Meet Philomena. She is born and raised in Prince George but moved to Victoria for a stint to study photography. She also lived and worked in Vancouver and Japan for 18 months but moved back to Prince George.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daughter as she is such a positive, honest and fun person to be around. No judgement, just honest talk.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Books and Co as well as Cafe Voltaire. It is a place where many events happen, where wisdom is exchanged and a warm meal is shared which makes it feel safe and like home.
Describe yourself in one word.
Evolving.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I want to go somewhere with my family to have time just with them so we could all value those memories. It doesn't matter where it is, just that we would be together.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Going to music events in smaller venues. I feel so connected to MY community when I attend these.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Too many that I couldn't honestly say there is one!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
That I have met and studied with other photographers who teach with such grace and non-judgement and I hope that I do the same for others.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We lived for a short time in Whitehorse as a child for years till I was six. I remember being in the car with my father and mother and going for drives with my siblings and exploring everywhere. Walking on the Miles Canyon Bridge in Whitehorse was terrifying and thrilling at the same time. Liard Hot Springs was so fun to dip into. We stayed one night in a cabin on a lake in Teslin and it was magical. The darkness was stunning and we had a small radio and listened to a radio play a show but I can't remember the name.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Over the years I have been apart of a variety of events but currently, I am finishing up my time as an executive member of the board for the PG Celtic Club. I am the Vice President of the Community Arts Council and an active member of St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Parrish. I am part of the LGBTQ community and continue to be a visible lesbian for others to see.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To truly stop and see another person as human no matter the state you find another in. To be generous enough to at the very least smile at someone say 'hello' and give eye contact. Many times we think that surely someone else will or that it is insignificant to do. I have myself been touched by just the simple gesture and no words from another that gives me the strength to want to do better to others myself.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
I take walks and drives to the forest and lakes. Looking for a new angle to see our amazing region and try to get to know a new person along the way.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Acknowledgement that the downtown problem exists of homelessness and mental health issues. Resources are scattered too far and are threatening to successful revitalizing of it for the businesses located there.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
The people who come to live here make the city great.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To better my craft always and mentor those along the way
2. To better understand First Nations History
3. To learn to play an instrument
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to sketch and am learning to paint.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Philomena Hughes Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
As a child, I wanted to be many things but a photographer stuck with me throughout the years. I started the business because I felt I have to. I had worked for others doing a variety of jobs but nothing gave me such a feeling as did seeing a good portrait of someone.
What is the goal of your business?
To give people good service and a great product of themselves.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Trusting myself that what I feel I need to do is the right thing. Also giving my talent away too much to those who do not truly appreciate it.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would believe in myself from the start and not look for approval from others for all the decisions I made in my life.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'I'd love to photograph you'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live. It is the only life you got. Do not listen to others fears of what you want to do with your life.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
For now, it is my Mother. At the age of 87, she has an amazing spirit of determination and adventure still. She plays the piano and walks everywhere she can.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
This is our community. If we want to see businesses succeed and stay, we need to support them in reality not just say 'I support you'. Never step foot across the step. We live together in this part of the world and grow up with these them.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Without a doubt having two children raise me to be a good mother.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Christina Watts who is Ridge Side Arts owner, a small art supply shop but really so much more than that. She gives classes and teachers on Shaw 'Just Paint It' but truly she ignites the artist in you to explore and come to life.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dr. Marie Hay a paediatrician in our community since 1990 who is retiring this year. She has touched the lives of thousands of children and has done amazing work throughout her life as a doctor and yes, she is my wife.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I studied photographed when I was in my mid-20s in Victoria at Western Academy of Photography. I attended CNC to study Geography and Film after travelling for a year in Europe as a 19-year-old. That was magnificent and the best thing I did to learn about myself and more importantly others. I had a job for a year of driving all over BC testing hearing which was adventurous but lonely as I was on my own. That's when I went to work as a switchboard operator at the RCMP for five years. I loved photography and I always came back to it. I went to Japan to pay off my education debts but to photograph it as well. I returned to raise my son here in Prince George as a single parent. I opened my first studio on the corner of 3rd and George St. and struggled to make ends meet but kept at it. I had a part-time job as an Exchange Student Councillor for 11 years to not only make ends meet but to give my son a chance to meet many other people from around the world. Seven years later I adopted my daughter from China. A new adventure for us. Then I met my woman, I had met her in church when my son was six months old. What I want to mainly say here is you may not always get to your dream directly but if you hold onto it, in time it will bloom and become even more than you could of thought or imagined. Love to meet people so if you see me in the community don't be shy and come say 'HI' or maybe you will see me doing the same to you!
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, Prince George!
