Krystel Paul farewelled by loved ones as family vows to keep bridal business alive for daughter

The family of Cairns boutique owner Krystel Paul has vowed to keep her bridal business alive for her young daughter, after the beloved mum’s tragic death last month.

Krystel Paul’s sister Jasmin Daniels and her brother Adam Bolt say Chanel Jaymes bridal boutique at Village Lane will open from 10am until 3pm on June 21. Picture: Brendan Radke

Krystel Paul’s loved ones have vowed to keep her bridal business alive for her young daughter, as they farewelled the beloved mother, sister, daughter and friend this week.

Krystel tragically died in her Mt Sheridan home on May 27.

She was killed in a family violence incident by James Paul, her long-time partner and husband of 15 years, who then took his own life.

Her older brother Adam Bolt has described the heartbreak of looking back through memories and moments perceived as missed opportunities, and looking forward to the future and security of the little girl, 9, who he said was his sister’s life and purpose.

He said the family were planning to “pause” Krystel’s bridal business, and would sell the floor stock during a one-day store-opening to raise funds for her daughter.

The sale of about 50 dresses off the rack will happen on June 21, the sixth anniversary of the day Krystel launched the store, Chanel Jaymes Bridal Boutique.

It will complement a GoFundMe set up to support the little girl who lost both of her parents in the tragedy.

So far, more than 560 people have donated more than $50,000.

A GoFundMe campaign to help secure the future of Krystel’s nine-year-old daughter has raised more than $50,000 through more than 560 donations. Photo: Supplied.

The Chanel Jaymes Bridal store in Village Lane between Lake and Abbott streets will be open between 10am and 3pm on the Saturday, with more details to come about the stock available and pricing available closer to the day.

Mr Bolt said he would retain the business and its name, so his niece had the opportunity to restart her mother’s business in the future.

“Krystel loved this store … if (my niece) wants to take over her mum’s business, and take over her mum’s legacy, it would be great … I want to try to save a couple of dresses for (my niece) and I will keep the business name running.”

Mr Bolt said the store was much more than a small business for his younger sister.

Mr Bolt said his sister loved being a mum, and was a dedicated business owner who aimed to provide an “experience” and not simply a wedding gown. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Krystel didn’t just sell dresses … she wanted to be a part of that real special feeling when you’re with someone — to be a part of that,” Mr Bolt said.

“She was always the quiet girl, and to see her come out of her shell, she’d be there solo trying to run things and she’s trying to do it all on her own, a one-woman show — and she made it look effortless.

“(Her daughter) was her life. She loved being a mum.

“I wouldn’t say we’re closing things down. We are taking a pause at the moment, and focus on these years with (Krystel’s daughter), moving forward with her development and we will 100 per cent back her up, financially.”

Mr Bolt and sister Jasmin Daniels said, growing up as children of divorced parents, their younger sister had a ‘dream’ of a loving family life for her daughter with mum and dad at home.

He said that, looking back on conversations and messages in the weeks and months before her death, it may have been a dream that made it more difficult for Krystel to reach out for help.

“She was too proud to talk about it to the right people because of judgement.” Mr Bolt said. Adam bolt Picture: Brendan Radke

“She was too proud to talk about it to the right people because of judgement.” Mr Bolt said.

“We’re just starting to figure out people are coming out and saying — she said this. I heard that … and I wish I’d heard that; that it had come back around to me, but I think she knows that if I had heard certain things, I would have come up and ruined it.”

Ms Daniels said little things and messages from her sister that did not seem meaningful before looked like ‘red flags’ now.

“She had sent me a song three months ago about moving on — it’s like she was asking for help — but not asking directly for help,” she said.

“She had liked a post and it was about being a stronger person for everyone and her having to bury her own feelings because she wanted everyone else to be happy — it’s just sad, little things like that you didn’t see before.”

Krystel was farewelled at a private funeral on Wednesday.

Ms Daniels now has her sister’s name and birthday tattooed on her arm, and is considering another design chosen by Ms Paul of a face with two sides, which one of her friends had shared with Ms Daniels.

“It represents the two sides to her life — the side that she couldn’t really tell anyone about and the side she wishes she could have been,” Mr Bolt said.

Krystel was farewelled at a private funeral on Wednesday.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.

Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:

DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

13YARN: 13 92 76

More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.

Originally published as Krystel Paul farewelled by loved ones as family vows to keep bridal business alive for daughter