Marilyn, our owner, started selling her designs in 1997 out of her Volkswagon Van aka “Buggie” at the Balfour Ferry terminal, and that was the very beginning of Blue Sky Clothing and has brought us to where we are today as a brand.

What services do you provide? What makes your business special?

At Blue Sky Clothing, we specialize in affordable natural fibre inclusive clothing, we believe that everyone should have access to fashion! We design our clothing out of bamboo, plant-based rayon, merino wool, and so much more! Our inclusive size range is XS to 4X, we will always find an outfit for every body.

What do you love about our area and how does it affect business and how you operate?

Balfour holds a special place in our hearts. From the conception of Blue Sky, to now, we are always thrilled to open our Balfour doors during the warmer months. We love being able to meet tourists from all over, who gather to see the beauty of Balfour each summer.

Tell us a little about yourself! What drew you to the area, how do you enjoy the area when you’re not working? What do you love most about your job?

We are inspired by our vibrant community and the natural beauty that surrounds us, which heavily influences our designs! Being part of the Balfour community means everything to us; we are always so grateful that we have opportunity to contribute and connect with those around us.

Where can people find out more about Blue Sky Clothing?

We are active on all of our social media channels! If you want to stay up to date on sales, events, and new arrivals, make sure to subscribe to our daily newsletter!

https://blueskyclothingco.com

https://www.instagram.com/blueskyclothingco

https://www.youtube.com/@blueskyclothingco./featured

https://www.pinterest.ca/blueskyclothingco

How long has your business been in the Balfour/Harrop area?

The Ainsworth Hot Springs were first considered a vacation spot as early as 1929 when Mr. John Burns II of Nelson purchased and began developing the property. The present hotel was built in 1987 by Norm and Joyce Mackie, and the Resort as we know it became a successful family operation. In 2015, the Resort was sold to the Lower Kootenay Band (Yaqan Nukiy) of Creston, reconnecting them to a significant cultural site of the Ktunaxa people. With the addition of the Yaqan Nukiy Suites, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort will continue to grow and strengthen the local tourism economy.

What services do you provide? What makes your business special?

The Resort provides year-round employment to 50-60 people in the operation and management of the business. Services include Hot Springs pool and cave, Accommodation, Food & Beverage, and Gift Shop. The Hot Springs is what people come to enjoy. The warm mineral water was first referred to by the Ktunaxa people as nupika wu’u, meaning spirit water. It is the Hot Springs experience that makes any visit special.

What do you love about our area and how does it affect business and how you operate?

Kootenay Lake is the perfect backdrop for small business. The diverse cultural vibe and four distinct seasons allow the opportunity to provide something for everyone. Who doesn’t want a warm winter get-away without traveling too far? The Ktunaxa Grill features meat and produce grown by the Yaqan Nukiy Farms. It became inevitable that we would find ourselves providing staff accommodation and currently house 16 employees.  On-site generators keep the lights on during power outages, another issue of remote living. We manage our own water and waste treatment plant blending our business into a community within a community.

Tell us a little about yourself! What drew you to the area, how do you enjoy the area when you’re not working? What do you love most about your job?

I was raised in Nelson, and following several moves throughput BC, found myself back in the area. In 1999, I applied for a position at the Resort and committed to staying a year. With a background in communication and human services, I seemed to be well suited to the tourism industry. My job description has covered many aspects of the business and became very meaningful for me when the Lower Kootenay Band took ownership in 2015. I find my work purposeful and rewarding on many levels. I’ve worked with numerous associations over the years and served on the Board of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, representing the accommodation sector for three terms. With an attitude of doing “something new in ‘22”, I hope to make myself useful as a Director of the BDBHA.

Jake Murfitt, Acting GM                                                                                                                                Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort

www.ainsworthhotsprings.com

Members of the community, Mike and Charmaine Bibby, have been providing the area with gorgeous furniture and interior design services for more than five years. You may recognize some of the handcrafted pieces by their signature hand carved Bee! Mike was born and raised in England and was inspired and influenced by some of the worlds finest furniture makers. He grew up just a few miles from the famous Robert Thompson, a master furniture maker. The tradition of adorning furniture with a carved logo, which is so popular in Yorkshire, is also seen in Mike’s work. Their hand carved bee log is very subtly incorporated in each furniture item – always perfectly placed and distinctive and makes your furniture item one of a kind.

We caught up with them to learn a little more about what they love about their product and what they love about our area!

How long has your business been in the Balfour/Harrop area?

Bibby Fine Interiors has been operating for more than 5 years, but last year concentrated on online or e-design during the pandemic.

Bibby Fine Furniture opened its doors in 2020

What services do you provide? What makes your business special?

Mike is the fine furniture maker and Charmain offers interior design services. Each business is run separately but we also work together on some projects – we make a great creative team. As an Interior designer there are often compromises when it comes to sourcing the perfect furniture item from mainstream stores – sometimes the size isn’t ideal or the finish isn’t perfect and that is where we complement each other so well. Charmain sees the vision and Mike can make just about anything – with the correct dimensions, perfect finish and detail to compliment the entire room.

All our furniture is hand crafted and made from solid, locally and ethically sourced hardwoods. With our furniture making, we make an effort and invest extra time on more challenging, curvy designs. We also use traditional wood working techniques and proper joints such as dove tail joints in our furniture. We have a range of white oak, round tables with nice curves and tapers that are our current number one. We have a range of furniture items already designed, but we are also happy to accommodate customers with custom designs, dimensions and stain options.

What do you love about our area and how does it affect business and how you operate?

We love the outdoors and love spending time with our children exploring the vast areas of wilderness around us – we go for hikes and camping and enjoy the lake with our canoe. Balfour seems to be a friendly community and we have settled in here nicely.

Tell us a little about yourself! What drew you to the area, how do you enjoy the area when you’re not working? What do you love most about your job?

We originally came to the Nelson area as Mike was doing the Fine Furniture program at the Selkirk College, we loved the town and area and have decided to make this area our home. When are not working, you will find us somewhere in the mountains or on the water. Being your own boss after being in the corporate world for years, is refreshing and traveling for work and being away from home for long periods is all over.

Where can people find out more (website, social media links, etc.)

www.bibbyfinefurniture.com

Facebook: Bibby Fine Interiors and Fine Furniture
Instagram: @bibbyfinefurniture.com