Erikka Moojelsky, a Calgary born fashion and costume designer, living in Kelowna, BC. With a strong belief in supporting local artists and businesses, she is dedicated to creating fashion that is both long-lasting and eco-conscious.
From a young age, Erikka has been drawn to the world of design. She spent her youth immersed in her mother's Vogue magazines and started designing and sewing clothes for her Barbies at the age of 6. Her passion for sewing and design runs deep, with her great grandmother being a Sicilian dressmaker and her grandmother teaching her sewing basics on an old pedal Singer sewing machine.
Driven by her belief in the power of an eye-catching outfit, Erikka sought out every opportunity to advance her craft throughout her youth. She completed her Diploma in Fashion from the Kootenay School of the Arts in 2009 and furthered her education with studies at Selkirk College, the University of Calgary, and Mount Royal University's Entrepreneurial Studies program.
Over the past decade, Erikka has focused on her own design and production house, Neid Studio. Her talent has led her to showcase her designs in over half a dozen runway shows and be featured in various printed publications, including a front and back cover of Standout Magazine. She has also worked in wardrobe and costume for music legends like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Kenny Rogers before transitioning to the television and motion picture industry, where she currently works as a Costume Set Supervisor.
In May 2019, Erikka rebranded her brand as Aesthetiks by Erikka Moojelsky, allowing her to be more art-focused and spread a message of self-love. Erikka is dedicated to creating fashion that stands the test of time and reduces waste by combining new fabrics with upcycled elements. Her hats, for example, are lined with PET fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.
Apart from her creative endeavors, Erikka also feels strongly about giving back to her community. Mental health is a cause close to her heart, and she donates $2.50 from every hat sale to Kelowna Community Resources - Crisis line. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she started Mending Heart Masks, a not-for-profit initiative that provides homemade masks for free to frontline workers. She and a team of volunteers produced over 4,500 masks, 2,000 of which were donated for free. In addition, Erikka launched the AesthetiKs mentor program in the spring of 2020, providing guidance and support to high school students who feel out of place among their peers.
In the spring of 2021, Erikka embarked on her passion project, the creation of the AesthetiKs LAB. This innovative venture combined a fashion music and art studio with a store community center, aiming to provide an inclusive and affordable creative clubhouse for artists to thrive. The doors of AesthetiKs LAB opened in November 2021, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking creative space in Kelowna.
Erikka's dedication and hard work led AesthetiKs LAB to be officially recognized as a non-profit organization in March 2022. As a result, Erikka assumed the role of CEO, working alongside a board composed of individuals who played key roles in turning her dream into a reality.
Following the successful establishment of AesthetiKs LAB, Erikka's achievements continued to accumulate in the summer of 2023. She was recognized as one of the Top 40 over 40 by the Kelowna Chambers of Commerce, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the community. Additionally, Erikka received the honor of becoming a finalist in the Arts category of The City of Kelowna Civic Awards, further solidifying her impact in the local arts scene.
Despite her already impressive accomplishments, Erikka remained actively involved in various projects. She took on the role of producing a fashion show and competition for Kelowna, showcasing her expertise in the fashion industry. Alongside this, she also serves as the Costume Designer for Opera Kelowna, demonstrating her versatility and talent in the performing arts realm.
Erikka's reputation stems not only from her endless spirit and unwavering determination, but also from her giving nature and unmatched creativity. She is passionate about inspiring others to dream big and empowering them to transform those dreams into reality.
With her remarkable achievements and ongoing commitment to the arts, Erikka continues to make a profound impact on the Kelowna community and beyond. Her professional journey serves as a testament to her dedication and serves as an inspiration for others to strive for greatness.