Note: This article was first published in March 2022 and some details may be out of date.
– It’s a completely new culture and a completely different way of living here in the jungle, which takes a little time to get used to, they tell Melk & Honning.
The two sisters Anette and Susanne Bastviken are behind the profile Radical Broccoli. To their 23k followers they share tips for a healthier lifestyle rooted in sustainability, veganism and spirituality. The duo published the book «Jordnært – Enkle tips til en mer miljøvennlig hverdag» (Down to earth – simple tips for a more eco-friendly everyday life) in 2019 and run an Instagram-based shop where they sell products for body and soul that are also kind to the planet.
They originally started the “radical broccoli business” in Norway, but in March 2021 they set their sights on Portugal to continue the adventure there. With a father who is half Portuguese, they wanted to get closer to their roots.
Late last year, life took them in an even more exotic direction: Costa Rica.– Costa Rica had been a dream for 5 years that kept being pushed aside. It was too impractical, it didn’t work with our jobs – yes, the list of excuses was long, they tell Melk & Honning
– But if there’s one thing we’ve understood, it’s that what you dream about isn’t random. If you feel drawn to something, it’s meant for you to explore.
– We dreamed of a life where we surf every day, eat gorgeous fruit, meet exciting people, sun and warmth, the freedom to work wherever we want, and lots of inspiration! Now we’re suddenly in the middle of the dream, and not a day goes by without us feeling how grateful we are for this choice, say the Radical Broccoli girls.
Read also: Norwegian model refuses to work for brands that aren’t sustainable.
They tell Melk that Anette visited the Central American country for the first time in 2017. Since then they have been there together on both shorter and longer trips, falling more and more in love with the tropical destination.
– The biggest change is how we really live in nature. We’re outdoors all day, whether it’s in the ocean or at the “office”. That contact with nature does body and soul so much good, and it was always something we missed when we lived in a city.
One of the most challenging things about living in such a small place is getting hold of things.
– We’ll never take it for granted again! It’s also a completely new culture and a completely different way of living here in the jungle, which takes a little time to get used to.
– Communication with Norway is also a bit challenging, as we’re in different time zones, but it mostly goes very well.
The Radical Broccoli sisters say that a typical day now starts as early as 5 or 6 in the morning, just before sunrise.
– Then we strap the surfboard to the motorbike and ride down to the beach for an hour of surfing. Then comes breakfast, and the working day gets going at around 8–9. Around 12 it’s either lunch at home or a trip to one of the many cafés here that serve good plant-based dishes. Then it’s work again until around 5.
– It’s pretty hot working in the middle of the day, but with a few short breaks it’s fine. In the afternoon it’s either back into the water for more surfing if our energy holds up, or training at the jungle gym, breathwork, yoga, or a quiet walk on the beach to watch the sunset. In the evening you crash quite early, after being up early and outdoors a lot.
What they miss most about Norway is family and friends.
– But it’s also so nice to get Norway at a bit of a distance, to feel how lucky we are to have been born there. Being out travelling and meeting people from all parts of the world puts things in perspective. We grew up with enormous security, socially, financially and politically.
– We definitely don’t take the opportunities that has given us for granted. It also gives extra inspiration to make a difference in the world!
Right now the Radical Broccoli duo is working on their online shop and the membership they created this summer. There they hold four workshops a month for a big group.
– We invite teachers and hold workshops on everything from breathwork, business, manifesting, money, meditation and relationships to how to take care of yourself.
– Our intention with the shop and the membership is to get as many people as possible to remember how powerful they are, from the inside out, and to spread good vibes out into the world. A world full of people spreading love can only be fantastic, both for us humans and for nature! We call it sustainability – from the inside out.
Working together as siblings, they say, is both the best thing and sometimes also the most challenging thing there is.
– We push each other’s buttons. That doesn’t always match so well with a smooth business.
– But we’re very alike when it comes to our values, our inspiration and how we run our company. On the other hand, we have very different personalities and ways of communicating, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings.
According to them, they’ve learned a lot over the past year and see that when they give each other space, understanding, time for their own relationships and freedom, everything gets so much better.
– We also get help from someone who can see us a little from a distance. We don’t live together now either, and that makes it really nice to meet up for projects or social things.
As things stand, the plan is for Susanne to go back to Portugal in April, while Anette stays in Costa Rica for as long as it feels right.
– Portugal will always be our second base. We’re very attached to the culture and the country. We’ll be spending large parts of the year in Portugal too, and we’re finding a nice flow in how we do it.
– The summer we had there last year was truly fantastic. It just felt like the time had come to explore Costa Rica more!
Moving to the other side of the world wasn’t all smooth sailing.
– There have been lots of challenges, low points and tears too. But it’s so much fun to prove to yourself what you can achieve when you just jump in and trust yourself, the Radical Broccoli girls conclude.
Read also: Nine sustainable fashion and beauty tips from Anette and Susanne Bastviken