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As International Women’s Day approaches this weekend on March 8th, we’re conducting a special interview series featuring inspiring female leaders and innovators here in Vancouver.

Each of these inspiring women are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and redefining success in their own unique way.

Malindi Taylor of Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market is a 5th generation shellfish farmer. She works for her family owned and operated company, Fanny Bay Oysters, the largest shellfish company in Canada.

What does it mean for you to continue your family’s legacy and be a 5th generation shellfish farmer?

“It’s really exciting, and a lot to take in. It’s fun to bridge the classic techniques of farming and history with modern technology and see what we are able to create for our generation. Our family legacy is centered around quality seafood, high safety standards, and environmental conservation and those are really great values I’m excited to carry on.”

What fascinates you the most about the industry and how has it grown throughout your career?

“The shellfish industry is facing some really big challenges with climate change and human pollution, and it’s really the farmers that are pushing forward some incredible science to help us understand what’s happening in our oceans. This is helping us continue to grow a sustainable food source in these adverse conditions, while also trying to improve our environment. It’s exciting to get people interested and involved in restorative practices that connect them to their food sources.”

What is your favourite part about your job?

“No day is the same as the last. It’s always something new, so much to learn, people to meet, and places to go! I especially love seeing all the different ways people around the world engage with shellfish, the traditions, celebrations and festivals they are in. Go seek out an oyster festival…I promise you’ll have a good time!”

Who are the women that have inspired you, and why?

“From a young age I was inspired by Julia Child, but of course that was reaffirmed to me by having strong women around me growing up. I was fortunate to grow up around Chef Xinh Dwelley who was a powerhouse in our community and a west coast shucking legend, and I love getting to celebrate her legacy with our Girls That Shuck program.”

“I’m also super lucky to have some amazing mentors that always check in on me and cheer me on, like Meeru Dhalwala and Jennifer English. I also love having a huge network of women I can call on for help or inspiration (Meighan Makarchuk, Katie Lindsay, Claire Lustig, Angela Fortune, Brooke Kotack, Julie Qiu, Trish Whetstone).”

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women in your industry?

“That’s a big question! I think every woman wants to say they want to inspire them to push boundaries and go big, but also I want to inspire them to live the life they want to live and not feel like they have to carry everything alone. There is power in numbers and having other women that have your back is so enriching to your personal life and career.”