Meet Tessa May Marr! She has lived in Penticton for just one year!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner for sure. Lucky for us, we have a lot in common, so spending time together comes very easily for us! We like a lot of the same things. Second only to my girlfriends and my family! Social relationships are very important to me!
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
So many to choose from! But I have to give a shout out to Pure Gym & Juicery and Blenz first and foremost. When I moved to town, I visited both and within one visit, they knew my name and treated me like a regular. It was an incredible feeling!
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! My parents live down there half a year and own property so not only is it an affordable trip for us, it would be well deserved having missed most of summer due to work and fires. I also love the Mexican culture.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Definitely wine tasting! I'd been making a trip out here once a year for over 10 years before I made the move just to taste up and down the valley. I love all the amazing wines we are producing here and the views and vibes are unbeatable!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Once (recently!) on call with a potential client, I referred to our "deck" as a "dick". As in, "we've put together this dick to review with you today"… We still haven't found out if that deal is going to close. (Although it does sound promising!)
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I know everyone probably says this, but the first big trip I took really changed me. I have always been very Type A and organized, with my entire day, week, month, year–even life–planned out. And the first and most impactful thing I learned embarking on a month long backpacking trip through South America with no phone, a very limited budget and someone I barely knew was… things don't always go as planned. And you have to figure out how to be okay with that. I think at this point in my life, I've found pretty good a balance between honouring my Type A tendencies in a way that (mostly) makes them a strength and leaving room to "go with the flow" and see what happens. But it's always a work in progress!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Okay, this is a little off-kilter, but my favourite memory from being a kid was one New Years Eve when my little sister and I got into the same pair of pyjamas. No, not matching pyjamas. We were both physically in the same pair. And we attempted to walk around the house, do stairs, watch TV, eat–you name it. I know it sounds ridiculous, but every time I think about it, it makes me bowl over with laughter. You should see the videos! Also, a great reminder as a parent that it's often not the big expensive things that leave a lasting impact.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I feel very drawn to connect with this community and support local businesses, but I have to admit, I haven't quite found a specific program or project just yet, but I'm very open to and excited getting more involved. I think there are so many fantastic things happening here, I need to find the best way to offer my skills and contribute.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd move all of my friends and family to Penticton so I could spend time with them more often. Cheesy–I know.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
The Bench 1775 patio with a bottle (I mean a glass!) of wine. That view is spectacular and just so calming….
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I'd love to see our community create more balance from the busyness of summer to the dead quiet in winter for both locals and local businesses. After all the tourists are gone and we've all caught our breath, it would be wonderful if we created opportunities for locals to get out and enjoy where they live and each other, all while supporting local businesses who are experiencing quite a lull–which can be challenging. I have a few ideas in the hopper….
What do you think makes Penticton great?
I love the community here! And how small it is. Coming from big cities, I wasn't sure how I would feel, but I have made some incredible friendships! It's easy to find time to spend with people, as we're all so close. People really put in the effort.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Excuse me while I pull it up! (Yes, I have a list on my phone… I'll take any excuse to make a list.)
Take a year off work
Flip a house
Do the Camino de Santiago
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've been to 32 countries! 30 by my 30th birthday, which was the goal. I actually wrote a travel blog for many of my trips, which found me my start into blogging! www.whereintheworldistessamaymarr.com
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Personally, I love Instagram (@tessamaymarr) for connecting with new people and a wider audience (especially stories!) and Facebook for my own family and friends.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Mad Media.
Why did you get into/start this business?
When social really became prevalent in the world, it was hard for businesses to learn it and then figure out how to integrate into their marketing strategy–quickly! Marketers weren't trained in this. So I saw an opportunity to take that off their plates.
What is the goal of your business?
We serve to augment and amplify marketing efforts for businesses by "plugging in" to their teams and executing strategic and impactful social.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Definitely entrepreneurship! It's such a roller coaster. One minute you're on top of the world, feeling like you can do anything, celebrating big wins and the next day you're second-guessing everything, contemplating an exit strategy. It's so polarizing.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I started small, got pretty big fast, and then scaled back to a nice, comfortable, focused place. At the beginning I was taking any work clients would give me, rather than staying true to my vision and strengths. But it wasn't effective.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Alexa…" Yes. I have one. And I love her.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You'll never feel ready. When you're about to take a risk, do something big that really matters, you're likely going to go outside your comfort zone. Which means you can't wait to feel 100% ready. You never will. Just jump. You'll figure it out as you go!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oooh maybe Mina from Good Bones (the HGTV show I'm completely addicted to!). Real estate has always been a passion of mine and I love the flips her and her mom Karen do. I'd love to shadow her for a day, take her for wine and ask her 1000 questions. Then, of course, come back home, find a property and put all my learnings to work!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Since I've moved here, I feel such a draw to participate in our local community. I'm of course particularly passionate about entrepreneurs, and love any opportunity to support them so they can be successful and live their dreams!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Probably selling my first business, Gluten Free Calgary. Although it was wildly emotional to let go of and handoff, it made my work so tangible and the community I had created was so supportive. It was truly something I had built ground up.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Diana Stirling, Founder of Loco Landing & The Peach – She has found incredible success as a local entrepreneur and is so supportive of others! Great to have her in our community as a role model for others.
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shelley Hunt, Program Supervisor for Jumpstart (a YMCA program helping 16-30-years-olds find employment)
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing InFocus@PentictonNow.com. 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, Penticton!
