On Thursday this week, CAFA, the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, will host their sixth annual red-carpet Awards Gala, a unique evening that unites Canadian talent and fashion leaders from all over the world.

To highlight CAFA and its impact in the life of Canadian fashion talent, many of them women, we are showcasing a series of interviews with CAFA nominees and award winners.

In this bonus episode our host Eva Hartling speaks with Jessica Bedard, an Ottawa-based shoe designer who is nominated for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Accessories at CAFA 2019. Jessica designs beautiful footwear that is handmade in Italy, inspired by traditional European craftsmanship. Jessica had a career before becoming a designer, but even as a late bloomer, her designs have been winning clients over in Asia, Europe and North America and her shoes have been worn by the likes of Sophie Trudeau, Gigi Hadid and Carrie Underwood.

Listen to Jessica share her journey as an emerging designer and find out what keeps her motivated and grounded on a daily basis.

Our interview took place at the Broadview Hotel in Toronto.

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