life.style.etc. TARA ELSTON, OWNER OF FOXY BOX NANAIMO
“Our society is inundated with what everyone thinks their life should look like. I want them to think beyond what you see on social media.” WORDS KATHERINE SUNA
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PHOTOGRAPHY IZABEL KAZENBROOT-GUPPY
A true entrepreneur, Tara Elston, owner of Foxy Box Nanaimo, has been in business since the age of 28. She quickly learned the basics of business at a young age from her parents. “My dad was a commercial salmon troller and my mom was an independent business owner. I think the greatest quality I inherited from them is being a visionary,” says Tara. After finishing her university education, Tara became a primary teacher on Vancouver Island. She did that for eight years until she had the urge to experience something more. “I then met my husband and we started our first business together,” she says. Tara and her husband have worked alongside each other for the past 20 years. “He balances out my vision with his systemization and ability to create and learn anything necessary to get us where we need to be.” Tara beams when describing her love of coming to work every day. “It’s a beautiful place, so organized and stylistic. I think this house has a feminine energy in it. There’s something still here. When I walked in, I had to buy it.” When it comes to fashion, Tara likes to keep it simple, and enjoys shopping in downtown Nanaimo. “I love wearing black. It makes it an easy dress code for work. I enjoy accessorizing my neutral outfits too,” says Tara. Since opening the Foxy Box Wax Bar business, Tara hopes to empower other women and give them confidence. “I hope to bring women into this place of understanding and acceptance, and join them together. Everyone deserves to feel good. Energy is everything, humour is critical and you have to be able to laugh at yourself. We are stronger together. It’s a sisterhood,” says Tara. Being a visionary and thinking about the future, Tara chats about what she hopes to pass on to her son and daughter. “I tell them to always think outside of the box. Our society is inundated with what everyone thinks their life should look like. I want them to think beyond what you see on social media. Don’t follow the herd, and certainly do something that allows you the freedom and flexibility to travel, be in nature and spend time with family and friends,” she explains. Outside of work you will find Tara recharging at home with a great book, spending time with her family, going for walks with her dog and brainstorming her next big idea! 10
boulevardmagazines.com |
SPRING 2020
