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Meet Brittani. Brittani is Okanagan born and raised! She is all about living in the moment, trying new things and enjoying life! She loves sharing all of life's adventures with her best friend & husband, Mason.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Kelowna, 18 yrs. Moved away for 6 and have been back for 1.5 years living at Big White. Moving to Kelowna in the spring.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I absolutely love adventuring, trying new craft beer and eating tasty food with my husband Mason. He's my best friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love Funktional for their amazing Canadian made selection! Bliss Bakery is my cafe of choice because I got hooked on all the goodies when I worked in Peachland back in the day.
Describe yourself in one word.
Observant.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy, for the views, the beach and food!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I absolutely have more than one favourite! Shopping at the farmers market, taking my dog to the dog park and riding my bike at Myra Canyon Trestles.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have shared a lot of my jewellery and personal journey on Instagram. I didn't think much of it, just viewed it as a journal in a sense but it became so much more when I received messages from other girls who were pursuing metalsmithing as well. It was incredible to hear that I had inspired others to pursue their dreams just by being myself.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I remember my mom made me this really cool built-in garden bed next to our playhouse. It had a rock wall and everything! She took me to the garden centre and we picked out strawberries which I got to plant and tend to that summer.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I haven't had a chance to actively volunteer since my high school years but I do support the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank. Food is such an important thing to me, and I feel privileged knowing I can buy what I need and want without compromise. I hope that by donating I can help others who can't do the same.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love for us to be able to live free from the worry of what other people think!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
When I was a teenager I used to go to the Gellatly Nut Farm. Now, any quiet dog-friendly park will do.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I am extremely excited about the Okanagan's plan to phase out single-use plastic bags. But I'd love for it to go a step further and ban straws and lids. I know we're on the right track! In the meantime, you can shop at Bulk Barn with your own containers, bring a travel mug to the cafe and use beeswax wraps on produce or a sandwich instead of plastic wrap.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The amount of talented young entrepreneurs we have and the support we receive from the community and organizations like Kelowna Farmers Market and Craft Culture.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Visit every province in Canada
2. Grow Scenic Route Jewellery into a nationally known brand
3. Travel around Australia
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have many inspirational entrepreneurs in my family. It's no surprise I felt driven to be my own boss.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/scenicrouteco
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scenicrouteco/
Website https://www.scenicroutejewellery.com/
What is the name of your business/organization?
Scenic Route Jewellery (SRJ)
Why did you get into/start this business?
I studied at Kootenay Studio Arts in Nelson, BC for 10 months before starting my business. I created SRJ to be a sustainable outlet for my creativity and to connect to other mountain loving individuals!
What is the goal of your business?
To encourage an adventurous life! My jewellery also allows men and women to hold significant mountain memories close to their hearts.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Starting out in business on your own is tough! I'm literally doing it all and wearing all the hats. Only in the last couple of months have a stepped back to evaluate things and have made progress towards working smarter not harder!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change things because I believe everything happens for a reason.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I need some chocolate!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always take the opportunities that allow you to grow! But also, give yourself grace if you shy away once in a while. It's all a learning experience."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jenna Kutcher is a small town Minnesota girl I came across on the internet. She creates content for business savvy women like myself and also hosts the podcast "Goal Digger" I have learned a lot from her and would love the opportunity to thank her. Check her out, you'll be blown away by her genuine and kind heart!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local is an incredibly cyclical thing. It gives shoppers and business owners a sense of pride and respect for what they have purchased and encourages us to spend those hard-earned dollars on quality instead of quantity.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I'm proud of my jewellery business and how far I've come in such a short time.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sheri Schupsky (my aunt) because she continues to show the real and the raw side of life to everyone she meets! This lady is compassionate, hardworking, funny and beautiful. It doesn't go unnoticed.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sheri Schupsky who currently operates an amazing live-in care facility for three quadriplegic men.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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