Born in South Africa, the daughter of a Classics teacher and a carburettor repairman, Kristin spent her early years travelling as her family looked for work. Having grown up amongst the wild open country, colourful wildlife and halcyon shores of the Indian Ocean, Kristin moved to England aged thirteen. It was around this time that she picked up her first nylon string guitar and began writing songs. She later moved to Brighton to study Fine Art but soon caught the attention of the local folk scene.