

@harlyjae. Lounging in linen has become our new norm, and Harly Jae’s Beatriz jumpsuit is what natural-fabric dreams are made of.

@amarabluevan. Hand-stamped pieces from Amara Blue Jewelry are easy to customize, meaning you’ll love (and wear) them long after this coronavirus issue is over.

@themainexchange. Experience the thrill of the thrift with The Main Exchange’s online shop. Updated weekly, this Mount Pleasant consignment store offers trendy pieces at a fraction of the cost, including items that are new with tags, designer pieces and celeb faves (Jillian Harris is a consigner!).

4 for Home

@malathebrand. Scents can soothe, so it’s no wonder why we’re burning candles while WFH. Mala makes our fave wicks: they’re soy based and, for every candle purchased, a tree is planted! Try Clean Cotton from the brand’s spring collection.

@emsaystudios. Elevate your home workspace with concrete planters from Emsay. Hand poured and made with custom moulds, each piece is unique.

@droplethomegoods. Curling up with a good book while wrapped in a Droplet Turkish blanket is the perfect way to unwind after a long day at the (home) office.

@planttherapy.yvr. Bring nature indoors with Plant Therapy, offering plant deliveries in Vancouver so you can still flex your green thumb.

Visit vickiduong.com for a 10 Under 10K version of this story.