What started as a walk near Chute Lake nearly three years ago, has brewed up a business for affable friends Melaine Raby and Cathy van Kesteren.
âIt was supposed to be a nice little walk and it ended up being a hike, we were like âwe need a beer after this,ââ said van Kesteren.
They had that beer at a nearby pub and talked about the places theyâve worked in the hospitality industry, their current jobs and what they wanted from their lives.
âWe looked around and said âwe can do this,ââ added Raby. âWe were so excited like we already had opened the doors.â
Their love of beer, the outdoors, and camping - a theme that weaves its way throughout their establishment - further convinced the pair that this is what they had to do.
After securing funding, finding a location, consulting with construction services, landing a liquor licence, and dealing with setbacks, the friends opened the doors to Three Lakes Brewing in 2023 during the August long weekend.
The name comes from three lakes, Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood, as well as three women, van Kesteren, Raby and her daughter Tara who is the brewmaster.
Raby noted that, as far as she knows, there are not many women running their own craft brewery operations.
âSo many people said âwomen brewing, shout that out.â Yeah thatâs cool, but we just like that weâre brewing beer.â
There were challenges and setbacks, however, including a lease for a Lake Country location that fell through twice and navigating the provincial liquor licencing process.
âIt wasnât âokay weâre done hereâ, it was âokay what do we do now?ââ Raby remembers asking.
That persistence, and a mindset of not giving up, are attitudes the pair encourage other women entrepreneurs to embrace.
âWe never questioned it once,â van Kesteren said. âIt was in your gut, in your soul, it was right. It wasnât a thought in our minds at all.â
Raby noted that itâs also important to find mentors.
âAsk other business owners and get their advice even if they are not in your field.â
Giving back and sourcing local are other behaviours the friends believe in.
They give to the Lake Country Food Bank, a childrenâs lunch program, and supported a local family last Christmas.
As much as possible, Three Lakes Brewing sources its ingredients, supplies and food offerings locally and hosts farmers markets, artisans and musicians on a regular basis.
At times the last nearly three years have been blur for the 20-year friends. Some days are so busy they barely have time to connect.
âWe have to have date night,â Raby laughed.
The day-to-day operations are a huge part of what they love about their business.
âLook at what weâve done,â van Kesteren said. âThis is our business. You hang in there and do something youâre proud of.â
The other thing that brings a smile is the regulars, and new faces, who walk through the door everyday.
âTheyâve become friends,â Raby said. âThatâs whatâs so great about doing all of this.â
is located at 2030 Matrix Crescent in the Airport Business Park.
