- 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 鈥渂ecause that鈥檚 just what you did in those days.鈥�)
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 couldn鈥檛 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 鈥渉ippy vibe,鈥� 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, it鈥檚 the buying and the relationships she has developed with customers.
鈥淲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.鈥�
Outside of work, it鈥檚 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.
She鈥檚 also passionate about health and wellness, and has run five marathons.
鈥淚鈥檝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 it鈥檚 done you feel so good. I also started biking about five years ago; I have a road bike and I really like it.鈥�
Asked how she would describe her style, she says, 鈥淩elaxed!鈥�
She laughs, 鈥淚鈥檝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.鈥�
Since she is a mother and grandmother, I ask which qualities she hopes she has passed on, and she says, 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 a kind person; so [I hope they will be] kind, enjoy every day and take risks.鈥�
FASHION and BEAUTY
Uniform: Lots of denim with a button down shirt or a T-shirt.
All-time favourite piece: 鈥淢y Levi鈥檚.鈥�
Favourite pair of shoes: 鈥淚 have a few favourite brands: , and, of course, .鈥�
Favourite Daybag: Currently using an made and designed in Vancouver.
Favourite work tool: A large tote bag by .
Favourite jewellery piece or designer: 鈥淎nything in sterling silver, and I love the hammered silver look.鈥�
Fashion Obsession: Cosy fall sweaters.
Accessory you spend the most money on: Watches 鈥� currently wearing .
Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Annual visit to the with a girlfriend.
Moisturizer: 鈥淚 use a product made in Switzerland called .鈥�
Scent: Amber scent from .
Must-have hair product: 鈥淢y curling iron.鈥�
STYLE INSPIRATIONS and LIFE
Style Icon: Katharine Hepburn.
Favourite Artist: 鈥淚 have been admiring pieces by .鈥�
Favourite Musician: 鈥淚 recently saw , so have been listening to a lot of Neil.鈥�
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: 鈥淚 visit almost every Friday for breakfast.鈥�
Favourite Cocktail/Wine: 鈥淚 currently like drinking Ampersand gin with a good tonic water.鈥�
Album on current rotation: Anything .
Favourite Flower: Peonies and tulips.
Favourite App: Spotify, and any sleeping apps.
Favourite place in the whole world: 鈥淚 love .鈥�
READING MATERIAL
Fav Print Magazine: House and Garden.
Fave Style Blog: 鈥淚 do not look at too many, but do like .鈥�
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 .
