Joleen Mitton, East Vancouver born and bred, is no less proud of her Plains Cree, Blackfoot, Heritage. She began modeling at age 15 when a Vancouver talent scout pulled her out of a crowd of people at the PNE. She feels extremely fortunate to have succeeded in her career as a model.
Today, she’s the founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and the co-founder Supernaturals Modelling.
Joleen’s passion for sport, art, fashion and design, and social justice has led her to focus on producing Aboriginal Fashion Shows and Basketball Tournaments across the city. She is dedicated to improving the lives of people in her community, working intimately with a number of local non-profits, and putting her PR, marketing, social media, and producing skills to good use.
We asked Joleen ten questions about her work, life, and some of her favourite things.
Here’s what she told us.
What’s your favourite hobby, pastime, or sport to play?
Basketball.
What’s unique about your business?
We operate with an Indigenous World View – a really different way of viewing business, relationships, communities, and our shared world.
What’s your side hustle?
Selling basketballs! It’s one of the ways in which we support our team.
What’s one must-hear podcast?
Death at the Wing – a powerful production about basketball, culture, and the NBA in the 1980s Reagan-era US.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If people aren’t listening, stop talking.
What’s the most interesting fact you know?
I know enough to know I know nothing.
What’s your go-to travel destination?
Saipan, on the Northern Mariana Islands – the beaches are some of the best I’ve ever seen.
What’s one dish everyone should try?
Deer Stew! So delicious and nourishing.
What’s an important skill to master?
Suspending your assumptions.
What’s your favourite memory of Vancouver?
Paying 75 cents for the bus to go hang out at the Native Friendship Centre, and celebrating Christmas at Woodwards downtown.
What brought you to And-Co?
Two reasons. The space is intentional – every design element showcases what a co-working space could truly be. And the people – the kindness, care, mindfulness, and warmth make every moment there truly special.
If you’re in search of a modern, full-service, and flexible workspace where your team can work alongside like-minded professionals, book a tour of And-Co today.