Meet Jody Shakespeare! Jody is from North Delta but has lived near Kamloops for almost two years. She is a firestarter whose all about getting craft beers to local events!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Originally from North Delta...but we've lived in Calgary, North Van and now Blind Bay for 2 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Cheese ball alert! Honestly, my husband, he's my best friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Far & Wide, I could spend HOURS there. The ladies are AMAZING, their wares support local makers & artisans and there's always something unique & thoughtful I can pick up to gift.
Describe yourself in one word.
Firestarter.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Southeast Asia. We've never been and I'm so attracted to the zen, the surf and the food!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hanging out with my sister and nephews at Riverside and then grabbing some ice cream at Scoopz.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
In 5th grade, I got THE WORST haircut and was called a boy in front of the whole class. In retrospect, it's not that bad, but at the time it was horrifying.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Making the decision to move to the interior. My husband, Rob, and I were doing what many 30-somethings do; climbing the corporate ladder, jumping on planes and moving cities when work called. When my sister was diagnosed with MS, it was the perfect invitation for Rob and I to re-evaluate. It became clear that the fancy corner office and the downtown condo wasn't that important to us so we packed up to live life on the lake.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I turned 16, my dad gifted me keys to a 1976 VW Beetle convertible. I think dad was being strategic, it didn't go very fast. But gosh was there something so liberating about driving around with the tunes blasting and the roof down!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've been involved with the MS Society of Canada, and last year supported the Kamloops Walk. The prevalence of MS in Canada is amongst the highest in the world and I've witnessed how challenging it can be to get the right treatment and to get it funded adequately.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The pressure! I don't know a single person that doesn't feel the strain of "doing it right," of "being successful," of finding their "purpose." If we could all stop striving, and spend more time present and in the moment...I think we'd skip over a ton of unnecessary stress and conflict.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The Kamloops Innovation Centre: I often sneak there at least once a week to get some work done. Or Chapters. God, I could spend hours there.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I LOVE the murals downtown: public art always adds to the landscape of a dynamic downtown core and I'd love to see even more!
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The entrepreneurs! I'm always awe-struck at the collaboration and generosity that many of the local businesses demonstrate.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To build something BIG. Stay tuned!
2. ROAD TRIP across the country, and down into the USA. SO many cool things to see in North America.
3. SO much travel: Iceland, Scotland, Thailand, Japan, Russia...there's SO much to see!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I hate black licorice.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
For all things Tapped Truck, find me at www.facebook.com/thetappedtruck or www.instagram.com/thetappedtruck.
For more about ME, www.instagram.com/jodyshakespeare or www.linkedin.com/in/jodyshakespeare.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Tapped Truck.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I saw a need. I couldn't understand why we were drinking "those guys" at local events when our local brewers create AMAZING brews. I set out to make it easier to enjoy GREAT craft beer anywhere!
What is the goal of your business?
To make craft beer approachable for those who are unsure walking into a brewery. And to make it easier for craft beer lovers to enjoy craft ANYWHERE.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Riding the current, especially as a business owner. Somedays, you're surfing and you've caught the rip curl. Other days you're caught in the undertow. Learning when to paddle harder, and when to relinquish oneself to the process has been challenging.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Fill your boots.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be brave. Take the risk. You have more support, more guidance, more possibility than you realize right now. Everything is figure-out-able. So try. Take a leap.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Seth Godin. The guys break down seemingly complex business problems into digest-able and FUN anecdotes. I mean, any guy who writes a book called "Purple Cow" is most certainly going to be a good time to connect with.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
In the Shuswap I've learned: many of us took risks to live here, a conscious choice of lifestyle. I want to reward those who stay here year-round. I want those who live here to thrive not just survive. Shopping local means families can stay year-round.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Quitting corporate! I know it sounds crazy: but I never thought I'd leave the big paycheque, the comfort of it all.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
John Zubak over at Kamloops Innovation. This guy is a business maven, and he dedicates his time to supporting new entrepreneurs to grow successfully. And if he can wrangle this entrepreneur in, trust me, the guy has skills!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Beth Querie.
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. Thank you, Kamloops.
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!
