Meet Alaysha Vander Linden and Mia Dzinic. These two aren't from Kamloops but have been here for over five years. They love to spend time with their girlfriends, go hiking and check out all the events downtown Kamloops has to offer.
Photo Credit: Captured by Nicole
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Alaysha is from Fort St. John and has lived in Kamloops for 5 years, Mia was born is Bosnia and has lived in Kamloops for almost 23 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Spending quality time with your girlfriends is our fave because we believe that connection is so important for your overall happiness!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Far & Wide! Those ladies are freakin' amazing and we love how they support local.
Describe yourself in one word.
Connection.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
We'd go to New York for the ultimate girls trip!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
All of the amazing hikes and events downtown in the Summer.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
We're both guilty of waving back to someone that definitely was not waving at us.
Photo Credit: Captured by Nicole
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Connecting with so many local women that are on the same path as us. When women step out of their comfort zones and put themselves out there to create friendships at one of our events…that's when we're the most inspired!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to the fair with our besties- ferries wheel and mini doughnuts for the win.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We're planning on accepting donations of clothing and/or nonperishable food items at our future events to be donated to local charities.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
We would rid the world of fear.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
We love to browse local shops and sip on coffee at The Art We Are.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
We would like to see the continued growth of mental health resources.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops is great because of the genuine support for local businesses and community engagement!
Photo Credit: Captured by Nicole
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Host our first retreat (coming Summer 2020!).
2. Speak at an international event.
3. Have 1 woman tell us that our events have changed her life.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
We're both surprisingly homebodies-despite loving our social events!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Our Instagram! @_coffeeandconfetti.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Coffee + Confetti.
Why did you get into/start this business?
To create a safe space for women to create friendships and connect with like-minded women.
What is the goal of your business?
To inspire women to live their most authentic life.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To overcome the fear of rejection…you just have to put yourself out there!
Photo Credit: Captured by Nicole
What do you always find yourself saying?
"It's all about connection- to yourself, to others, to your community."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and be your truest self. The right people will love you for it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because when we support local, we're really supporting ourselves. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Launching this community of women that are ready for deeper connections and friendship.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Nikki from Craft Night Kamloops! You're a rockstar, girl!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Nikki from Craft Night Kamloops.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Some general comments I would like to share are:
At the end of the day, we're all looking for our tribe. We're looking to feel connected, validated, loved, and accepted. It's our dream that Coffee + Confetti will facilitate these kinds of friendships, and inspire a ripple effect of women unafraid to be their most authentic selves.
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!
