In Focus | Stephani McConnell

NowMedia Staff | May 21, 2018 in In Focus

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Meet Stephani, she has lived in Kelowna for more than 20 years and is the manager at the Bean Scene Bakery in the Landmark buildings! When she isn't elbow deep in banana bread and other delicious goodies, she invites you to stop by and say hello! 


Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?

My cat. Does my cat count? He's always happy to see me!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love everything at the Farmer's Market! I think it's awesome people can make money doing what they like to do.

Describe yourself in one word.
Small

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I've been itching for a trip to Seattle lately. I just fit in there.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Dog walks and soccer!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I first started working at the Bean Scene bakery I made a loaf of bread that looked exactly like a butt

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Going to university. For a long time I had dreams of going to graduate school for social psychology. I'd still like to, there's just lots of work I have to get done first.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My grandpa used to hide chocolate Easter eggs in his yard every time I came to visit, even if it wasn't Easter.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I go to the Farmer's Market every Saturday to buy local produce!
I adopted my cat from AlleyCats Alliance. They're a local cat rescue and they're amazing!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
How much plastic we use.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I like to take walks alone by the water

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I wish Kelowna was more pet friendly. I want to take my dog with me more places but I can't. It's also very hard to find a place to live with pets.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
You can swim in the lake and three months later you can go skiing fourty minutes away!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Buy a house
2. Go to a World Cup soccer game
3. Open an ice cream store

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've never had chicken pox.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Bean Scene Coffee Works

Why did you get into/start this business?
I saw an ad posted for a job in the bakery and here I am four years later as the manager!

What is the goal of your business?
Make the best coffee and food we can ethically

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I've had problems being assertive in the past but this job has given me the skills to say what I need to have happen in an appropriate way.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I'm really happy with where my life is right now. I definitely have goals I want to reach that I haven't but I don't think I'd change much.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Literally."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Save money!!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I thought about this question for a long time and they only person I could come up with is my mom. I do spend a lot of days with her and it's the best!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
There's extra care that goes into small business products and the creators deserve recognition.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming manager at the Bean Scene bakery and having the responsibilities that I do.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The owners of Bean Scene - Amy, Al, Deb, John. Bean Scene is a local franchise so I don't think people realize how much work they all do every day. No days off and no complaints. They are my heroes.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dawn Mooney and Landmark Flowers

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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