Meet Denise Marshall! Denise couldn't stay away from the North and has been living in PG since 2003!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My dad – he is the wisest and strongest person I know – he's my rock and north star, when things are going left he steers them right, when I'm down he lifts me up, he's always been my go-to person. He always tells me there's a solution to every problem.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Homework! Loved their store ever since they first opened! Dig the mall location but the downtown store is so special.
Describe yourself in one word.
Encouraging.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Somewhere in Iceland – it's a bucket list destination – it just seems so peaceful, quiet and looks beautiful!
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Running the UNBC hill – right? weirdo….
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Have a few mins?? It's a long list – I would say being caught with an expired drivers license – I was sure it expired in a year where in fact it had expired the previous year – then jokingly harassing the RCMP officer when he said it was expired, lol.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being able to sit with and say goodbye to my mom before she died- it reminded me nothing really matters only love. I try to serve through love now in any way I can…
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Swimming at the Ol' Swimming Hole in the Yukon with my brothers, sister and friends. We would be there all day, time didn't matter, we enjoyed every moment and just lived each day to the fullest! Plus it was a time where there was little to no parental supervision so you just felt FREE!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer annually with the Salvation Army during the Christmas Kettle campaign. As a teacher at Chinook Yoga I will be teaching a FREE class during our FREE Yoga in the Park classes this summer. At each class will be gratefully accepting donations to local charities, last year as well as this year my charity of choice is Big Brothers Big Sisters of PG. You can also find me offering some FREE Kids/Family Yoga at the BMO Kidz Art Dayz July 6th and 7th!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Getting back to basics…..spending time with people one on one and talking. Sharing stories, getting back to our roots. Getting off social media and getting back to personal touch. Reusing, reducing, recycling – we do this now but it seems like we still over produce product, food…… The simple way of life is now trendy whereas it's really how we could all be living.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
Walking with my dogs on a trail, or the greenbelt from my house.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Parking!!!! We have the worst parking system in downtown, we encourage local business and want to change the dynamic of downtown yet people can only enjoy/support for a max 3 hours a day!
What do you think makes Prince George great?
The people! People in PG genuinely care about each other, we are chatty – kind – giving and supportive. We rock!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Run a full marathon within the next four years.
Study more yoga and philosophy with Eric Shiffmann
Travel to Iceland, Peru, Japan, Hawaii and Run, hike, yoga and EAT!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm adopted – when I was 2.5yrs my Mom and Dad adopted me from the NWT.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I manage and teach mostly at Chinook Yoga studio.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I took my yoga teacher training at Chinook Yoga – it just felt like home – I was fortunate to become their office manager shortly after – I love everything the studio stands for and the owners vision.
What is the goal of your business?
It is our mission to support our community by sharing the practice of yoga in the abundance of its tradition. We strive to be a business that provides a joyful place to practice, work in, encouraging people to be authentic & true to themselves.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance – finding time and energy to equally give to all things and people.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing, everything in my path thus far has made me who I am and I am fortunate to have had growth from all experiences.
What do you always find yourself saying?
To myself – ok, you can do this… To others " you can do it. "
Tell us your best piece of life advice
Enjoy where you are right now. Just trust and know this moment is the only one that matters – Breathe……
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Erich Shiffmann – wonderful man, Yogi and teacher -he' s so inspiring and so real, his ideas behind yoga and his offerings are really really wonderful. As well, I feel he just knows something we don't yet and I'd love to know what that is!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Working for a local business I see the direct impact, not just in my position, but in our community, clients, the lives of the owners – it's full circle. You are supporting more than you can see first hand when you support local businesses.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My children. They really are two wonderful gems.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My dearest friend Lisa Murray – she's the busiest woman I know, she's always there for me and she gives 100% of herself every day to others, either her family daycare or her family! She's a superstar!
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Laura Bass – Bassy's Biscuits.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Just stop and take a look around – PG is really happening right now! It has changed so much since I first moved here, I've loved raising my kids here and being a part of such a wonderful growing community. I truly feel we've got something special up here in Northern BC!!!
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!
