Pursuit 365 Day 245: Cydney Mariel Galbraith

Cydney is the artist and designer behind Love’s Pure Light Scarves Canada. Cydney hand-paints unique silk textiles and then creates them into her luxury scarves and new line of silk linen kimonos. Born and raised in Campbellville, Ontario, Cydney now resides and operates her company in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island BC. Cydney was a professional athlete for Canada winning three titles in cycling and mountain biking, also trained as a chef and a florist. She somehow found herself at a rock bottom place picking up a paintbrush and expressing herself by painting her own clothing with words of identity and affirmation of who she really was. Her garments of praise were filled with words of truth and love that she needed to hear each day. We must never despise the day of small beginnings. What was a silly idea to paint her clothes with powerful words, has now grown to a fashion brand Love’s Pure Light built on promise. “I realized that I was not the only one who needed this daily reminder!” Her unique colorful hand painted designs speak to the heart-first. Women collect her luxury scarves and the keepsake promise cards that come with each garment she designs.

If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?

You will never fit into a box! Stop being so hard on yourself, give yourself grace. What you see as a mistake or error, others always see it as the best new thing! I can’t share how many times when I first started sharing my artwork at shows and markets, I would purposely hide the pieces that I was not too happy about or the pieces I had made a “mistake” with. Yes, I would actually put them at the back of the shelf! Well, it did not work! These would always be the pieces that would sell first! It happened time and time again. This to me was what healed me until I let my colorful mistakes be my most favorite part about what I do!

When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?

Courage made me start. You never know how much courage you have until you must be courageous! If you take 1 step. God will always take the other 99! I started to listen to that still small voice that said just go for it! I had to have my mindset totally renewed! I had been locked up in a closet, painting words of affirmation on my clothes, simply for myself to wear as encouragement. One day the light went off and I recognized these messages were not just for me. They were for the world! This was at a defining moment. I had a passion to see change in the fashion industry. I knew that if I did not do it, I would miss my calling. The biggest fear I had to overcome was believing in myself.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business?

My mother and father. They were bakers for 30 years. I saw them sacrifice so much growing up and the lives they touched through operating a large-scale bakery in Stoney Creek, Ontario. The culture they had inside of the company with international staff and integrity to always get back up after a hard day. Even my childhood memories on a Sunday morning helping mom and dad in the bakery peeling pails of bananas for the banana bread, to going out on deliveries early morning with dad to the shops. I watched my mom and dad serve so many people. I think no matter what we are called to do in this life, we must always operate in a servant heart. My Mom and Dad still live by this mandate today. (Both of them now retired, I say “refired” well now they both help me with Love’s Pure Light here in Qualicum Beach)

What do you have going on that you’d like to share?

I have just launched my new line of luxury silk linen kimonos. My beautiful Mother and I have made them together. It has been a dream come true to work with my momma! It is so fun to see my artwork come to life in a whole new item! These truly are garments of praise. When you put one on, you will shift the atmosphere. I am also launching an online gallery of my original paintings done over the years which will now be for sale.

Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you envision your future?

I see myself touching lives through creativity. Creativity breaks any hard yoke of restriction, law, or religion. It goes straight to the heart before the head. It is amazing how colors can shift any heavy heart to awaken and come to light.

Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?

Yes, several that are from the bible. I hold these keys in my heart always. In all things give thanks! 1 Thessalonians 5:18. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 4:10. This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24.

What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?

My number one priority is to operate from a place of love, not for love. We live in a culture today of people caught up in the hustle and bustle. When you know who you are and just how much you are loved there will never be any striving. Be true to yourself. Do not hide who you really are. What good is to gain the world yet lose your soul? Creativity is one thing we can lose ourselves but find ourselves at the same time! Balance is one word. Harmony is a better word. Live in harmony with who you are. Only you can silence the liar. You are a unique God breathed instrument in the orchestra of life! You have an extravagant song to release here on earth that will win many hearts! The longer you try to fight who you are, or even change who you are, you have totally missed the mark and missing out on your calling. No one or thing can derail your destiny- only we can delay it. God designed you as so unique and one of a kind. Let your song come forth!

What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?

When I spend time in the midst of nature and seeing new things God has created. I love to walk in the garden every day and see the growth, colors, and details. The beauty of nature fascinates me and inspires me in a way that I am revived!