Meet Amy St. Jarre! Amy has lived in Victoria for nearly four years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
That is so hard to say! I am surrounded by so many loving and wonderful people that I feel so lucky to be with each and every one of them. The friends and family I have in my life mean so much to me. They are all so dynamic, we all help each other grow!
What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
It is so hard to choose, with such creativity here in Victoria. I absolutely love Luna Collective and would have to say it captures the beauty of Fernwood perfectly. It showcases so many local artists – Eryn has worked so hard to create a beautiful space!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
At this moment I would have to say Thunder Bay – my uncle is sick and I would love to be there with him during this time! (Otherwise, I would have to say New Zealand – I have always wanted to hike the Te Araroa trail)
What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Victoria is so full of opportunities! I would have to say mushroom walks or hiking PKOLS during a clear night when the moon is bright – Any hike I can bring pups along with me I am excited about!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh boy! Embarrassing moments are a daily occurrence! Just a few days ago my professor made a very lame joke and, of course, I snorted and choked so loud that certainly disrupted the whole class- no other person had laughed at his joke.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
These questions are hard, it is so hard to choose just one!
Recently I would have to say that the support and connection I have seen throughout my little pet sitting community has been inspiring. I have been rather busy with new pet sitting clients and dog walking opportunities that I often find I need help – the moment I reached out to the women in my life that I knew I could rely on, they have been there. They show such dedication to their work and respect for one another that I just couldn't be happier!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is where I spent every single summer until I moved to B.C three years ago. My time exploring the wilderness with my mom and my dog are some of my favourite childhood memories. Sitting under the stars, listening to 'Constellations' by Jack Johnson while stroking the fur of my husky and breathing in the smell of pine and campfire – that was my childhood. I was a very lucky girl.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I participate in beach cleanups, organized and on my own. When I was living in Thunder Bay I had started an organization that had no specific speciality other than to do what was right (volunteer at shelters, clean up litter, donate clothing, etc.) I believe it is in one individual's power to change the world and just by being your best self you are capable of inciting change.
Once my business has really thick roots I would love to work with local charities. I would love to focus on providing aid to those experiencing homelessness, especially those with pets. There are so many challenges in peoples lives and when you have another living being to care for life can become that much more challenging – especially when you do not have the proper resources. I would love to be able to assist in a sense of security for the people in any way possible.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish everyone would open their minds a little bit more. Recognize that we are all so different and that what may be their own experience, is not the same for others. I wish everyone adored and revered animals I think that would make the world a better place 😉
Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
I love hanging out at the waterfall in Goldstream Provincial Park – it can be so quiet and beautiful there. It feels like another world.
Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
I would love to see more support for those experiencing homelessness. Affordable housing and more support for the community would go a very long way.
What do you think makes Victoria great?
Dogs. Weather. Nature. People. In no particular order! What a wonderful city to live in!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
– Help to create and inspire real change
– Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation centre
– Hike the Te Araroa Trail
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm an open book! I am a big time sharer
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
My Instagram: @wildrootspetsitting My Facebook. I am not extremely socially active but I like to try to post a few cute pet photos a week 🙂
What is the name of your business/organization?
Wild Roots Pet Sitting.
Why did you get into/start this business?
When I moved from Thunder Bay to Victoria it was the hardest thing to say goodbye to my family cat, Kitten. I started dog walking and pet sitting a month after I moved here. I loved it so much and realized I am really good at what I do!
What is the goal of your business?
To bring peace of mind to the family of the pets I care for. I hope every one of my clients feels safe and content knowing that their little one is in great hands. I want to make people and pets happy!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Luckily I have amazing friends that understand my busy schedule. Some have lectured me that finding time for myself has been a struggle but being with my little fur friends has been such a dream!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The only thing I would change would be to have moved here sooner and started this long ago!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Communication is key.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Recognize that everyone has a different story. We all come from different places in life and there is no one thing that 'cures all'. Remember that the way you view a situation may be far different from the way the other person views it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My uncle, he is a wonderful, kind man and he is currently very ill. He has such a warm and loving heart – his love for animals and other humans radiates from him. I would love to spend as much time as possible with him!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting people in your own community can only be beneficial. The direct impact your purchase has for those that own the business is substantial.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I am very proud of what I have created with Wild Roots Pet Sitting and I am proud of the goals I have for it in the future! I am so proud of the work that I do and the number of people that trust me with their pets!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All of my Clients! Their love and support has filled my heart with joy! I am so thankful that they have let me into their homes and trusted me so deeply. They mean so much to me.
My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Carmelle Lemaistre Acupuncture.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think Victoria is a beautiful community with such interesting people and places. I feel lucky to have found myself here and to have been given the opportunities that I have been. Not everyone is as fortunate as I have been, I plan to one day give back as much as I have received and I am so thankful!
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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Victoria!
