Meet Lorna. She moved back to Victoria one year ago from Vancouver.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My hubby, George. We love to go on road trips and re-explore this beautiful island together. He’s my perfect life partner, always willing to try something new, hold my hand and sing loudly in the car with me on our weekend road trips.
What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
Kay’s Corner on Cook Street. Their regular colourful and creative Facebook posts lure me into the store on a regular basis. Half of our home has been furnished from this lovely and welcoming shop.
Describe yourself in one word.
Open-hearted.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I’m going to Mexico soon so that would be my immediate answer. Sunshine, great food, wonderful people and beaches.
What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Exploring. From beaches to happy hours.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Doing a happy dance in front of some friends when my shoelaces got caught and I had a spectacular fall in front of them. Thankfully all that was hurt was my pride.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Women supporting women! Heart open, hands out for a hand up.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
The anticipation and planning of a family road trip to Disneyland. My dad and uncle bought an old van and modified it to accommodate our two families. Our moms made the curtains and decked it all out for our comfort. The excitement leading up to that trip was as good as the trip itself.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate to the Victoria Women’s Transition Houses. I believe all women should feel safe and cared for.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More love and understanding. We all have a story and experiences that brought us to where we are today.
Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
My own apartment. I love watching the world go by right outside my window.
Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
Locals supporting locals. It already happens but more is always better.
What do you think makes Victoria great?
The diversity and culture. The parks and the beaches. The welcoming spirit.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Take a painting class
2. Go on a writer’s retreat
3. Travel to Vietnam, India and Morocco
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My parents were both born in Mexico in a Mennonite community.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Bodacious Lifestyles Inc.
Why did you get into/start this business?
18 years ago, I saw a need for beautiful clothing in larger sizes for women in Vancouver. I created Bodacious, carrying beautiful size 10-24 women’s clothing. We have since opened a store here in Victoria in the Murchie’s building downtown.
What is the goal of your business?
To create a safe, fun and welcoming space featuring beautiful, quality clothing in sizes 10-24. To encourage all women to see their beauty as they are, in this moment.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Buying product for my shops is exciting and challenging at the same time. Anticipating needs of your customers six months or more in advance is always a calculated risk which always keeps me on my toes.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I’m so happy to be where I am today so I can’t say I’d change anything. So many lessons learned along the way. Building in a support team is something I learned along the way that is so important, especially if you’re a solopreneur.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'It’s all good'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Tomorrow is another day. When you don’t know the answer or you think there is no way out, sleep on it. A new day always brings fresh perspective
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Well, I happily choose to spend many whole days with my guy but if it’s a question of meeting someone new, I’d choose Eve Ensler of the Vagina Monologues who is such a powerful advocate for women and making a positive change in the world.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keeping our money local supports us all. It also provides emotional support for small business owners and their staff through the quieter times and makes us all feel part of a larger community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Empowering women to be more gentle with themselves when looking in the mirror.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My realtor and friend, Ally Guevin who welcomed me to Victoria with open arms while introducing me to other like-minded women.
My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ally Guevin.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for sharing a bit of my story. I love this idea of community and getting to know one another through this page!
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!
