Letting Her Light Shine: A Special Day with Great Aunt Helen

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Candace Grenier - Founder & Formulator - Pure Anada Cosmetics

Once, during an interview, I was asked if Pure Anada had ever worked with any celebrities. I remember pausing and thinking, Clearly, you don't understand where I'm from! Celebrities don’t frequent rural Manitoba very often.

But more than the question itself, what bothered me was the underlying assumption — that our success could (or should) be measured by which famous people, magazines, or influencers have used or mentioned our products. In my heart - this didn’t indicate true success at all. At least not the way it matters to me.

What matters most to me — more than sales, growth, or recognition — is touching people’s lives in a meaningful way. At Pure Anada, one of the ways we try to do this is by featuring everyday women as the models for our brand. We don’t choose them because they exude confidence. In fact, quite the opposite — we choose them because we hope to instill confidence in them.

We want them to see, maybe for the first time in a long time, how beautiful they truly are — just as God made them.

It’s our quiet way of pushing back against the unrealistic standards of the beauty industry. Instead of showcasing perfection, we want to celebrate authenticity. Because beauty isn’t about flawless skin, a specific age, or a certain size — it’s about kindness, warmth, courage, and simply being yourself.

Throughout the years, I’ve been blessed with three great aunties who have supported my business. At times, they would show up at my markets in the city — or even drive out to the country just to stop by our boutique, browse the products, and go out for lunch. Such special memories! Here's a photo of my sister Clarissa and I along with our Great Aunts: Helen, Agnes and Betty in our Winkler boutique several years ago.

These three single lades had quite the sense of humour. One time, they asked for me at the Morden boutique. When I came out from the back - the storefront was empty. Before I could wonder what was going on, I heard a “Surprise!” — and out they came from behind the shelves, giggling like schoolgirls. I’ve never forgotten that moment!

Only Auntie Helen is left now — and it dawned on me how special she is…my grandpa’s sister! I saw her this spring at a family get-together and thought to myself… she should be a model for Pure Anada! A long-time user of our products — I can remember her purchasing Revive Serum and Tinted Moisturizer at the makers markets. And of course, she loves a nice pink lipstick. It would be such a joy to celebrate her — not only as family, but as someone who truly represents the heart of our brand.

Great Aunt Helen took my invitation to be a model very seriously — she said she needed to pray about it first. I’m so glad the Lord said yes! I told her it was perfect — because more than anything, I wanted the love of Jesus to shine through her smile. My hope is that others will see that same love and know: He loves them too, and created each one beautifully.

Well, the special day arrived and boy, did we have fun! We shared stories while I touched up her hair and applied a soft, natural makeup look. Great Aunt Helen looked so lovely, and her joy was absolutely contagious. Her makeup was light and glowy. We used just a few products to enhance her natural beauty. Isn't she cute?

Products used to bring out the glow in Great Aunt Helen

Tinted Moisturizer in Very Fair for sheer coverage and dewy moisture.
A soft dusting of Glow Minerals - which is so beautiful on mature skin. It softens the appearance of fine lines and gives the skin a radiant, healthy finish.
On her cheeks, I used Lip & Cheek Rouge in Maud - a soft, rosy shade that added the perfect flush.
Her brows were defined with Pressed Brow Colour in Clouded
Her look was finished with Petunia Petal Perfect Lipstick

That’s it! Just a few simple products for this sweet lady — and a whole lot of love behind them. Thank you Auntie Helen for being the most special model we've ever worked with! I'll always remember this day with fondness.