A day in the life

Steph Olenjniczak

Explore the second drop of our July Collection through a series of candidly captured moments at home with Steph Olejniczak. Read along with must-dos around The Outer Banks of North Carolina, as well as a fresh garden dinner recipe perfectly fit for warming spring evenings. All featured pieces available online.

 Tell us a little about your hometown in the Outer Banks, it looks incredibly charming. How long have you lived here?

It really is a lovely place. It’s a barrier island along the coast of North Carolina and basically just a big sandbar. See the sunrise over the Atlantic and watch it set over “the sound” which is more marshy with brackish water. The local community here is what really does it for me. We have something super special here. I moved here 10 years ago wanting to be somewhere a bit warmer and closer to the coast and was drawn to the lifestyle here and how kind everyone is. 

 

How does your typical morning routine look at home? Do you have any non-negotiables?

Every morning is different depending on work & the weather! Sometimes I wake up, grab a coffee, & head straight out to shoot. Other days I wake up, grab a coffee, and head to the beach with my pup to let her run and swim. Other days, I move slow with of course, a coffee and lounging on the couch while cuddling my pup. Maybe do emails for an hour or 3 or 4.. haha. There is zero routine to my life, but as you can see, coffee is my non negotionable! 

 

Living in a coastal town certainly has its perks! Tell us, what is your favourite part about living by the sea?

Oooh it’s so lovely. Living in a small town on the coast means that I can be to the beach in one minute. Either a quick car ride or by bike. I love spending as much time as possible at the beach. Morning walks, playing with my pup, a surf, diving around on a clear day, dinner and wine in the evening, a sunset dip, beach fires in the fall with our friends. Our life revolves around the beach here.

 

We know that you love to surf, what kind of board are you loving at the moment?

I do! I’ve been learning for the past decade but wouldn’t say that I’ve really felt comfortable until about last year. This summer I got my first custom board from a shaper just outside of town and I’m in love with her. It’s a 9ft single fin.

We're about to enter the holiday season and looking forward to entertaining friends and family around the table. Do you have a go-to recipe you default to for summer?

One go to thing we’ve made a lot this summer is a fennel white bean salad with a protein. It’s so fresh and flavorful. (Keep reading for the recipe)

 

Any recommendations on where we should visit next time we're in the Outer Banks?

Stay a few days in my town, Kill Devil Hills to experience life like a local. Then make your way down south for a stunning drive along the coast and hop on a car ferry to Ocracoke Island. A small village with the sweetest historic charm and more secluded beaches.

TO THE POINT

Coffee Order?

*Almond milk latte with just a bit of vanilla

Three words to describe your personal style?

*Fun, tomboy, timeless.

Last book you read?

*Been too long

What are you listening to at the moment?

*A random mix of 90s/y2k grunge or pop.

Favourite place to escape to?

*My parents house in Michigan

Pan Seared Sea Bass - Over Fennel Salad and Whipped Feta

What you will need:

 

*FENNEL SALAD

*1 can cannellini beans
*1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
*1/2 cup radish, thinly sliced
*Zest of 1 lemon
*Juice of 1 lemon
*1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
*2 tbsp olive oil
*Salt and pepper to taste

WHIPPED FETA

*1/2 cup feta
*1/4 greek yoghurt
*Salt to taste

PAN SEARED SEA BASS

*Sea bass or fish of choice
*Avocado oil or other oil with a high temp
*Salt and pepper to taste
*Parsley for garnish

 

Pan Seared Sea Bass - Over Fennel Salad and Whipped Feta

Steps:

 

*Fennel Salad

*Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
*Step 2: Using a mandolin, shave the fennel and radish into thin slices or finely slice with knife.
*Step 3: Drain cannellini beans. Add beans, fennel and radish to the prepared dressing and mix gently.
*Step 4: Keep cool in refrigerator.

*Whipped Feta

*Step 1: Combine the feta and greek yoghurt in a food processor and blend until smooth, or place in a bowl and whisk
*Step 2: Salt to taste

*For the fish

*Step 1: Pre heat a non-stick pan to medium heat
*Step 2: Pat fillets with a paper towel
*Step 3: Season both sides with salt and pepper

*Step 4: Cook fish in remaining oil, flipping half way, until internal temperature reaches 145F

*Assembly

*Step 1: Generously spread whipped feta onto plates
*Step 2: Top with fennel salad
*Step 3: Place cooked fish ontop

*Step 4: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!