Meet Khat Vesal | Curator of the Wild

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khat Vesal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khat, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Perhaps not a habit but a survival skill, resilience. From a young age I watched my mother work 3 jobs to provide for my brother and I, which forced me to play the role of ‘parent’ part time. We were new to Canada and had come as refugees from Iran, I was in awe of her determination and work ethic, still am. From a business standpoint, this means there’s always a way to get things done, often more than one. So, we never say no. Just, how much do you want to spend?

What should our readers know about your business?
A connection to the wild, a feeling that we must conserve, protect and honour everything from the water to the soil and the creatures on our only planet. Based in beautiful BC, we are surrounded by the ocean and mountains and this is what compels our journey. In the city of glass and steel, many people have lost this connection. Our business is here to rewild the world through a different design approach, one that is based on our PNW native plants instead of boring boxwood. By integrating native and indigenous plants, we’re able to create habitats that support local biodiversity while educating the public about the importance of our unique flora and fauna. Nothing about this journey has been easy, but growth never is. LOTS OF CRYING. But, we wipe off our tears, fix our crown and move TF on. And I think the most important part of our story is not actually ours to share, it is the people who were here first. So if our brand does anything of value, it is to encourage more listening to indigenous storytellers, more engaging in arts and culture and definitely more honouring their teachings and history. You don’t need a huge yard to change the world, we can start with healing our relationships with the people and the land. Better design, no matter the size or space.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Luckily for my friend, broke girls get creative in Vancouver. We’d start easy, maybe longboard around the seawall and catch a little ferry over to Granville Island, check out some cool shops including Search & Rescue. Then skate over to Mahony & Sons for an epic patio pint in the sun and watch the sunset while BBQ’n on the roof garden of my co-op, in the heart of the city. Most definitely have to check out a show at the Rickshaw, sexy cocktails and shameless flirting at Where is Laowai, and yummy grub just across at the Irish Heather, where times are always good. Motorcycle ride to ocean dips in Deep Cove during the week, maybe some trashy beers at a dive bar or local brewery, or if I’m feeling sassy, visit our friends at Copperpenny Distillery. Scooby Snacks and mural appreciation at Mount Pleasant Vintage, tour the local ‘hood and grab some Pho at Sing Sing. Some relaxing on Kits beach and facial love from Plain Jane Skin Bar. Visit mom’s place in the West End for home made Persian Food and tequila shots. And a magical wander through Pacific Spirit Park with my pup, to appreciate all things wild. There’s so much to do here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mom first, always. The blondes, the 2 babes who are my Ride or Dies that always give me encouraging words or inappropriate memes. And the Indigenous storytellers, teachers, protectors of the land and friends that I’ve had the honour of listening and learning from. I’m in awe of other women in business and hope we all elevate each other. And finally, while he may hate the acknowledgment, my ex. He believed in me even after things ended and always showed up when I needed him, usually with me ugly crying from the weight of starting a business.

Website: www.rootedwild.ca

Instagram: @rootedwildbc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rootedwild/

Other: TikTok: @rootedwild_bc