- Words by Angela Cowan Photography by Lia Crowe

At 21 Kristen Russell has already made a successful foray into the business world and is on her way to even bigger ventures. She and her mother, Karlin Russell, opened up Bayside Goods in Mill Bay just over two years ago, and have created a go-to boutique thatB次元官网网址檚 become a well-loved fixture in the community.

B次元官网网址淭he community support and community love has been so strong here. ItB次元官网网址檚 been really cool to put our roots down,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淢y family moved over to Mill Bay three years ago from Vancouver, and we noticed there were a lot of super fashionable, stylish people here that didnB次元官网网址檛 want to go all the way into Victoria to shop.B次元官网网址�

She adds: B次元官网网址淲e do what we like to call elevated basics, so thereB次元官网网址檚 a little bit of something for everyone. Our youngest customers are 12 and 13, and we also have people in their 90s.B次元官网网址�

Kristen, who had recently finished a theology diploma in Germany, says opening the shop had long been a dream for her mother and her.

In the throes of realizing another dream, the family purchased just over 30 acres in Mill Bay about three years ago: Pine Lodge Farm, which was previously a spectacular wedding venue.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e spent the last three years restoring the gardens, and in the past two months weB次元官网网址檝e added livestock back onto the property. WeB次元官网网址檙e hoping to expand into cattle and beekeeping,B次元官网网址� says Kristen. B次元官网网址淲e want to be able to provide food for our families, and then food for our neighbourhood, and finally to provide food for our community in the Cowichan Valley.B次元官网网址�

The 7 Sins

Envy:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

As a huge fan of the B次元官网网址�90s, I have to say Victoria Beckham. She really has done it all and carries herself with poise and sophistication. IB次元官网网址檓 addicted to her beauty line and her fashion brand is to die for. She also has a beautiful and successful family. Victoria is a true girl boss.

Gluttony:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

IB次元官网网址檓 in love with the lobster roll from Ironside in San Diego. ItB次元官网网址檚 my uncleB次元官网网址檚 restaurant, and I get the lobster roll every time I visit.

Greed:

YouB次元官网网址檙e given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

I would love to build my dream home on my familyB次元官网网址檚 acreage. I want a space big enough to have cocktail parties and big family dinners.

Wrath:

Pet peeves?

One of my biggest pet peeves has to be people who are unkind. I think this past year has really shown all of us how much kindness can make a difference. How you treat others can make a positive or negative impact on them. Choose being kind and positive every time!

Sloth:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

I spent several years of my childhood living in Europe, and one of my favourite holiday spots was the South of France, specifically Provence. I could spend ages drinking wine while walking through the lavender fields. The markets there are fantastic, with so much fresh produce and pastries.

Pride:

What is the one thing youB次元官网网址檙e secretly proud of?

I love how close-knit my family is. My mom and I run Bayside Goods together. She really is my best friend. Every night my whole family has a screen-free dinner together. WeB次元官网网址檙e all super connected and close.

Lust:

What makes your heart beat faster?

Nothing gets me fired up more than ripping my skis down a mountain on a powder day. I downhill ski raced for a number of years and it is still my favourite way to get outside and connect with nature.

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
Like Boulevard Magazine on and follow them on