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Meet Jessica! Jessica is originally from Halifax and has been living here in Kelowna for eight years. She enjoys paddleboarding out on Okanagan Lake and spending some quality time with her other half, Andre.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Halifax, Nova Scotia. I moved to Kelowna 8 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Andre, he's witty and can always make me laugh.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Handmade Shoppe, they offer locally handcrafted items from the Okanagan and they happen to be located next to one of my favourite local restaurants montREALfood, so good!
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Mauna Kea summit in Hawaii, it feels like you're on another planet. It's absolutely magical!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Paddleboarding and running.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably the time I tucked my dress into my pantyhose & underwear while attending a conference in Vancouver.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that has happened to me is creating SkinSmart Organics, receiving my first online order and when people recommend my products to their friends and family.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Hanging out in my grandfathers garden. He had rows of vegetables and fruit trees. My siblings and I would play in the dirt and snack on fresh veggies all afternoon.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Over the years of living in Kelowna, I have given back to the community by donating to the Okanagan Greens Society, SPCA and the Lake Country Food Bank.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The one area I'd focus on above all and think it applies to all of us is empathy. Empathy is something we can always use more of.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Dilworth Mountain
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Ban plastic bags to help reduce our environmental impact as a city. I also love the idea of those small pantry boxes (similar to the little free library) that are stocked with free food and personal care items for people in need.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The weather, the local produce and the people!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Attend Morocco's Rose Harvest Festival
Leave 100% tip for a server
Watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have 2 rescue chihuahuas.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
https://www.instagram.com/skinsmartorganics https://www.facebook.com/skinsmartorganics
What is the name of your business/organization?
SkinSmart Organics
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've worked in Spas for over 10 years, a few years ago my partner developed a rare skin condition. It inspired me to start my own skincare line and help educate people about the importance of knowing the ingredients we put onto our skin.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide people with a healthy skincare option that is both effective and affordable.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Overcoming self-doubt and believing in myself.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Just start."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Trust the process."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Sara Blakely, I'm a big fan. I really admire her approach to life and business.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you personally know the people behind the business where you’re buying products, you enjoy a connection you would not otherwise have. By supporting local businesses instead of chains, you ensure that uniqueness is preserved as a part of the community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Building a skincare line from the ground up.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lisa McIntosh from Urban Harvest Organic Delivery! She's one of the most genuine people I've ever met.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Karalyn Lockhart (Craft Culture Events)
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.
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