Gen X Businesswoman Felt Burned Out; Started a Homestead in the Woods

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From Fashion to Fields: Michelle Morigeau’s Journey to a Simpler Life

Michelle Morigeau’s life was once defined by the fast-paced, high-stress world of fashion. As the owner of a Calgary-based consignment business with three physical stores and 18 employees, she found herself trapped in a cycle of burnout. Despite her outward success—living in a beautiful rental home and driving a new Jeep—she felt unfulfilled and overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of city life. By the end of 2019, she hit rock bottom, exhausted by the constant grind and yearning for a simpler, more peaceful existence.

The turning point came in 2020 when the pandemic forced her to close her stores temporarily. During this time, Michelle and her husband, James, found solace in a lakefront property in British Columbia owned by her father-in-law, who was stranded in Mexico due to lockdowns. The serene environment and slower pace of life in the mountains offered her a much-needed escape. Over six months, Michelle fell in love with the rural lifestyle and realized it was where she belonged. This realization sparked a new chapter in her life—one focused on sustainability, self-sufficiency, and a deeper connection to nature.

In May 2021, Michelle and James took the plunge, purchasing a four-acre property in East Kootenay, British Columbia, for $458,000. The land came with a four-bedroom house built in the 1980s, offering stunning mountain views and ample space for their homesteading ambitions. The couple envisioned a life where they could grow their own food, raise chickens, and build structures using sustainable materials like rammed earth. For James, a builder, the property also provided the perfect canvas for DIY projects, aligning with their shared goal of living sustainably.

Since moving, the couple has embarked on several projects to transform their property into a self-sufficient homestead. They’ve built a wood storage cabin, expanded their chicken coops, and constructed an off-grid sauna using rammed earth. A 1,300-square-foot geothermal greenhouse is currently in the works, which will allow them to grow food year-round. Their long-term plan includes tearing down the existing main house and rebuilding it using rammed earth, a natural, eco-friendly material that regulates indoor temperatures and reduces their carbon footprint. However, their progress has been slowed by the challenges of obtaining permits, as rammed earth construction is not part of the local building code in Canada.

Michelle’s journey has not only changed her physical surroundings but also her mindset. She’s embraced a simpler, more practical lifestyle, no longer driven by materialism. Her wardrobe now consists of functional, outdoorsy clothing, and her expenses have decreased as she’s shed the habit of impulse shopping. The couple’s rural location, a 40-minute drive from the nearest town, has also reduced opportunities for unnecessary consumerism. Instead, Michelle has found fulfillment in cultivating her land, preserving food, and connecting with her community. She’s even started a farm stand on her property to sell surplus produce and share the bounty of her labor.

Reflecting on her journey, Michelle credits perseverance and a willingness to break free from the status quo as key to her success. She sold her consignment business, a decision that was both difficult and liberating, especially since it had been a part of her life since her mother passed it down to her in 2013. Today, Michelle feels a deep sense of peace and connection to nature. She encourages others to pursue their passions, even when the path is challenging, emphasizing that persistence and determination can lead to a more fulfilling life. Her story serves as a testament to the power of embracing change and finding joy in the simple, sustainable rhythms of rural life.

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