In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Jennifer Marus.
How long have you lived in Kamloops?
We moved to Kamloops in 2013 from Squamish, BC and purchased a home in Rayleigh in 2014.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Currently, my favourite person to hang out with is our three year old daughter. She has so much energy and such a huge personality that every day is full of laughter with her.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Do you have to go pee?' We potty trained our daughter over the summer and I still always feel like I need to remind her to go!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I’m going to say, myself. I have the pleasure of spending my days with so many amazing people, but I don’t get a lot of down time. There’s a spa in Whistler and there’s no talking allowed while you’re there so I’d go there for an entire day, on my own!
Who or what inspires you?
I get really inspired when I speak with people who are passionate. It doesn’t really even matter what they’re passionate about; it’s just so inspiring and empowering to hear someone speak their truths and beliefs.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Go to Europe
2. Buy a house with land
3. Get my daughter a kitten
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
Sitting in the Vancouver airport at 23 years old, in a ball of tears, having just said goodbye to my parents as I headed off to Taiwan for a year, which ended up being almost two years. I was so heartbroken to be leaving my family, but so excited to be leaving on this grand adventure. I felt strong and vulnerable all at the same time and I remember thinking, 'if I can get through this, I can get through anything.'
What are you passionate about?
I’m pretty passionate about education. I have my Bachelor of Education and I’m an Early Childhood Educator. When the opportunity to own Lizzie Bits came about, despite it being a bit out of my realm of experience, I was so excited to know that I could stay connected to child development and education by offering classes and activities to families in our shop.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
While in Hawaii, Chad and I found this one lane road down to this beautiful bay. We looked out into the water, and saw snorkelers in the water with wild dolphins. We hopped in and spent hours snorkeling with them. Babies would venture close to us, but zip away at the last minute. They were spinner dolphins and the little ones were learning how to spin out of the water. It was incredible.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Our daughter, she is the best. She’s so smart, curious, and is just the bees knees. It’s been a whirlwind three years, but it’s just the best!
Where is your favourite place to dine in your city?
I love Storms. Being on the water while eating is the best.
What is your favourite activity or event in your city?
I love going to 4Cats Art Studio. The staff there are so amazing, and there are so many activities for adults and little ones. I’ve had some great times there with staff, friends, and my daughter.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Lizzie Bits Baby Co.
What does your business/organization do?
We are a maternity and baby boutique. We sell maternity and nursing clothing, children’s clothing from 0-6 years old, cloth diapers, baby carriers and baby accessories.
Where can people find you or your business online?
On my website.
Where can people find your business on social media? (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I would love to see our store expand a bit more. We’ve definitely got some ideas up our sleeves and feel incredibly fortunate that we have amazing support from our community.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Community, family, and quality for both of service and products.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
I couldn’t do it without them. I am thankful for them everyday. We always have customers send us compliments about our exceptional customer service, and that makes me very proud.
What makes you feel successful?
Tell us about it. When a parent sends us a note or writes a review, saying that we helped them and their teething baby, or that we made their day after a particularly challenging week. That’s what this store is about, supporting families. I also love what I do, and that makes me feel super successful.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Retail for sure. Someone who has experience growing their brand. I’d ask them about how to grow a successful and sustainable business.
If you could change one thing about the city you live in, what would it be?
I would work on expanding the downtown just a bit. We are just a titch out of the downtown core and we miss out on some downtown events because of that.
What do you think makes your city great?
The people! We have such a diverse community, and are growing so fast! We live in a city that supports families in so many different ways, and I’m proud to be a part of that.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Vanessa Gammel, owner of Tumbleweed Toys.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
To our clients, I appreciate you all so very much. I have met some incredible and powerful women who have done some amazing things to bring their child into this world, and I am grateful to be a small part of that experience with you.
To Chad, I love you ever so much. Thank you for putting up with me and for loving me. Thank you for being up for anything, and letting me know when I should just take a breath.
To Amaya, I hope that you grow up to be all that you want to be, because you have oh so much beauty inside of you. And I promise to guide you and support you forever and always.
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.
