Meet Dustin! He's a local mixologist and dreams to one day meet TSwift!
Photo Credit: Dustin Blondin
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Barrie, Ontario, and have lived in Kelowna for 3 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
Myself, because somehow, we always seem to want to do the same thing 😉
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Frock & Fellow is definitely my favourite. I love consignment, and they have such an awesome selection… even for men!
Describe yourself in one word..
Motivated.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I want to be on the beach in Noosa, Australia. I lived there for 6 months and it was the most perfect spot I've ever seen.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love hiking! You can always seem to find a new trail, full of beauty.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I started serving, I definitely spilled a drink or two on people. No more of that now though… I used to be a lot more clumsy haha!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
At the end of a wedding, I asked the bride's grandmother to dance. Afterwards, I was told by the bride and groom that I made her life by doing so. I really love making a special impact on someone, especially at weddings!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to Canada's Wonderland and riding the roller coasters.
Photo Credit: Dustin Blondin
Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
I give back to my community by holding meetups with my entrepreneur friends, time for us all to get together and talk about our problems. We help each other find solutions, think of new ideas, and grow our businesses. It's definitely been impactful in my life, as it has been in theirs.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would get rid of this thing called "greed." If people were less greedy, the world would inherently be better.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Now if I told you, then you'd know my spot!
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see Kelowna be a more inclusive city, for newcomers, the homeless population, other cultures, as well as the LGBT community. We also definitely need to do something about our traffic problem!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
There is plenty to do, beauty everywhere, so many restaurants to choose from, wines to drink, and different people to meet. People here are friendly, and super unique. It's also amazing that you can drive half hour out of the city nearly any direction and find yourself in the middle of nowhere.
Photo Credit: Dustin Blondin
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
#1) Meet Taylor Swift
#2) Meet Taylor Swift
#3) Meet Taylor Swift
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a sucker for weddings… and Taylor Swift.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Website: mixologistsbartending.com
Facebook: Mixologists Bartending
Instagram: @mixologistsbartending
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mixologistsbartending
LinkedIn: Dustin Blondin
What is the name of your business/organization?
Mixologists Bartending
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started it because I fell in love working behind the bar at weddings, while I was working at Gatzke Orchard. I'm also an entrepreneur at heart, so taking something I'm good at, love doing, in a setting I love being in, is the ultimate goal isn't it?
What is the goal of your business?
To provide something special to every single event that we attend.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Getting the courage up to stop working for someone else and to employ myself full time.
Photo Credit: Dustin Blondin
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing, I'm happy right where I'm at.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Manifest it… It's already yours.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Believe the universe will provide, be thankful, and know it will come, even if you are unsure how.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Taylor Swift
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
More money goes back into the community when you spend it on a locally owned business.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Honestly, I am really proud of myself for how well Mixologists Bartending is doing. It's my baby, and I love everything about it, so I'm very happy that it's proving successful.
Photo Credit: Dustin Blondin
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Genna Erickson & Sara Michaud. These ladies are both hard-working, motivated entrepreneurs, trying to carve their path out in this world. I'm so excited to watch their growth, and how their beautiful minds work and I think they deserve to be recognized.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sara Michaud.
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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, Kelowna!
