BC Business
Like which one wants to steal people's french fries.
When Karen Danudjaja and Ella Dalling met through mutual friends on a camping trip over the 2017 Canada Day long weekend, they discovered they had a lot in common. Both had recently broken up with boyfriends and were reflecting on what to do next. They also shared an interest in wellness but were unsure which products were good for them. The result was Blume, the Vancouver-based superfood company offering simple solutions for healthy living launched the same year.
Blume products are inspired by all the meetings the women had attended in their past jobs with few beverage options apart from coffee: Danudjaja worked in real estate on operations and project management while Dalling was a creative in an agency. Since Danudjaja had grown up with turmeric as a natural remedy in South Asian culture, the pair started by developing a flavour for modern palates and expanded their line from there.
But when they’re not at work, Dalling and Danudjaja have quite different tastes.
What is your favourite spot in B.C.?
Karen Danudjaja: I have a deep love affair with the Sunshine Coast. There is something so peaceful about the community. On the other side of that ferry, it’s like everyone gets 10 percent more relaxed. and I’m into it.
Ella Dalling: I love being by the ocean, but if I had to choose one place it would probably be my mum’s house, which is 2 blocks away from mine. She’s my home.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Danudjaja: My last vacation was to Norway. One of my best friends from UBC was getting married, and we decided to use the opportunity for an epic road trip. The scenery in Norway is actually as breathtaking as cliché and cringy as that is to say. I also want to report that it is just as expensive as they say. We ate a lot of crackers and pickled fish.
Dalling: Tofino. A few weeks ago, actually.
Favourite restaurant/bar?
Danudjaja: We are so spoiled in Vancouver for good eating and drinking. One of my favourite bars in Vancouver is Boxcar on Main Street. I love that you can bring a pizza or two over from Pizza Farina. In the summer, the back opens up and it is just the perfect spot to indulge.
Dalling: Tough question, because I love food! Right now it’s Sing Sing. It’s just a block from my house and well have you tried tofu sticks? They speak for themselves.
What is your most memorable podcast, film or book?
Danudjaja: Most memorable is so hard! One of my recent reads is still something I think on. I read I am Malala and was truly struck by the bravery and power of her story. If you ever want proof that one person can make a difference, you will find all the evidence you need in her life.
Dalling: Anything true crime is memorable for me. Crime Junkie is my bed time go-to. Strange, but it puts me to sleep.
What is your morning routine?
Danudjaja: Starts with snoozing to the last possible moment and catching up on the news of the day over some sort of hot morning bevvy. I would love to tell you that I am one of those people who jump out of bed at 6 a.m. for a run on the seawall and by 7:30 I am in the office with the energy of a business tycoon. But—more honestly and with a shameless plug—my morning routine is typically slower and includes using our chili turmeric blend as a tonic with hot water and lemon to hydrate and get going. I should probably carve out a bit more time toward being presentable, but working from home makes PJ-all-day days a little too easy.
Dalling: Taking my dog Tuesday out for a walk every morning is the only thing I stick to. Other than that, I don’t have a typical morning routine.
Hobby?
Danudjaja: I love to hike, something I picked up when I moved to Vancouver. I grew up in Toronto, so I have a huge appreciation for how close we are in Vancouver to outdoor space. I am also a dinner party thrower. I love testing the limits of my apartment-sized oven.
Dalling: I’m really into kickboxing at the moment. Feel so powerful and badass when I am punching pads.
Best advice ever received?
Both: Just to say yes to things, to try and not be afraid or be overly negative. We have one life, and opening doors for opportunity can be as simple as a “Sure, I’ll try.”
Your worst job ever?
Danudjaja: Working at Subway as a sandwich artist while I was an angsty tween. I didn’t last very long.
What is your favourite quote?
Danudjaja: Something I think about as a life mantra I guess is to “work hard and be nice to people.” I don’t know where it comes from, maybe a Hallmark card, and I’m sorry if this is boilerplate and not inspirational. But I like it and it works for me. I think it’s really simple, and sometimes you just need the reminder to be resilient and believe the best in people.
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Danudjaja: Some sort of sea creature, for sure. Whatever it is, I want to be able to eat all day and not have a lot of predators.
Dalling: A bird. I want to fly and be able to steal people’s french fries.