Lacey Kaduk is a 34-year-old Indigenous mother of two who grew up in Barriere with dreams of one day owning her own business, and that dream has now become a reality.
When she was 23, and already a mother, Kaduk enroled in the Aboriginal Women in Trades program at Thompson Rivers University. That was followed by a carpentry program, then the Sky Keepers course: an Indigenous-led, Construction Foundation of BC program that provides drone training and certification to underrepresented groups. The online course also offers additional courses in entrepreneurship, as well as technical and safety certifications.
"I've taken a lot of courses over the years and decided to focus on what I love doing the most, spending time outdoors with my family," she says.
Just over a year ago, Kaduk started her storefront business, Countryside Adventures in Clearwater. The sports and recreation store focuses on her own personal passion for hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor adventure.
“It’s a family-run business with my partner and two kids helping me to fulfill this dream," she tells Black Press. "We plan on expanding the business in the future. Right now, we are mainly fishing, hunting, rentals and we distribute fishing bait to over 30 stores and resorts here and in the Okanagan.”
Kaduk says the family loves being in the outdoors together. “I just decided to take what I love doing, what we enjoy as a family, and turn it into a full-time business. For now, the rental side of the business is fishing, fishing rods and paddle board rentals. We will expand our sales to include ammunition, more hunting and camping gear, and even boats eventually.
"I’ve also started a tackle recycling program where we take in used and unwanted tackle or gear and fix it up, rebuilding it to working order, and give it away to children 18 years and under to encourage them to pursue the sport.”
The young mom has begun to introduce herself to other like-minded businesses in the valley and is working on a marketing plan while supporting community initiatives, especially those benefiting Indigenous youth.
“We hope to bring in guiding in the future and things like fly-tying and fly-fishing lessons. I really want to grow the business here in the North Thompson while encouraging people to explore all the outdoor sports the valley has to offer, such as fishing, hunting, and camping. There is so much to do and see her if you love outdoor life.”
For interesting tips on fishing and other outdoor adventure information, visit the Countryside Adventures Facebook page.
