As a co-owner of three different businesses, Kelsey Matheson is one busy lady. How does she stay so zen? It doesn’t hurt that one of her three businesses happens to be Anamaya Resort, a yoga retreat centre in Costa Rica. In fact, all three of Matheson’s businesses have zen-improving benefits thanks to their social and environmental impact. Intrigued? Read on to find out more…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I was born and raised in Calgary, lived in Vancouver and Japan for a short time, and now I’m based in Toronto. I love art in all forms – music, film, design, paintings, photography, etc. I speak a little Japanese and am learning Spanish. I love good food and amazing wine. I have many passions in my life but traveling is at the top of my list, as is creating new business ventures that help to make a difference in our crazy world. I currently co-own three businesses: Anamaya Resort, a yoga retreat centre in Costa Rica; Be Packs, a back pack company that helps to provide children in Africa with an education; and b.flow, a yoga clothing line that chooses a different charity every year to support.
What are the biggest challenges and best rewards about what you do?
There are many challenges in running your own business, and even more rewards, but both are amplified when you run multiple businesses and you do it remotely. All of my companies are based in other countries. Anamaya and b.flow are based in Costa Rica, and Be Packs is based in the US. I’m able to work remotely because of technology, but it’s a unique circumstance not being able to work alongside my business partners every day. The best rewards come from seeing the results created from implementing new initiatives. Something that was once just an idea is established and cultivated, and the results you end up with are usually more amazing than what you had initially imagined. Not every new initiative works out the way you envisioned it, but the learning process you receive from trying something new is so valuable.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Dark chocolate, yoga and my family/friends.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…I have a huge support network here of amazingly inspiring people. I moved to Toronto 16 years ago and slowly over the years I’ve grown my roots here and surrounded myself with a group of truly extraordinary people. They are my friends and my mentors and I’m grateful to have such a great support group in my life. I strongly believe that the people you surround yourself with has a huge impact on who you are and who you want to become. A girl needs a group of solid peeps and I’ve found an awesome group here in Toronto.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
This is a difficult question because I love many restaurants all over the world, and each one for different reasons. One of my all time favourites is Pearl Oyster Bar in Greenwich Village, NYC. Everything on the menu is amazing but they’re famous for having the best lobster roll ever! When they opened around 16 years ago you couldn’t find a lobster roll in Manhattan anywhere – now “top loading rolls” or “side loading rolls” is a commonly understood description in New York.
What’s one of your favourite go-to designers/brands or accessories lines and why do you sport their fashions?
I love Rachel Sin because she knows how to design something that’s structured and that fits well, but is also totally unique in its design. Other favourites are the fantastically fun dresses and accessories at Champagne & Cupcakes on Queen Street West. I always find the most amazing dresses that she’ll tailor to fit you perfectly. They’ll also create custom-designed dresses and wedding gowns. For jackets, Mackage is definitely one of my favourites. I have at least four or five of their jackets – they nail it every time in terms of quality, fit and design. Two staples for me are my Yoga Jeans that I buy at ShopGirls, and the other “must have” is a fabulous pair of sunglasses – my two favourite designers for shades are Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.
What products are always in your beauty/grooming bag?
I can’t leave the house without a simple pink lip-gloss. Even if I’m wearing little to no make-up I need to have a little gloss with me at all times. I’m also obsessed with Face Food by Graydon. It’s a mineral mist that I spray on my face multiple times a day. I also love my Chi hair straightener.
What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
I’m all about the camo trend right now. I bought a pair of Michael Kors camo flats in NYC that I’m in love with, as well as this funky loosely knit sweater I found in Japan that I get compliments on everywhere I go. I’m on the hunt for a light camo jacket or blazer now. Love, love, love the camo!
What’s your favourite spa or service?
I don’t have a favourite spa although I enjoyed Oasis Wellness Centre in Calgary (even though I haven’t been there in years), and the Elmwood Spa in Toronto. I love a good pedicure. If I leave with soft, smooth feet and perfectly painted toes then I’m a happy camper. I also get my lashes and my brows tinted often but I’ve found it’s hard to find an esthetician that does an excellent tinting job. Still on the hunt for the perfect tint.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
AnamayaResort.com, Twitter at @MathesonEnt and @AnamayaResort, Facebook and Instagram at @AnamayaResort or @BePacks.
