Community People Profiles is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they go about their lives living on Salt Spring Island.

This weeks featured local people profile is: Krystle Capranos

Here's a bit about Krystle;

Most people recognize me as the face behind their tasty baked treats in the heart of Ganges. My first job on Salt Spring was on FritzRoy Farm hauling cow pies. Now, I’m known to make some of the best fruit pies this side of Mount Maxwell. My time is split between baking up a storm and hiking all the trails of the island with good friends and my sweet dogs. Every day I’m thankful for living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

What brought you to Salt Spring Island?

Twelve years ago I was living in Toronto, the city where I was born and raised, ripe and ready (like a banana) for adventure and change. Serendipitously, my sister Seraphina came home to visit from her two years away traveling. She told me about a magical place called Salt Spring Island, where she had recently moved. Inspired by my big sis, (as always!) I packed everything I possibly could in one suitcase, and hopped on a plane with my two cats and a dog. As I flew over the rockies I knew I was headed in the right direction.

What one thing about Salt Spring would you tell someone who has never visited the island?

Living on Salt Spring is like living on permanent vacation once your work day is done. It’s eye candy for the soul. Salt Spring is also like living amongst extended family with all its ups and downs - but mostly ups!

If you had a magic Salt Spring wand, what island thing would you change?

I wish the island’s economic structure was more nurturing for those of my generation - the late-twenty - early - thirty something folks. In the twelve years I’ve lived here I’ve watched many friends and other folks of my generation leave because they couldn’t make a go of it. It’s just so expensive living here if you’re young and want something more than just getting by. Perhaps a little utopian, but I do wish there was some kind of platform for the young and willing workers to connect with the older demographic who have resources to get creative and join talents to create a dynamic and livable community that benefits all. A fresh and vivacious island full of job opportunities is what I wish for.

Which well known person, living or dead, do you think would be a good addition to the island?

I'm torn between David Suzuki and Ellen DeGeneres. Suzuki would help us kick environmental butt and Ellen would keep us laughing.

Is there a special project, business or initiative you are working on that islanders should know about?

Two years ago I birthed a business called Cutie Pies. I’ve been selling my freshly baked goods in the Saturday market and also through private custom orders. All my treats are made in small batches using local and organic ingredients. I’m inspired by the classic recipes of my grandmother’s warm and fragrant kitchen. I create mostly pies, bars, brownies, tarts, and cakes. Every treat is made with love and a pin curl in my hair and a cherry apron around my waist. My dream is to open my own Cutie Pies Bake Shop in the heart of Ganges. Fingers crossed! I’m working towards making this dream a reality. Just think dear reader, one day you may be sitting on my comfy red vinyl couch in the Shop enjoying the best blueberry pie you ever had in your life - with me winking at you across the counter as your belly is full and satisfied.

Is there a really good interview question we should have asked you?

If money was no obstacle, what charity or organization would you open?

How would you have answered your question?

I would open a rescue centre for disabled or senior animals of all kinds that would otherwise be abandoned or killed.