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?
Jessyka Gagnon.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm originally from a very small town in Northern Ontario, however, my family moved here in 2009. I have been back and forth, living in Calgary and Edmonton, as well as in Vancouver for a little while, but Kamloops has been my home base for 8 years. I also attended TRU for four years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My 11 month old daughter and my fiancé, Jordan. They always, literally always, make me laugh. Everything is an adventure and I absolutely love every minute.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I have always wanted to eat pasta in Italy, scooter around Greece and practice yoga in the depths of the rain forest in Costa Rica, but my heart lives in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There's nothing better than spending time with my little family in a log cabin, with a wood burning fireplace where I can write, make memories hiking and exploring our own backyard. We were recently engaged at Moraine Lake on July 1st. We jump on every chance to be in the mountains.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Lizzie Bits. They have great customer service. The women who work there make everyone feel welcome and always take the time to get to know their littlest customers. The products are of great quality, there is just enough to not get overwhelmed and Jenn, the owner, does an incredible job supporting other local businesses. I really appreciate the efforts made to bring the parent and baby community together in their Learning Lounge.
What is your favourite activity?
Yoga. I'm not very good, I do not go as often as I'd like and I do not consider myself “zen” but when I am on my mat I am able to be present, that's probably what I love most about it. Being present is tasking. Yoga, and caring for my little human have both made it possible for me to live in the moment and embrace being present. When Jaxzen was three months old, until she was crawling we absolutely loved being able to do Mom & Me Yoga at the Yoga Loft. It was an amazing experience.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I broke my arm at a wedding once. That has to take the cake.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Motherhood. She is my greatest teacher.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have two. One school night, when I was about 9, my mom woke my sisters and I up to go play in the freshly fallen snow. Another time, my dad, got home and asked my sisters and I to help him bring in the groceries. When we got to the truck there were two cocker spaniel puppies waiting for us!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
SPCA and YWCA.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
There are a two things I would like to change. The perception of feminism and respect for all animals, all living beings. Feminism is equality, and we need that more than ever. I naively believed we lived in a progressive world, unfortunately reality is, we have a long way to go.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
The farmers market on Saturday mornings. I usually start with a coffee from Motivo or PDK and spend a couple hours at the market with my mom and daughter.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I’m not a huge fan of being alone. I really enjoy being around people, so a local coffee shop with a patio is always a favorite pass time for me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
More support for victims of domestic violence.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I love how much character this city has. Although considered a city, it has a small town feel.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To see all the lakes in the rocky mountains
2. Write a book
3. Open a dog rescue facility, for senior dogs
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m an extremely picky eater. I’m the worst, or the best, to share appetizers with because I don’t like anything.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Instagram, Facebook, and just recently Twitter.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Milk Stains & Meltdowns.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always had a passion for writing. I am an open book, pun intended, and I thought, 'What better way to help others than to leave a piece of my heart out for everyone to read and hopefully relate to? With comedic relief.' I have never been more passionate about anything than I am about being a mom. It has been the fuel to follow my dream of reaching a vast audience and creating a sense of community amongst other parents. I enjoy helping others in any way possible and have a dream to continue to grow this brand to help prepare and reassure parents, everywhere, that they are not alone.
What is the goal of your business?
To reach a vast audience, to support women, and parents navigating this exciting, simultaneously terrifying and challenging role of parenthood through writing. My hope is to make an indent in ending the stigma of mental illness, to bring realness to the 'perfect' Instagram life, and to offer relatable material to create a sense of community over the internet.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
In 2014, my family lost everything in a house fire. We were living just outside of Savona when our home caught fire, there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. We lost everything except the clothes on our backs. Everything that made me feel like I existed in this world was gone. The hardest part was losing our dog Rookie and all our family photos. For a brief moment it felt as if I could disappear without a trace, that was an eerie, uneasy and terrifying feeling. Looking back now, other than losing Rookie, it was one of the most positive life altering events. I used to attach a lot of value to items, now, I am more focused on creating memories, living in the moment and saving for experiences rather than objects.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a single thing. Of course, there were moments that, for lack of better word, sucked in my past and it's cliche but, I am extremely grateful for the struggles, the mistakes, seemingly bad decisions and wrong turns because they brought me to the life I'm living now. Everything I've been through lead me to meet Jordan and best of all to be Jaxzen’s mom. I have no clue where I'd be if I has changed anything in my past.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Reel that in.' For example, if someone is doing something drastic, if my daughter is getting into the dog bowls or if I get carried away I say 'reel that in, real quick', super 'dad joke' of me to say, but I can’t help it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jillian Harris. I absolutely love her seemingly real attitude about life with a baby, I am obsessed with her designs and would love to pick her brain for ideas on brand expansion and all things blogging.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local is supporting someone’s dreams. Someone who you actually get to meet and get to know. My aunt owns Sweet Spot Cupcakes and seeing the impact of the community supporting her in her family life has been amazing. She is able to follow her dreams and raise a family while being happy. That, to me, is always worth it.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Of course motherhood, but my proudest accomplishment that goes hand in hand with this, would be breaking down the wall of 'perfection.' Through being a mom, and meeting other moms I realized how important it is to be able to admit that not everything is 'Instagram worthy.' Life is amazing, creating life is incredible but everything, all the struggles and the hurdles that come with motherhood need to be openly talked about as well. Overcoming my own sense of isolation by pretending to always have it together, has really opened my eyes to a new, relatable, relaxed lifestyle.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
My Memere, which is Grandma in French. She is the baker at Sweet Spot Cupcakes and you can find her there nearly every day of the week. Her baking is hands down the best, but it is her smile that really deserves recognition. She loves what she does, she enjoys meeting new people and is very committed to providing the best cupcakes to the city of Kamloops, so much so, that I can promise when you see her she will have icing somewhere on her face. I love that she has taken on this role, brings so much happiness to our community and continues to enjoy baking for her family. Just like her cakes, she is the sweetest!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jenn Marus from Lizzie Bits.
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.
