Meet Julia. Julia was born and raised here in Kelowna! She loves to go on new adventures with her boyfriend and hit the slopes up at Big White in the Winter.
Photo Credit: Julia Mathers
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Do my dogs count? Just kidding, my boyfriend and adventure partner, Kyle. He’s always up for an adventure whether we’re exploring deserted beaches or flying through the mountains in his tiny plane!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are many, but One Big Table, down on St Paul St is definitely at the top of the list. Their concept and values make the world go round! They’ve created some of the best locally sourced meals I’ve ever had and carry tons of local goods!
Describe yourself in one word.
Introvert.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Well, I’m writing this on a beach in the Bahamas, so I’d say I’m already there. I’ve always wanted to come to explore these islands and experience their colourful culture!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Snowboarding at Big White – a little secret, I worked up there for just shy of 10 seasons.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh, there’s too many to choose from. I embarrass myself on a daily basis and laugh it off.
Photo Credit: Julia Mathers
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some incredibly inspiring women in our community over this past year, including Jaclyn Robertson from Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel. She has been a great business mentor and I’ve turned to her on more than one occasion with questions and she’s always taken the time to answer them with care and consideration.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Lemonade stands with best friends in front of our house, playing in the yard and making mud pies, the Fat Cat Festival, birthday parties at the Boardwalk, the bowling alley, or Scandia (January birthdays always involved some sort of indoor activity). There’s too many to pick just one – I had an awesome childhood!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When I started up The Market Bags, I knew I wanted to donate partial proceeds to a local charity. My background is in early childhood education, and after working in the field for the last decade and seeing negative and correlating effects of “convenience” foods on children’s physical and mental health, I began studying holistic nutrition (which I’m still working on as well). In steps Mamas For Mamas – Shannon happily took me for a tour of their Karma garden in which they grow produce and have free range laying hens for eggs. They support SO many families throughout the summer. It was a no brainer and now we donate partial proceeds of every single bag sold to Mamas for Mamas!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Ensure everyone in the world has access to nourishing foods!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I’m an introvert, I do this regularly – love The Bean Scene on Bernard!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I’d love to see the city eliminate single-use plastics – it’s a long ways away but a necessity for our planet. I’d love to see grocery stores more accepting of individuals bringing in their own refillable containers for bulk items and allow them to have them weighed before use. Luckily, we’ll have our very own organic and waste-free store so soon!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We live in one of the most aesthetically beautiful places, we have an abundance of local fruit and wines and we have 4 beautiful seasons!
Photo Credit: Julia Mathers
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
A bucket list means you’re anticipating death, so I don’t have a list per se, yet I do things I love when the opportunities present themselves. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a bunch, work for the Olympics and spend my winters in the mountains and my summers on the lake. Do what makes you happiest, always!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I didn’t graduate high school.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@themarketbags on Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Market Bags
Why did you get into/start this business?
A good friend and I were at the Farmer’s Market last year and she had some reusable bags she’d ordered from Amazon. We began talking about how they could be made and an hour later the first Market Bags were created.
What is the goal of your business?
To offer sustainable, reusable produce, bulk and snack bags that not only save the planet but also look good!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Leaving a career of over a decade that was no longer making me happy and starting from scratch.
Photo Credit: Julia Mathers
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would eliminate the things, people and relationships in life that are no longer serving me any purpose.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Everything happens for a reason.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"If it’s not making you happy, don’t do it."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Amy Schumer – she is an intelligent, hilarious lady boss that has worked her butt off to be where she is.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you shop locally you’re supporting individuals and their families in our community, you’re seeing a friendly smile, and you’re probably getting a better product.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Watching The Market Bags grow from nothing to a full-time business that works alongside 4 incredible local seamstresses in under a year!
Photo Credit: Julia Mathers
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Meghan Dion, the owner of Bloom Company Floral Design in Kelowna. She’s not only a very talented florist, but she’s also a super mom of 3, and a full-time farm owner, plus she’s a great wine drinking partner!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
My dad, Barry Mathers of Red House Recording Studio
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!
