HOT SPOTLIGHT: LYRIK INSPIRATIONS

Kyla Dufresne wanted us - but more importantly, you - to know a little something about her designer t-shirt company, Lyrik Inspirations. What follows is her story of how Lyrik came to be . . .

Good morning starshine, Lyrik says hello.

Hello, my name is Kyla Dufresne and I am the creator/designer of Lyrik Inspirations.

I remember the day Lyrik became an idea. Two years ago, my best pal and business partner Mollywood and I were listening to the Ying Yang Twins' "Shake it like a salt shaker," down by the ocean.

"Someone should put that on a shirt," I thought.

"We can make that happen," Molls says and lets me know of the perfect place to get my idea put onto a tee.

The next day we walked into the lime green building, "Incite Screenprinting" on the downtown perimeter of Victoria. With a few racks of 'Concyse' clothing, a $10 chestful of items and a selection of printable t-shirts, the bare walls left much to the imagination. I checked out the limited 'printable tees' section and find the only one plain white tee that would fit me. I brought it to the counter and placed my order: "I would like this tee to read 'Shake it like a saltshaker' with the image of a saltshaker on the back left corner".

And so it began.

Whenever there was a concert or event in town and Molls and I needed a new outfit for it, instead of shopping at the Mall, we'd shop at the t-shirt printing company. The man behind the counter enjoyed my funky ideas as much as I did and suggested that I print more of my ideas for resale. The excitement of owning my own clothing line sparked up in me and the journey began.


Song lyrics on shirts, and not just song lyrics on shirts, but RAD song lyrics on shirts. And if they weren't song lyrics themselves, the images that emerged in my mind came frmo a song that I was listening to.

I've always been a fan of the t-shirts and tank tops with bold writing on the front of them except for the fact that they usually read something corny like "I love my boyfriend," "This t-shirt says I'm cute," or "Save the tress". So, inspired by music, i decided to take the bold saying idea and transform it into a style that hipsters with love for music (instead of cheesy sayings) would rock.

Not only was there a lack of "RAD saying" t-shirts but there was a lack of "RAD saying" t-shirts in au'some colours.

Being a woman, who although was only three at the most in the 80's (but vicariously lives through that era) I love bright colours. I have never been someone to love or rock pastel pinks of baby blues (which are so prominent in the women's sections) but instead loved the lime greens and neon yellows. So what a better canvas to put my designs on than the bright beams of the 80's?
While my line is inspired by music, it isn't even arguable that Lyrik Inspirations is the perfect name to capture the essence of what it is about. As Lyrik is just up and coming, it is currently only available for purchase in Victoria, BC and a select few on my online store.

The same store that inspired me to create a line - so that everyone could enjoy my funky ideas - is the same store which makes and sells my gear: Higher Ground Clothing Gallery, formerly Incite Screenprinting/ Concyse, has transformed the Douglas and Bay street location to an environment warm enough to light up your day.

Whether you need a new tattoo by Johnny Murdoch, a sign painted by Ol Pappa, tees printed for your company, tickets to an up and coming hip-hop show, or a fresh new outfit to make you feel fly, Higher Ground (2514 Douglas St.) has it all.

As soon as you walk in and are greeted by the big smile of one of the shop owners, Brandon Wells, you won't wanna leave. This place makes you wanna stick around and chill with the boys all day - even after you've checked out all they have to offer. I am very happy to have my gear up at this universal shop.

Not only can you find my gear at the birthplace of Lyrik, but it has recently also moved into One Six Boardshop (3954 Quadra St.). One Six has much to offer. If you're looking for a new bike, skateboard, shoes, or a fly outfit - you'll find it all at this shop. Oh and I forgot to mention - if you're bored, you could totally ride on their indoor skate ramp for the day. Yeah, I know. I am equally as happy to have my gear at yet another RAD store in Vic City.

And there you have it. Lyrik - inspired by music and bright colours, then delivered to you, the public, by means of RAD shops.

I hold my head up high when I rock Lyrik and I suggest you check it out for yourself. And keep your eyes open for Lyrik in the future, I have big deams and big expectations . . .
And this isn't the last time you'll hear my name.