Meet Allison Brouwer! Allison moved to Prince George in 2007!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and son. We have waited a long time to be parents and it is the best feeling being able to spend my days with them.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Homework because it is full of unique items you can’t find anywhere else in town.
Describe yourself in one word.
Caring.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to sneak off with my family to a cabin. Have a quiet weekend away, eat s’mores and play games.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
We love to go walking in Ginters with our dog. We always meet a lot of friendly people… and dogs.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was in high school I was crossing the road in front of a school bus. I tripped over my own foot, lost my shoe and fell on the ground. I stood up and ran home without my shoe.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being a part of an amazing community of women who support each other through business and life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We spent a lot of time outside playing games like ‘kick the can’ and ‘cat and mouse’.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer in the nursery at our church but at this stage in our lives, with a busy 20-month-old son, I am staying home while my husband volunteers with the UNBC Timberwolves basketball team as well as the Jr Timberwolves.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to see people slow down. I feel like we get so caught up in being busy that we forget to enjoy life.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
Play Grounds Cafe. I enjoy drinking a cup of their chai tea while working on my business.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I would love to see more programs for moms and small kids that create more of a community for those who do not currently have one.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
I love how it has a small town feel but there is still a lot of activities that are available. Growing up in a small town I was nervous about moving to a “big city” but we have found a great group of friends that feel like family.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Cross Canada trip with my family
2. Pay for a couple's adoption
3. Go to the Ellen show
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to read books that make me cry.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Well Oiled Canadian. I am an independent distributor with Young Living Essential Oils.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I fell in love with the products and couldn’t keep them to myself. I originally didn’t even realize I had started a business, I was just sharing my love for essential oils and natural products.
What is the goal of your business?
I am passionate about helping families find healthier options and take control of their wellness.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest struggle in life has been walking the road of infertility and adoption. I had to grow in my faith in order to get through those long, hard years.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
That is a tough one. I think I would do things the same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
‘Sit’. I am home with a 20-month-old and a dog all day 😉
Tell us your best piece of life advice
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” Roy T. Bennett
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would say my sister. We have not spent a whole day together without our husbands, parents or kids in years. It would be fun to have a mini getaway and enjoy time just the two of us.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I love to support local businesses because I know that the money is going to support local families.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Quitting my day job to stay home with our son and grow my Young Living business.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lisa Reimer. Not only is she a successful hair stylist, but she also runs the women’s bible study at Westwood church and has helped create a community of women who lift each other up.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lucia van Hage, Art Knapp Plantland.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
During the first few years of our infertility journey, we felt very alone. After we shared with our friends and family what we were going through we were encouraged by the support we received. Everyone rallied around us through our IVF process, my surgeries, and adoption. I want to say thank you to those who have supported us on our road to parenthood. We want to be there for other local families who are struggling with infertility and may need someone to answer questions and offer support.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about me and my story.
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, Prince George!
