In Focus | Jaclyn Robertson of Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Jaclyn Robertson

What do you always find yourself saying?
“Be responsible for the energy you bring to a space and bring only positivity.”

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Shane Koyczan – a brilliant writer raised in our own backyard (Penticton). He spoke of Canadians at the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver saying “we will reach the goals we set because…we are more than backpacks and hiking trails, we are hammers and nails building bridges towards those who are willing to walk across.” His stance on wellbeing and connectivity within communities is brilliant. And he loves the Okanagan – we’re dying to send him product so he can represent!

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Something related to Management Excellence. I thrive on linking collective visions, forward-plans, and priorities but strive for a healthy work-life balance and continuous learning. I definitely fall somewhere between a type A and type B personality.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Nelson Mandela. I find great value in his teachings and consider his life’s work inspiring and profound.

Who inspires you?
Lately, the entrepreneur in me is inspired by all walks of life. My creative mind is curious and wanders often these days. I’m really enjoying using that inspiration to create.

What are three things on your bucket list?
Build a home for a family in need, successfully run my own business, Paris during Fashion Week.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
I’m not really an “enormous yacht” type of person. Can I trade the yacht for an insulated tent and a few sleeping bags? I’d call that Cloud 9!

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I would much rather see the happiest day of someone else’s life, perhaps a day that I was able to contribute to. I operate under the mentality that the most valuable currency in life is the effect that we have on others.

What are you passionate about?
Family, good health, community and happiness— all of which are interconnected. Although Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel is still in its infancy, the brand has already been a successful driver in connecting people within and outside the Okanagan. It’s been a joy to watch and I’m extremely excited for what’s to come.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
Any day that involves being surrounded by family and friends is a great day.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I’m quite proud of our work with Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel so far. Starting my own business in the shadows of an active, full time career while planning my own wedding and packing up our house to move was a plate full. It’s been my most challenging and rewarding accomplishment by far.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
That’s tough—there are so many hidden gems. I’m a huge fan of the Bohemian Café. The Mango Chutney Turkey Salad always has me coming back for more!

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
The BMO Marathon that runs every year on Thanksgiving weekend is fantastic. The route through downtown and along the boardwalk is amazing. I’ve run the half marathon twice and will likely run it many more times. The energy is incredible. It’s an event that gets a lot of people out and about and cheering on others.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel

What does your business/organization do?
We design, create and distribute apparel and accessories.

Where can people find you or your business online?
www.okanaganlifestyle.ca

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Okanagan Lifestyle

What is your Twitter account?
@theoklifestyle

What is your mission?
At the surface our mission is to create a clean cut, stylish line of clothing for people to display Okanagan pride. Below the surface, our mission is to bring people together.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Our long term goal is to give back to the community in ways larger than what we are able to achieve as individuals.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
We want to become an established Okanagan brand. The “Okanagan Lifestyle” is diverse and has infinite definitions; we want to discover and celebrate all definitions with our friends and customers.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
We believe 10 Tree has done a fantastic job creating and utilizing brand awareness for the greater good of the community. To date the 10 Tree team has planted over 2 million trees with the support of the market. If you haven’t heard of 10 Tree, we recommend looking them up. It’s a great company tackling an incredible cause.

What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Dedication, creativity, passion.

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
There have been days that I have thought very seriously about standing on top of Knox Mountain and shouting ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported our vision and journey so far. This community and venture means so much to me. Thank you for the warm welcome into the arena of small local businesses!

How does your business/organization impact the community?
We provide a visual voice for people to display their pride and love for the Okanagan. As our business grows we look forward to providing many more contributions! In July we sponsored the Shea Weber/Cody Franson Golf Tournament at Hyde Mountain for Cancer. We look forward to supporting more great events and causes.

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Finance. Like most things, when it comes to managing, saving and investing money knowledge is power. I would ask for financial tips for an entrepreneur starting his/her own business.

If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Wouldn’t it be great if the city and surrounding areas were fire repellent...?

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The fantastic climate and landscape which allows us and our families to swim the beautiful lakes, hike the unending trails, lounge on the beaches, indulge in delicious local grown fruit and veggies (and wine!), ski mountain tops minutes from our doorsteps.. the list is endless.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Local photographer Emily Cook! Emily messaged me this summer all the way from Italy to express how excited she was about our brand. She completed her Digital Photography diploma from the Centre of Arts and Technology and headed straight to Italy for a fashion photography internship. Emily will be shooting our Fall look book later this month.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Many thanks to the KelownaNow team for the feature and opportunity to spread the word about Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel. We’re extremely excited to be launching our Fall products before the end of this month.
Stay connected! Follow us on social media for announcements on up and coming products and giveaways. And if you see me walking down the street please say hello! I’d love to chat more. Good health and happiness to you and yours.

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, Kelowna!