Meet Karyn! She's the brains behind Kelowna's beloved DunnEnzie's Pizza Co.!
Photo Credit: Karyn MacKenzie
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Calgary, been in Kelowna for 10 years
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Deb Dunnigan. She’s the best, she’s always up for an adventure and takes life in stride. Being around someone with such inner confidence makes for a beautiful peaceful life.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I’m a Mosaic Books super fan! A great family business owned and operated by some of the finest people I know.
Describe yourself in one word.
Lucky.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to New York city, I love the diverse culture, food, music, Broadway. I’ve always been a big city girl at heart.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything out with friends always fills my bucket. There are some amazing shows, concerts and sport events happening at any given time. Any of those with a great group of pals followed up by some dinner or drinks in our growing downtown food scene.
Photo Credit: Karyn MacKenzie
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
A few months ago I meant to send a picture of a pot hole that needed repair to the City of Kelowna office but attached a rather embarrassing picture of myself in a bubble bath I had taken in Vegas.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My sister entrusted me to care for her two daughters after she passed away. Being given a responsibility and gift like that really inspired me to stay grounded and create a life for them where they feel loved and valued.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up in a tight knit neighborhood , on the wrong side of the tracks some might say, but where we knew every family on our block. Summer nights playing kick the can or a pick up game of shinny at the community rink are really fond memories.
Photo Credit: Karyn MacKenzie
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Community action is always part of our goal setting at DunnEnzies. We have been very involved in supporting the Boys and Girls club, women’s shelter, CRIS adaptive adventures, LBGTQ youth programs and many local youth sports teams, art programs and music events.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I’d love to see a world of less judgement and more kindness, more equality, more compassion and empathy. A community that worked together so no one went without would be the ultimate goal
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any of the amazing walking paths or beaches, a good book on a park bench at Cedar Creek comes to mind.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The work to end homelessness in Kelowna needs to continue, it’s my belief that every human being deserves a place to lay their head and feel safe. I realize there are many factors in bringing this to fruition, I just hope people can come together for a solution and stop making other people’s suffering their political platform.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Just look at where we are, I mean look around. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in Canada and we have unlimited potential to become a premier city all while maintaining the charm that comes from being a relatively small community. I think Kelowna offers the best of both
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I’ve been actively checking items off that list for the last few years but there are some good ones still remaining. I love to travel so almost my entire list is places I’d like to visit and explore.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
In my 20’s I worked briefly for the Medical examiner in Calgary, it was my job to go to the scene and transport the deceased person back to the ME office for processing.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
The kids say I’m old school, I’m normally a Facebook or Instagram kind of gal.
Photo Credit: Karyn MacKenzie
What is the name of your business/organization?
DunnEnzies Pizza Co.
Why did you get into this business?
To be honest when we moved to Kelowna we had a very different business plan, when it didn’t pan out we had to regroup. After a night out with friends someone suggested grabbing some pizza, after having no luck finding a place open it was right then that we decided to try our hand at a late night pizza shop. Neither of us had any experience in the food industry, we always joke that it was a success because we didn’t know all the reasons it shouldn’t be.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide great food to great people in a fun atmosphere while giving back to our community wherever we can.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The death of my sister at age 35 remains a struggle, it’s been 10 years and it feels like a lifetime since I’ve heard her voice and a minute since she left us all at the same time.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change one single thing, I’m not saying I didn’t make mistakes, I made plenty, but all of it got me where I am today and I’m grateful
What do you always find yourself saying?
i know, right?!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Not to accept life advice from someone who is just flying by the seat of her pants
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I know this is supposed to be a deep answer but the fan girl in me says without hesitation, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local business is the key to driving our economy. When I spend my dollars at a local store, those local owners cycle those dollars back into our community through wages, goods and services etc. When I shop online that same money leaves this community to line the pocket of a company with no ties to this area. That money is lost and has done nothing to improve the community we all live in. To me that’s a senseless waste of resources
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I’ve made some pretty serious lifestyle changes since my nieces have come to live with me. Watching these two kids grow into great young women brings me my greatest sense of joy and accomplishment
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Deb Dunnigan!! She’s one of the good ones in this crazy world and my life is just plain better with her in it.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dawn Widdifeild.
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!
