Meet Melissa Lebus. Melissa grew up near the coast but has called Kamloops home for over a year. She is a thoughtful woman who loves spending time with her fiance. Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am originally from the Lower Mainland; I primarily grew up in Langley and South Delta. My family and I moved to the Shuswap about two years ago, then my fiance' and I moved to Kamloops last year in May and we love it here!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My fiance', Marcus! Since we both work full-time jobs, we always tend to make the most of our days off together; whether we are cooking, going for a walk, or a simple coffee date, he can always make me laugh and put a big smile on my face!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
As of late, my favourite spot is the 5 Bean Brew Bar.
Describe yourself in one word.
Thoughtful.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to France. I love the history of it and the simplicity of french culture. I am particularly interested in the history of french wellness, beauty, and fashion so I would probably indulge myself in any teachings I could find.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
During the winter months, I like to go out to new restaurants and explore local shops downtown. During the spring/summer months, I really enjoy hiking up to Kenna Cartwright Park to get a good workout in and enjoy the view of the City.
Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was very young, I went to my cousins birthday party, quickly went to the washroom, then found out my skirt was tucked into my underwear… Now I always check things are good before leaving a bathroom.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
For me, it's my career. I work as a full-time makeup artist for Sephora Kamloops and I simply love it! What inspires me though is being able to work with so many empowered and creative women who always want to help people feel like the best version of themselves. Everyday holds something different when I go into work and because of that, I am constantly inspired everyday and I am always trying new things. I'm so thankful for the career I have built and the amazing work family I have created there.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up, my family and I would always take camping trips to the Shuswap Lake. We would usually stay for 4-5 days at a time and go swimming, biking, play catch, play Frisbee or hangout with other kids that were camping in the same area as us. Also growing up, my younger sister and I played ringette and my mom was an avid coach of various divisions. When I was in my preteens and early teens, we would go up to Kamloops every year in February for the local Sweet Heart Tournament. For me, it was always something I looked forward to, and now I find it funny that I am living in Kamloops full time, just because I always enjoyed going there when I was younger!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My work is my place where I can give back to my community. Personally, I've always enjoyed helping people and in my field of work, I get to do that every day! I especially love it when I can teach people how to enhance their natural beauty within the cosmetics industry. Makeup shouldn't be about creating a completely different person; it is about expressing your mood for that day, how your feeling, a way to celebrate your artistic side, and to celebrate yourself. Remember,enhance what you have, do NOT try to hide it!
Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would really love to see more being done to reduce plastics and non-biodegradable wastes being thrown into the oceans and ecosystems. The outdoors is always so beautiful, even in the colder months, and everything has a purpose to why it is doing what it is doing. I believe it's imperative for us to not only take care of our oceans and ecosystems, but also respect it. If we can take care of the things that we enjoy so much, I think all ecosystems would not only thrive better, but we would appreciate them more too because we are being mindful of their well-being. As a result, if we are more mindful of their value to us as people, then we can pass that on to future generations to come.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The 5 Bean Brew Bar in Sahali. I love the coziness, the mood, and the food and coffee are so well done. I could sit in there for a good while and just relax, especially with the weather getting warmer.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see the City take on more recycling initiatives, as well as start to phase in a composting plan. It would help us to further reduce waste and be more purposeful in our recycling routines.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
There is a fantastic sense of community anywhere you go and sometimes, that can be tricky to find in very large regions. I also love that it is a city in the mountains, and I appreciate the scenery whenever I go for walks.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travelling with my fiance is the biggest thing for me; I want to make more and more memories with the person I cherish. I would also love to see and pet an Elephant one day, as well as go to Hawaii. Finally, I would love to go to Paris, France one day to study makeup artistry and fashion history. What a dream that would be!
Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I would consider myself a hobbyist interior decorator; More so for my own home at the moment, but I love the idea of helping people revamp their space to get the best functionality out of it.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
My Instagram is the best way to reach me! You can find me at creative.outlet.artistry!
What is the name of your business/organization?
My personal business is called The Creative Outlet, where I post reviews on cosmetics and skincare, as well as techniques and tips, and how to get the best value out of your products!
Why did you get into/start this business?
It all comes back to me wanting to help people feel their most beautiful. I love to enhance natural features and find what makes that client unique, then work that into a routine that suits them!
What is the goal of your business?
To provide makeup lessons and services so that everyone may feel their most beautiful, no matter life's' occasion!
Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Overcoming my depression/anxiety. About five years ago, I was in a very dark place. It took a big toll in my life and the lives of my loved ones. Ever since I have always made sure to take self-care time for myself every day.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Every day is new, so take one day at a time.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
To simply be grateful for who and what you have in your life. When you have gratitude, you cherish those things more.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend the day with french blogger, Violette. She is a full time, celebrity makeup artist and a global ambassador for a major cosmetics company. She is also a professional painter, which is something I used to do when I was younger. I feel that I have very similar interests to her, and I would love to learn artistry from her. She always emphasizes that makeup should never change you, rather it should celebrate who you are!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping and supporting locally is what creates that intimate sense of community. If we see events coming up or new releases from a business, it can feel like it is exclusive to the people living in that community and that creates something unique!
Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to build a stable and fun career with Sephora. I'm very passionate about my work and I've always been that person who wants to enjoy going to work. I'm very fortunate to have such a luxury!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Simone is someone who is always looking to give back. At such a young age, she is a full time esthetician inside and outside of her work, a part time hairdresser, and she is always looking to help the homeless community in Kamloops.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Simone Lacroix.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for the opportunity to be featured in In Focus! To me, this a big accomplishment for my professional development and I love that I can celebrate my passions and community as well!
Photo Credit: Melissa Lebus
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.
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!
