Meet Gabrielle Charlebois! Gabrielle is from Ontario but has lived in Kamloops for over three years. She is a passionate business owner who loves activities in the mountains!
Photo Credit: Back to Basic Eats
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Ontario, but have been in Kamloops three and a half years collectively.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My son- he continually amazes me with his imagination and sense of wonder.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
There are so many- Modern Family Boutique, Jardine’s Domain, Far & Wide, there are a lot of great local stores in the downtown core now!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
A warm vacation, we have never gone somewhere warm.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Definitely anything mountain wise- skiing or downhill biking- we live at Sun Peaks, so we’re able to access these activities pretty regularly.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
There has been too many to just narrow down to one!
Photo Credit: Back to Basic Eats
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There has been a lot of things recently, but the biggest one is another local business giving me a chance and allowing me in their space. To give back so selflessly and not to gain anything from it, other than to see an underdog have a chance.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up in Ontario we were surrounded by beautiful lakes and bays- in the summer my Mom would pack us up and we would head to the beach for the day.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently, I volunteer with the Sun Peaks Elementary School doing the 1:1 Reading.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Just one thing, it’s tough, but honestly for people to see the world through children’s eyes again- vibrant, wonder and amazement.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Being a parent is hard to escape, but recently I’ve been escaping to the Sun Peaks Yoga Studio which decompresses you instantly.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Access to more public assessments for those who may have different ways of learning. The wait is too long, and then by the time they get into school it’s a long process, so early intervention would be key in building preschoolers success in the future.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Local businesses and the amount of support that customer/clients as well as local business supporting local businesses.
Photo Credit: Back to Basic Eats
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to somewhere warm Cross country road trip Starting a successful business.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I use to competitively race alpine.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
@backtobasiceats.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Back to Basic Eats.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Through my own personal journey of figuring out a way to eat for function for my body.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide small-batch quality prepared meals to those who may not have the time.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
It’s been being in my own head.
Photo Credit: Back to Basic Eats
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Keep going."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
5×5 Rule. If it’s not going to matter in 5 years then don’t spend 5 minutes being upset about it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son- he is growing up before my eyes, and it would be great to spend the day skiing or at the beach with him- no interruptions.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep our local economy growing and to sustain it.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My Son as well as expanding my business from only in-home meal prep, but to prepared meal delivery.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ali From Honest Elixirs! She is doing some great stuff with her business and I’m so glad that I met her!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ali.
Photo Credit: Back to Basic Eats
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am super grateful for being able to share a little more about myself, and I’m really proud of what the Kamloops and area is becoming!
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!
