- Story and photography by Lia Crowe

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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Originally from Ontario, Kerstin followed a footloose and fancy-free path that brought her to a life in Victoria and a shoe store business now 36 years strong. (This path included hitchhiking with a girlfriend from Edmonton to the island in 1977 B次元官网网址渂ecause thatB次元官网网址檚 just what you did in those days.B次元官网网址�)

I meet Kerstin in her Fairfield home for decaf lattes, a tour of her beautiful garden sanctuary and a chat about life, style and her favourite pair of shoes (spoiler alert, she couldnB次元官网网址檛 choose just one).

Rewind to the early 80s where a 20-something Kerstin arrived in Victoria, met her partner and started working with him in his retail store on Johnson Street. Called Renaissance Shop, it had a real B次元官网网址渉ippy vibe,B次元官网网址� selling velour jumpsuits and crystals. It also had a leather workshop in the back. The first shoe brand they carried was Birkenstocks. That soon grew into more shoe brands and the beginning of Footloose shoes in 1983.

With so many years in the shoe business behind her, I wonder, what does she love most about her work? For Kerstin, itB次元官网网址檚 the buying and the relationships she has developed with customers.

B次元官网网址淲e have been carrying some brands for a number of years, so we have great relationships with our shoe reps. I think you have to be a people person to be in this business and some of our regular customers are so nice.B次元官网网址�

Outside of work, itB次元官网网址檚 clear that Kerstin is passionate about her garden and all of the wild birds that come to visit, including a couple of crows who have become regulars.

SheB次元官网网址檚 also passionate about health and wellness, and has run five marathons.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e never been a competitive person who needs to be the best, but I like to challenge myself. The training is daunting at first but then after itB次元官网网址檚 done you feel so good. I also started biking about five years ago; I have a road bike and I really like it.B次元官网网址�

Asked how she would describe her style, she says, B次元官网网址淩elaxed!B次元官网网址�

She laughs, B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e never been a heel girl; when I discovered Birkenstocks I thought they were the coolest thing I had ever seen. To me good style is clean, simple and not overdone.B次元官网网址�

Since she is a mother and grandmother, I ask which qualities she hopes she has passed on, and she says, B次元官网网址淚 feel like IB次元官网网址檓 a kind person; so [I hope they will be] kind, enjoy every day and take risks.B次元官网网址�

FASHION and BEAUTY

Uniform: Lots of denim with a button down shirt or a T-shirt.

All-time favourite piece: B次元官网网址淢y LeviB次元官网网址檚.B次元官网网址�

Favourite pair of shoes: B次元官网网址淚 have a few favourite brands: , and, of course, .B次元官网网址�

Favourite Daybag: Currently using an made and designed in Vancouver.

Favourite work tool: A large tote bag by .

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: B次元官网网址淎nything in sterling silver, and I love the hammered silver look.B次元官网网址�

Fashion Obsession: Cosy fall sweaters.

Accessory you spend the most money on: Watches B次元官网网址� currently wearing .

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Annual visit to the with a girlfriend.

Moisturizer: B次元官网网址淚 use a product made in Switzerland called .B次元官网网址�

Scent: Amber scent from .

Must-have hair product: B次元官网网址淢y curling iron.B次元官网网址�

STYLE INSPIRATIONS and LIFE

Style Icon: Katharine Hepburn.

Favourite Artist: B次元官网网址淚 have been admiring pieces by .B次元官网网址�

Favourite Musician: B次元官网网址淚 recently saw , so have been listening to a lot of Neil.B次元官网网址�

Era of Time that inspires your style: 1920s and 1940s.

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: The movie Annie Hall and the TV shows Mr Selfridge and Downton Abbey.

Favourite local restaurant: B次元官网网址淚 visit almost every Friday for breakfast.B次元官网网址�

Favourite Cocktail/Wine: B次元官网网址淚 currently like drinking Ampersand gin with a good tonic water.B次元官网网址�

Album on current rotation: Anything .

Favourite Flower: Peonies and tulips.

Favourite App: Spotify, and any sleeping apps.

Favourite place in the whole world: B次元官网网址淚 love .B次元官网网址�

READING MATERIAL

Fav Print Magazine: House and Garden.

Fave Style Blog: B次元官网网址淚 do not look at too many, but do like .B次元官网网址�

Coffee table Book/photography book: Great Bear Wild by .

Last great read: The Power of One by .

Book currently reading: Blue Monday by .

You can find .