Meet Jacki. She's lived all over BC from the Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof to Gibsons and North Vancouver. She's been in Prince George since 2003.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my husband Robin. My favourite is our date nights when we go or dinner and bring a card game and just eat and chill out together. He is the kindest person I know and he makes me feel loved.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
I love White Goose Bistro. The staff are attentive, relaxed and professional. The kitchen totally accommodates my crazy allergies and they never make me feel bad for asking for substitutions… Plus the food is so good!
Describe yourself in one word.
Compassionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Maldives. It's on my bucket list to see these islands before they sink. I saw a documentary on the Maldives and it made me feel sad that global warming is the cause of such a devasting global change. I love documentaries!
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Yoga makes me feel strong and balanced. The minute I walk into Chinook Yoga, I feel better.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I peed my pants when I was in Grade 1 after a long one-hour bus ride home. I then had to walk 15 mins home in squishy wet boots…
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching Angelo Seminara cut hair onstage for Davines made me fall in love with the art of hair and how beautiful and creative it truly is. He is so passionate when he works, you can't help but feel his creativity and love for our industry.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
On my 10th birthday, I walked into the kitchen and there was a brand new bike from my parents! I had never gotten anything new in my life. I had two older sisters and of course always had hand-me-downs. I couldn't believe this bike was all mine. I remember riding it and feeling the wind blow in my hair and I was going so fast, I felt free and so happy.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I used to do the Black and White Soiree for years with Shannon and Erin. It was tons of work, very fun and donations went to local charities. I had to stop due to personal reasons but I do miss it sometimes. Now I support our community as much as I can by donating to local charities and to silent auctions at different events to raise money for local charities.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I want to slow and stop global warming but some people think it's a myth, so stupid. How can I do this? I try my best. I recycle, re-purpose and reuse at home and in my salon as much as possible. I eat organic, green, non-GMO. I shop locally. I plant a garden. I make my own cereal, bread, sauces, jam etc. I use earth friendly products… But I am only one… So I hope and wish that my habits will rub off on others. I want our earth to survive humans!
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
Chinook Yoga. I am alone amongst other yogis. I do my practice. I meditate. I am alone and not alone. Then I go home.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I'd like to see people supporting local businesses. From salons to restaurants, bookstores to gift shops. These over commercialized big box stores are taking over the world.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
There is a real sense of community here. The city is not too big but big enough and people are friendly and helpful!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Ride in a hot air balloon
2. Visit the Maldives
3. Go deep sea fishing in the ocean
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I homeschool my son who has a complex amount of mental health diagnoses including Autism. I try very hard to balance this with running a business and working in my business as a hair stylist too.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Shine Salon.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I'm an artist and my medium is hair. I love what I do and I wanted to have a salon in Prince George that a team of other like-minded beauty artists could work and support each other. I wanted a place to work that was cosy, friendly, beautiful and inviting.
What is the goal of your business?
To help our guests feel beautiful about themselves and to have my employees feel supported in their creativity and passionate about their career.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance. I have my own dreams to follow and I also need to support my husband with his dreams and my two children with theirs. This keeps me VERY busy!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same. I love my life even when I hate it.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Never assume!'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Something out there is always worse for someone. When you feel down try to think of a bad situation for someone else somewhere and then you will appreciate how good things really are.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband Robin. I would love to have one whole day with just him. No interruptions. No work, no kids, no other people. Just us!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local people shop local, work local, and grow food locally. When we live like this, in return those supported will go out and feed their kids locally, and shop local thus creating a local circle of life! Make sense?
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
When I found out that Shine had won Best Salon in Prince George. I was so proud of my team.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Amanda Hallmark from Integris Credit Union. She is so amazing for words. She volunteers everywhere, all the time. She teaches adults. She supports me in my crazy life. She is committed to the community and she has the biggest heart.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
I choose Katy Suik. I love her. She is a genuinely beautiful person. She is committed to helping people be the best they can be. She is a wonderful mother and having her as a friend is this crazy life is one of the best gifts I've been given.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I wanted to thank our community for supporting me and my salon for the last six years. Shine Salon has been here only because our guests keep supporting us. I am grateful to all our guests and I promise I will continue to be the best person I can be and to guide my staff this way so that you can have the best services that you deserve.
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!
