by April Donauer

The trees are already looking bare, we have a couple of snowy days under our belts, and grad season seems like a lifetime ago. All the same, we would like to take some time and reflect on our 2018 Princess Graduates. They are strong, they are intelligent, they are brave, and they are GRADUATED. Here at The Princess Shop, we feel a sense of pride when we send out the dresses on grad days. Each dress belongs to a girl who has reached a truly special milestone and each girl has had her own journey. We celebrate each journey and congratulate each achievement. 

This past grad season was a truly remarkable one. What made it particularly special was that it could not have been possible without the support of our community. We had volunteers help mend dresses, volunteers assist in appointments, businesses that donated funds, hair services given, make-up services given, photography services given, and dresses donated. All this to say, The Princess Shop had been able to give back because so much has been given through the support of our community. Thank-You.  

"Thank you so much to everyone that helped me make this day truly special for me. When I first found out about the princess shop I never knew it was this amazing ! It was truly a day I will NEVER forget. I felt like a princess for sure and I got so many compliments on my make up hair and especially my gorgeous dress ! Thank you thank you thaaaaank you!" -Dacy, 2017 Princess Graduate

This June, we completed our 10th graduation season providing the Dress Program to 134 female-identified students graduating from school programs from 10 different communities across Saskatchewan.

Since the first graduation season in 2008, we have directly impacted the lives of 890 women on their graduation day! Some of these Princess Graduates have continued with our programs for mentorship (Fairy Godmother Program) and scholarships and skill development workshops (Next Chapter Program). 

We would like to express our sincere thanks to our sponsors for supporting our 10th graduation season:

Diamond Sponsor Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon

Emerald Sponsor Federated Co-operatives Ltd.

Ruby Sponsor Wright Construction Western Inc.

Friends: SIGA, Centennial 360, EY

Sponsor a Princess Graduate: Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation

Since 2010, we have had 65 mentorship matches in the Fairy Godmother Program! Some of these matches that are in the program today have continued from as far back as 2010.

Through the Next Chapter Program, we have been able to award over $150,000 in scholarships and bursaries, thanks to the amazing sponsors we have had contributing to this program. 

Most of our graduates are grade 12 students, however we honour requests from Grade 8s and post-secondary institutions. Our goal is to ensure that all female-identified students can attend their graduation ceremony and celebration stress-free, and then continue to pursue success in the next chapter!

It is more than a dress – everyone deserves the opportunity to recognize their accomplishments and participate fully in their graduation celebration. If you know anyone who would benefit from knowing about The Princess Shop (teacher, student or general supporter), please send them a link to our website!

Photography by: Wanda Keen Photography

Hair by: MC College

Makeup by: Spa Academy

Corsages: Blossoms Living

1. 3% of your purchase will be donated to a local nonprofit/charity. The Princess Shop is the lucky and grateful beneficiary February-July 2017. This speaks to their name, The Karma Café – Conscious Café & Eatery. This local business was built upon the philosophy that it goes beyond serving the community delicious food, to giving back to the community.

2. The owners are the nicest people you’ll ever meet. This attitude is also reflected in the staff which is always welcoming and helpful.

3. Their Bulletproof Chai Latte. If you haven’t tried it, what are you waiting for? It is great iced or hot, and has the perfect balance of Black Chai Tea, Grass fed Butter, Coconut Oil, Raw Honey, Dash of cream, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Turmeric. This among their other amazing teas, lattes and hot smoothies… so delicious!

4. Located in beautiful downtown Saskatoon. Located at 157 2nd Ave North, this spot is super accessible by all modes of transportation, and they have a cute sidewalk patio!

5. The décor is both cozy and bright. It makes you want to bring your favorite book or journal, friend for a catch-up, or a date – it appeals to all!