Once upon a time in the quaint town of Borhaug, nestled along Route 8 in Lista, there bloomed a unique and adventurous seed of an idea that would soon blossom into the completion of a dream in progress (DIP). It all began with Olsen, a spirit with a passion for both yoga and flowers, who embarked on a journey to pursue her dream in progress.

In the year 2019, Olsen found herself at a crossroads in life after moving to Norway from New York. Yearning to deepen her yoga practice and build community with others, while also seeking new adventures on the road. Eager to learn the art of driving stick shift, she purchased an old car, not just as a means of transportation but as a canvas for her continuous learning pursuits. Naming the car Kanga, since she often hopped forward as she continued to find the flow between the pedal and the clutch while driving, Olsen cruised along Route 8 with open eyes. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was untapped potential in the spaces that dotted the roadside. Inspired by the beauty of her surroundings and fueled by her love for yoga and flowers, she had a vision: to bring the practice of yoga to Lista in a way that was accessible, inclusive, and promoted continuous learning with international influences.

Thus, Route 8 Flow was born—a pop-up yoga concept unlike any other. With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of determination, Olsen transformed Kanga into the ultimate Route 8 Flow mobile, complete with foldable mats, blocks, straps, bells, chimes, and, of course, an array of vibrant flowers.

With her trusty mobile studio in tow, Olsen set out to explore the nooks and crannies of Lista, seeking out spaces that were ripe for transformation into impromptu yoga and flower pop-ups. Whether it was a lush meadow bathed in sunlight or a secluded clearing beneath the shade of towering trees, Olsen saw potential everywhere she went.

But Route 8 Flow was about more than just yoga—it was about community, active-learning, and reflection wherever the road may lead. Olsen's infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for yoga and flowers inspired others to join on the mat, whether they were seasoned practitioners or complete beginners.

When Corona hit in 2020, Olsen opted to double-down and build out a studio at Innovation Barn. Partly to channel her efforts while pregnant and partly to serve as a hope for a post-corona future, Route 8 Flow opened its first space at Innovation Barn. The space featured natural driftwood from the beach with colored lighting and flowers along the room. From sunrise salutations to sunset flows, each class was a celebration of movement, mindfulness, and the beauty of the Lista. Many great memories were made in this transformed space, which was once the workshop of her maternal grandfather, though Olsen dreamed for not only a larger space but a mixed use space that would allow for co-created experiences beyond yoga flowers. In 2022, Olsen opted to fully pursue the final steps of a 10 year dream she made on Fulbright, to fully redevelop the barn on the property that she spent summers in as a child. As a fourth-generation owner, Olsen managed the redevelopment of Kalista Låven and opened the doors of the mixed-used barn in 2023. Route 8 Flow(ers) main studio is now at Kalista Låven.

And so, against the backdrop of Lista's rolling hills and winding roads, Route 8 Flow has became more than just a yoga studio—it became a symbol of possibility, adventure, and the transformative power of following one's passions. With every downward dog and every blooming flower, Olsen and Route 8 Flow remind us all to embrace the journey, savor the moment, find beauty in the unexpected, and transformation in redevelopment.