Meet Jennifer. Jennifer has lived in Kelowna for 13 years. She is the queen of coffee; she owns Bean Scene North.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Quesnel and I have lived in Kelowna for 13 Years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I would have to say my daughter, Jorah, and my husband, Sam. Nothing is ever quite complete without them.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Karmyc Bazaar. They are my go to for gifts. They support so many local artists and they have so many beautiful and interesting pieces. Also, the owners, Jennelle and Tait, are lovely, hard working people.

Describe yourself in one word.
Quiet.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Honestly, right at this moment, I would go out for a really nice, lazy breakfast. I work every single morning and I really miss breakfast. I guess I wouldn’t mind if the breakfast was in Greece.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Beer tasting and hiking.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Pretty much everything embarasses me. Even this question (and every question asked here). Most recently though, ping ponging a sauce covered pekora literally all over my shirt while at dinner with a friend and his parents.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I would have to say working for Bean Scene has been the most inspiring thing that has happened to me. For six years, I have been surrounded by some of the absolute best people that I have ever known and they inspire me to be a better person every day. 

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was a true bush child. Every day was awesome.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered with Mamas for Mamas. I also really love to support the local Food Bank. In fact, we are planning a fundraiser for them in October!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The amount of hatred out there.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere, as long as I have my book.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think that we really need to solve the housing issue. This is such a beautiful place and people deserve to be able to live here.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is beautiful. Whenever we go on vacation, we always miss home. Great food, beer, wine, beaches and of course COFFEE.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Act in a play
2. Write a novel
3. Go on a very long drive to the other side of Canada 

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I always feel like I am a pretty open book, but I know that most people would have to disagree with that. For reals? I am a girly nerd. 

What is the name of your business/organization?
Bean Scene North.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Six years ago, I fell in love with coffee and when I was asked if I wanted to open my own shop, I had to say yes. It’s a dream to hangout with people and make coffee all day.

What is the goal of your business?
Just to make great coffee and show people what great things can be done with it.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balance.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I wouldn’t do anything differently. My life is so perfect and so full. I wouldn’t risk any of it.

What do you always find yourself saying?
“What is this? A______for ants?” It’s embarrassing, but I can’t stop saying it. Other than that it’s “Room for cream?”

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I think that I got all my life lessons from my friend, Al, but I think that the most important one is always ask yourself, “Is it the right thing to do?”

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend one whole day, start to finish with my 11 year old daughter. I don’t get that enough.
 
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s so important to shop locally because when you do, you are giving money directly to people you know and when you do that you are supporting them and their families. We wouldn’t be the community that we are without our local businesses.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have managed to raise a pretty amazing kid and I couldn’t be more proud of anything than I am of that.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to everyone in my life who has been so patient and supportive. You know exactly who you are.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jennelle McGuire

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!