Meet Brianne Sheppard. Brianne is from White Rock but grew up in Kamloops. She loves spending time with family, grabbing coffee, and playing baseball with friends.
Photo Credit: Stacey Krolow Photography
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from White Rock but grew up in Kamloops.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my family obviously, My partner Lance and I have two sons, Tyson who is 13 and Rowen who is six. I grew up in a family of all girls, so now being outnumbered 3-1 is something that keeps me on my toes.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Far and Wide is my store so I am a little biased, but basically anything in the downtown core! I spend most mornings grabbing a coffee from Motivo, before heading into Jardines to say hi to Ginger, Frankie and Kimmy before heading into work.
Describe yourself in one word.
Friendly.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would head off to Bali with my sister and our families! She went last year, and the photos were incredible.
Photo Credit: Stacey Krolow Photography
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I am a big fan of grabbing a coffee at Red Beard and watching my son play baseball at Mac Park.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
As a rule, this changes weekly. I tend to wear footwear thats inappropriate for the season and I trip quite often.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My partner Calli and I started our retail storefront last year, and the response has been heartwarming! It wasn't an easy journey, and continues to take up most of our time and brain power, but spending each day in a beautiful space that supports local makers, and showcases a mix of handpicked, and well made items is really overwhelming. I love interacting with people, and I LOVE that we have regulars who just pop in to say hi. I had to go down a few different paths before I found this one!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We spent a lot of time on Galiano Island camping when I was a kid, and they have this great trail around the tip of the island on Montague Harbour. We would head out to catch the sunset, so the trail would be dark on the way back. My dad would always start running ahead at some point, faster than us and hide among the tree's to scare us. Holding hands with my little sister, knowing it was coming, but still feeling safe because it was my dad was thrilling.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been lucky enough to do some work with JABC, through their mentorship program and their coordinator, Kara Wright is incredible!
Photo Credit: Brianne Sheppard
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I took my kids down to this past weekends Holi Festival at Riverside park and the atmosphere there was incredible. We were all covered with different colours of paint, dancing to the music and I was holding my sons hands, looking around and wishing that this feeling would last. We can all have different opinions, we just have to recognize that we are all the same people and should have a common goal of acceptance.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I really like to wander through the plants at the Pond in Barnhartvale, its so close to my house!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Reading through some of the comments on a local news article can sometimes be overwhelming. If you wouldn't say it in person to their face, don't write in on the internet for all to see.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people make Kamloops great! I have noticed a huge shift in the last 5 years towards a more progressive and inclusive city and I love it. Small shops are opening up, we are celebrating local arts and culture without losing our love of the outdoors!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Celebrate my half life Anniversary with Lance, it will be 17 years this October!
2. Grow our business to the point where we can better support local women makers and innovators.
3. Travel more! With my kids, with my friends, maybe even solo.
Photo Credit: Brianne Sheppard
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can't drive in the car without calling someone or listening to a podcast. Silence drives me crazy.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I am on Facebook as Bri Sheppard, instagram @brianne_sheppard.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Far and Wide.
Why did you get into/start this business?
To create a retail shopping experience that was a little different. We stock a mix of locally made, handpicked and Canadian made pieces, along with plants and vintage.
What is the goal of your business?
To support local, while showcasing a curated collection of well-chosen and beautiful items… in a gorgeous, welcoming space!
Photo Credit: Brianne Sheppard
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Choosing to open the store, meant sacrificing some time with my family and it's been tough. I'm a better person for it overall, and I hope the boys look back in the future and recognize how hard I was working for them.
What do you always find yourself saying?
You do you.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
The best advice I have heard and used comes from Amy Poehler "Good for her, not for me."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
As boring as it sounds, I think I would opt for a kid-free day with Lance somewhere hot without cell service. Being in a relationship is HARD, and finding time to connect has been a struggle recently.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally has a whole new meaning for me now, it literally impacts my families daily life and every dollar means something.
Photo Credit: Brianne Sheppard
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Winning tickets to the Grammys?
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to all the small business owners in town who took a huge leap of faith and are making Kamloops better! From Chelsea at Fern and Frond to Mitch at Moustache and Go or Amy at Paper Unicorn, there are some awesome people!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Calli Duncan.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We work with some incredibly inspiring local makers through Far and Wide, and strongly encourage everyone reading to check them all out! There is so much talent in this community, and we love being able to support it.
Photo Credit: Brianne Shepard
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!
