Who is Karen in one sentence?
I’m an earnest dreamer I suppose.
Where are you from, and how long have you been in Vancouver?
Originally from Brampton Ontario. I moved to Vancouver to go to UBC and never moved back. I truly love living in this city.
Best meal you’ve had out in recently, and where was it from?
I had the most delectable brunch at Chez Celine. The pancake is something I continue to think about. The dinner is also delicious. Don’t sleep on Chez Celine.
What are three things we’d find you doing on a Saturday?
Gardening - we have a veggie garden that has become my obsession. I have harvested about half a salad so far this year but enjoying every second of it.
Hitting a trail, Fisherman’s Trail in North Vancouver is my favorite spot for a walk and river dip.
Cooking/hosting. I love a theme and a dinner party.
What’s something you’re excited about in your life right now?
Watching Blume grow into new categories and seeing our products become part of people’s everyday rituals across Canada and now the US.
Oh and we are expecting our first baby! Going through a new season in my own wellness journey has just made me even more committed to the space we are carving out in the category.
Blume's getting a sibling — Karen's first baby is on the way. 🤍
Where does your drive come from — is it something you've always had, or did Blume bring it out of you?
I think I have always been a project person. I can be obsessed and like to carry things all the way through. But pairing that personality with a business and team I love has unlocked a whole new level of commitment. When you care deeply about what you’re building and the people around you, you find another gear.
What's one thing you know now that you wish you could go back and tell yourself on day one of starting Blume?
Just to get started and everyone is learning. I think I let imposter syndrome or fear of failure prevented me from starting a business or my own project for so long. The reality is that everyone is learning right alongside you and it is more about iterating and adapting than having a perfect plan. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. Consistency, curiosity, and staying close to your customers matter more than having the perfect plan.
If you could share a message with everyone in Vancouver, what would you say?
Vancouver has so many thoughtful, creative people building incredible things — support local brands, local restaurants, and local communities whenever you can. It really does make a difference. These businesses invest it right back into our communities.
Meet Peach Lychee — Blume's newest SuperBelly flavour, fresh off the launch pad. 🍑
Follow Blume on Instagram @itsblume for all things wellness, kindness, and behind-the-scenes of the brand, and check out Karen’s website to dive into more of her world.
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