Meet Bonnie Kerr! Bonnie is from Fort St. James but has lived in Prince George for 24 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My sister Julie, she is the only person who gets my sense of humor.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Darling Deviance because she has not only amazing wool products but also funky & unique gift items.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
England, It's been a dream to travel the whole UK and see Tudor history.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Walking, love the parks & trails we have around here. Helps you connect to nature.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Walking into a movie theatre in the dark when the movie had already started and trying to find a seat. When my eyes adjusted and realized how well others could see me stumbling around.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Opening my shop and people actually coming.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Bike riding to Parrans Beach in Ft St James with my friends to go swimming. I could spend all summer doing that.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I'm one of the admins for the Small Business Fairs at the Roll-A-Dome. We have been doing these for five years now with proceeds going to Adopt A Family. I also love helping out local charities with donations and gift certificates to help with their fundraising. One of my favorite ways to give back to the community is by donation fashions to the Kelly Road grads for their fashion show. Love seeing their pics after they do such a great job putting on the event.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Small Mindedness. It's my term for those that get so working up about what others are doing. My philosophy is if someone isn't hurting you let them be.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
Right now my back deck. Its beautiful in my backyard with all the lilacs blooming. I can sit there and work away.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
More small business development in the Hart. It's an untapped resource of loyal customers.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
The way we all support small business.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to the United Kingdom
See the Museum of Natural History in New York
Hold a baby Gorilla
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a fear of birds.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook or Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Madison Ave Fashions.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always wanted to be my own boss and have a store. I started with selling handbags from my home to my friends and family.
What is the goal of your business?
To grow it into a bigger space with more staff. I want to continue doing this until I retire.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Separating working from personal time. It's hard when you're growing and with social media your phone bings for every email or message. That's the catch I guess you want to work your business but you do need a little downtime.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have more funds. I started up small and slowing I created the business the way I want.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Darling, not sure why its become my catchphrase but yeah I call everyone Darling!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Make connections with others you never know where it will bring you.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
The Queen of England. I want to see a day in her life.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local not only keeps unique businesses going but buying their goods or service your also supporting their families with money going back into the city.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Actually taking the leap from leaving my full-time management job or 18 years to open my own shop!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Danielle Collin, she was my nail girl who has become a best friend. She pushes me to try new things and be myself.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Style You Up Salon.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would love to say that I love/value my customers without them I couldn't be doing what I love. Thanks Darlings!
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!
