Meet Jenna! She's a lifestyle blogger and social media influencer with a passion for all that Kelowna has to offer.
Photo Credit: Jenna Swetlikoff
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Kelowna! I have lived here my whole life except for the first two years out of high school where I moved away to play on a volleyball scholarship.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family, my boyfriend, my boyfriend's family, and my closest girlfriends. I love them all.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love Honest, a women's clothing boutique! I started working with them this Fall and their clothes are fabulous! The reason I love shopping there is because they have great owners and their clothes are unique compared to everything else offered in Orchard Park Mall.
Describe yourself in one word.
Go-getter.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Right now because we're in the middle of winter, definitely somewhere tropical like Hawaii. Generally speaking, I would love to go to Thailand or Greece.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything outdoors! Swimming in the lake, hiking, paddle boarding, biking, beach volleyball…you name it.
Photo Credit: Jenna Swetlikoff
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I used to volunteer for the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop and we were having our Christmas dinner at a hotel. I used to get my nails done and my nail popped off and flew into somebody's plate. Thankfully I was able to pull it out of their food without the person seeing LOL.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Whenever I get messages from followers that say they did something because I recommended it or helped them in some way. That is the most rewarding thing. There are a lot of people in this industry that use their platform as a popularity contest or to power trip, it's what you do with your platform. Having people following you is flattering, but it is also a responsibility.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing outside as kids until the sun went down. I feel like that is lost and kids don't do that (as much) anymore. We live in a technology world now and I miss the days where kids could play outside for hours without getting bored.
Photo Credit: Jenna Swetlikoff
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I coached competitive volleyball for over 5 years. My responsibilities entailed overseeing athletes' welfare, hosting practices, and mentoring.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Gun violence. Tens of thousands of people die from gun-related incidences every year. It's not necessary.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any local beach where I can see the water. Something about our lakes are so calming and peaceful.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The homelessness situation really bothers me. Nobody knows what the solution is and I don't know what the solution is but I would love to figure out alternative housing so that people don't have to freeze out on the streets in the winters.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The scenery. We are so lucky that our backyard is full of mountains and lakes.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To travel overseas. I have travelled all over Canada but would love to explore Europe and Asia.
2. To make my business a 6-figure empire.
3. Create more positive change.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am obsessed with hot sauce. I'll put it on everything and anything. I am also a tall glass of water ha, ha. I am 5'11 which always seems to surprise everybody when I meet them. It has come in handy as I used to do modelling and play volleyball at a post-secondary level.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @jennaswetlikoff, Facebook StuffwithSvet – By Jenna Swetlikoff and my blog: Stuff with Svet.
Photo Credit: Jenna Swetlikoff
What is the name of your business/organization?
StuffwithSvet – By Jenna Swetlikoff
Why did you get into this business?
I came out of university with a Bachelors of Psychology and a minor in English and had no clue what to do with it. I wasn't interested in the research side of Psychology but have always been a people person. Blogging allows me to be creative, meet people, and help others.
What is the goal of your business?
To inspire people. People know me as a Kelowna expert. I know when I travel to other cities I want to know where the locals go and all the special and unique places. I want to offer that to people who come visit the Okanagan. My business also entails a lot of networking. I meet so many people and businesses – I want to work with them so they are recognized and people become aware of them.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Trusting the process. Sometimes I don't understand why certain things happen and want the result right away. I'm learning to be more patient and worry less.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
Our struggles make us who we are. I wouldn't have grown as much if it weren't for my past mistakes so I would keep it the same. If anything, I would tell my younger self to be more confident in what I was doing and again, trust the process.
Photo Credit: Jenna Swetlikoff
What do you always find yourself saying?
always try see the positive side/see from the other person's perspective. You don't know what someone else's battle is.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always have class. We all eventually die. People will remember you for who you were as a person, not how much money you had or where you lived. How did they treat other people? Were they a kind person?
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to pick the brain of a savy business owner like Rach Parcell, Jillian Harris, or a CEO of a massive company. Shadowing them all day to see how they think and how they run their business would be amazing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You are supporting and investing in your community. Corporate empires will always last as they are a machine and have hundreds of people behind them. Local businesses are what shape your community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Launching my business. I never thought I was capable of doing something like that nor foresaw it as something I would do.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Every entrepreneur out there. It aint easy!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Britney, the owner of B Indoor Cycle and Strength
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!
