Holiday Fashion Feature
K r i s t i n e
V a n
A l l e n :
A Passion for Fashion
Fall’s rich tones & diverse selections at KVA
Debbie Goulding in Lux Tuxedo look by ARTEX, Toronto
When Kristine Van Allen opened her women’s fashion boutique
I ended up settling in Kingston, having two kids, and have been
and pop-up venture, KVA Collections, she knew she was taking a
here since.” She spent time working in banking, developing her
leap of faith. It was 2010, and she was at a career crossroads. “At
customer service skills and business acumen before getting into
that point, I was working for the direct sales company Optionelle
direct sales, which afforded her flexibility as a wife and mother.
full-time, and when they closed, I started to think seriously about
When she was ready to open KVA Collections, her philosophy was
starting my own business,” she explains. “It was a financial risk.
clear: slow and steady wins the race.
There’s always the question: if you build it, will they come?”
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Full of energy and creativity, Kristine has always had a passion for
“I started KVA with one designer and a loyal clientele from
fashion. She even considered studying fashion design at Ryerson
Optionelle. But the question was, could I grow it? Now, I deal with
University after high school. However, a change of heart brought
more than twenty different designers, and have garnered wonderful
her to Queen’s University, where she majored in sociology and
new business through referrals.” Kristine’s model is unique: she
fell in love with her husband, Steven. “It’s life’s twists and turns.
offers clients a relaxed studio space for personalized shopping as
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