This month’s VM Mom to Follow is Carmen Elzinga, a stay-at-home mom to her daughter, who was born with hydrocephalus at 28 weeks and subsequently suffered a brain bleed. Unable to return to a full-time career, Carmen struggled with postpartum depression. She finally found her passion with COVID-19 shut down. In March 2020, when salons and shops closed, she decided to help family and friends get beauty products they needed through local wholesalers. From there Beauty YVR Essentials Inc was born. She’s excited to offer some of the most popular beauty products online, just as you would find at Sephora, and even Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom!
Three places Carmen loves to visit with her family
Dogwood Christmas Tree Farm, Langley
A yearly tradition the entire family looks forward to. The kids play hide and seek while Mom and Dad find the perfect Christmas tree to bring home. There’s always plenty of Christmas decorations and beautiful photo ops for posed family pics and candid shots!
Urban Safari Rescue Society, Surrey
Our little secret place to bring the kids to teach them about animal rescue and what happens when exotic pets are abandoned.
Tip: Bring a donation. And look into booking them for a Birthday Party.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Vancouver
Just down the street from BC Women’s & Children’s Hospital, we started coming here when our daughter was in the NICU a we needed a mental break. A beautiful sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Tip: Yearly membership to VanDusen also gives you free entry into the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Follow Eliza on her website and social feeds!
- Beauty YVR: www.beautyYVR.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beautyyvr
- Personal Blog featuring her daughter’s journey with Hydrocephalus www.myyayagirls.com
