Adena's Story

We are so excited to be celebrating ten years of Fig Love together with you this spring. Our little store had humble beginnings, opening on a quiet street in Nanaimo, British Columbia in 2016.

To mark the occasion, we're sharing a little more about our founders — Heather Macleod and Adena Broadhead — and what brought them together at 70 Church Street.

Here's Adena's story.

The impetus of body positivity and inclusivity at Fig Love came from a trip to London in my late twenties.  I had fought with my weight for my entire life, and been plus-sized for at least five years when, in Camden Market, I came across the coat of my dreams.

It was tailored, pleated, ruffled — amazing. I touched it, smiled, and prepared to move on. Then the gods spoke through this little man, who said, “Would you like to try it?” 

“Oh no,” I replied. “You won’t have my size."

He looked at me strangely and said, “Of course we do!”

And it fit. The magical jacket fit!

As I went through the rest of my trip, I realized that London has many more options for average to plus-sized women. "Regular” stores often fit up to a size 20.

I had been relegated to plus-sized sections and stores for so long that the concept of simply walking into a clothing store had become a terrifying and alienating nightmare. One that I had unconsciously started to avoid.

Many of our customers have had the same experiences. My beautiful clients have told me stories of walking into a Vancouver clothing store, only to be told abruptly, “There’s nothing for you in here.” 

My jaw dropped when I heard this, but it turns out that it's is a common occurrence. Women are terrified to even try clothing on… forget how we feel about ourselves and the hatred we hold, but when we can finally summon the courage, it is cruelly reinforced by those who should understand and relate most: other women. 

I want to change the narrative that says your body is the problem to solve. Too many women walk into stores already apologizing — for their size, their scars, their age, their changes. I’m working to create a space where none of that is required.

I’m trying to improve how women experience getting dressed. Clothing should not trigger shame. It should not divide. It should not demand shrinking, hiding, or correcting.

If I can protect anything, it’s the moment a woman looks in the mirror and recognizes herself — not as a project, but as a whole person.

I believe fashion should never be aspirational — it should be affirming. These values drive my work every day I enter our shop.

XOXO

– Adena