When twins Robyn Hansen & Becky McArthur bought their first business, they each had toddlers. Now, they’re serving up frozen yogurt alongside their teenagers
Kristen Mitchell writer profile

Born and raised in the Kootenays, Kristen hopes to always call this area home. She studied at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook and has worked in a variety of industries, from agriculture to construction, retail to restaurants. She now brings her understanding of the area to Kootenay Business magazine.
Most recent articles by Kristen Mitchell
A family business, Winderberry Farms, found innovative ways to grow and create a place for everyone to contribute to a bright future
For Jacob Houghton and Stephan Gale, starting Radium Brewing was the realization of their dreams, passions and hobbies coming together.
Janice Alpine is an expert on the diversity of Ktunaxa businesses, the skills they bring to the table, and the opportunities that exist within the community.
Kevin Blackwell, a housing project developer, talks to Kootenay Business about the housing industry in the Columbia Valley
The circular economy may be a buzzy-sounding term but at this Nelson brewpub, participating in it is an obvious benefit to the company and the community.
By collecting and recycling used cooking oil into green, biodiesel products, Dayna Leduc has found his passion
Patrick Tolchard tells Kootenay Business all about managing multiple companies and why he loves the outdoor adventure industry.
A development in Windermere is treating wastewater with a solar aquatic facility, an underutilized process that produces clean water without chemicals.
For Thomas and Ash Hodgson, a lifetime of chronic entrepreneurship has led them to becoming the Kootenays’ newest distillers.
Rachael Roussin talks about the importance of soil health, and how it can work hand-in-hand with conventional fertilizer in agriculture.
With three events planned for July, the East Kootenay is a busy location for the sport of blind golf thanks to local advocate and competitor, Darren Douma
The Full Circle Health Centre in Creston, B.C., has welcomed new practitioners and is now qualified as a traditional Chinese medicine centre
The owners of Treasure Life Flour Mills have invested years into growing grain products that they can stand behind
The Creston Valley has a new initiative that is moving the food and agriculture economy forward.
Bill Doeleman is helping Creston’s driving students learn new skills with his business, Creston Driving Academy
The Yaqan Nukiy School on the Ktunaxa reserve in Creston, B.C., has a new building to best serve its elementary students and community
Entrepreneur and realtor Trent Mason has brought the Two Percent Realty franchise to the East Kootenay
Jessica Piccinin, owner of Root and Vine Acres, found her calling in producing wholesome food on her farm in the Creston Valley
Chris and Andrea Ryman brought their love of paddling and the great outdoors to the Kootenays 10 years ago, and they haven’t looked back
With a new logo and brand strategy, College of the Rockies is turning 40 and feeling fine.
The city of Castlegar has several green initiatives underway that are good for the city, for the environment and for the people who call the area home.
For these business people, there is no shortage of reasons to love living in this beautiful mountain region
After she found a home in Fernie, Lindsay Reynolds discovered a passion to bring the business of beauty to town.
Gina and Cory Medhurst succeed at the unique challenge of running a 21st century blacksmith shop.
At Valley Firearms, a father and son make sure they can offer the best service to local hunting, shooting and fishing enthusiasts
The College of the Rockies Career and Job Fair is set to be another successful event this March.
Opening a retail business allows Laurie Goodlad to combine her love of customer service with her enjoyment of merchandising.
Opening Le Grand Fromage in Fernie and Nelson has offered a way for Pierre Dupont to share his taste and knowledge for quality cheese with Kootenay residents
For Lori Craig, the owner of Better Life Fitness in Rossland, work is about a passion for fitness and helping clients succeed.
At Kootenay Meadows, organic milk comes in glass bottles and raw-milk cheeses are a gourmet delight.
New parents in the Kootenays now have a local resource for baby products as well as somewhere to find community and information.
With an eagerness to keep learning and to serve her community, Kathy Moore was successful in her bid to become mayor of Rossland.
Mike Martin, the new mayor of Trail, B.C., talks about anticipated challenges, goals and his dedication to advancing the community.
Deb Kozak is taking the lead in Nelson as she steps into position of mayor after nine years on council.
Lawrence Chernoff has returned as the mayor of Castlegar, bringing his upbeat outlook back to the city for a fourth term.
Creston’s mayor Ron Toyota has won a third term to continue working on initiatives with a new council.
Mark McKee, who has been elected mayor of Revelstoke, is back in office with a history of experience and a plan to get things done.
With a new brew house, storage area and tasting room, Fernie Brewing Company is building a facility that can keep up with demand for its tasty brews.
A career with Investors Group in the Koootenays means support and entrepreneurship while working to help others succeed financially.
Increased enforcement penalties and an awareness campaign are being implemented in B.C. to help combat the issue of distracted driving.
Kirk Ismay is the owner of the local business Secure by Design, a Best of Business Award winner for Internet Service Provider in the Kootenays.
After a busy year, Judy Goodman, executive director of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, talks about everything that’s going on locally.
For instructors at non-profit studio Dance Umbrella, going to work is about so much more than earning a paycheque.
Steph China and her husband Jeff Honig have brought their passion for active lifestyles to opening, Revelution fitness studio in Revelstoke, B.C.
Musher Eric Marsden of Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures is passionate about his sport, his animals and about showing guests an experience in the Kootenays.
With a successful year behind it, We Were Young, an independent design studio in Nelson, B.C., launched a website and demo reel in July of 2014.
Ernie’s Used Auto Parts in Castlegar, B.C., stays on the forefront of conscientious vehicle recycling.
The Larsons made major career and location changes when they opened Mt. Begbie Brewing in Revelstoke, B.C., and now the company is thriving.
The Selkirk Saddle Club, a non-profit equine organization in Revelstoke, has a new indoor riding arena.