In Focus | Courtney Lewis of Junk Accessories

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?
Courtney Lewis

What do you always find yourself saying?
“It’s all good”. Other than that it’s not necessarily what I say, but whom I’m saying it to (being that I work from home I tend to talk to my dogs a little too much..).

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Ellen DeGeneres. She’s funny, inspiring, caring, successful, positive, and such a great role model. Spending a day with her would be so much fun.

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Winning an award for small business or any acknowledgment that people love and enjoy my products would be so amazing. Just to be noticed and supported is great.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Janis Joplin will always be a style icon. She is known for her unique DIY style, daring to be different, and out there. I think she would have been such a cool person to meet and learn from. Watching her perform would have just been an extra plus obviously.

Who inspires you?
My friends and family. People who are go-getters and work so hard every day for what they love and believe in. Seeing others creating amazing things motivates me to get back in my office and do the same.

What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Have a family.
2. Own my own brick and mortar store.
3. Travel the world.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
“Incognito”

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
My 90th birthday. When I can look back at my life and feel good about what I have done and accomplished.

What are you passionate about?
Creating! Whether it is jewelry, art, interior design, or crafts. I am always creating something. It’s my hobby and career and I couldn’t be happier that I am able to do what I love everyday.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day I walked the Louvre Museum in Paris. The building and artwork was breathtaking. Seeing all the talent and history was exciting and I loved every minute of it.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
When I first started Junk Accessories, I had a meeting at a local business about supplying my jewelry in their shop. When I arrived, the girl at the desk was randomly wearing one of my necklaces unaware it was from my collection. Seeing a complete stranger wearing one of my pieces was the coolest feeling ever. The joy I feel to see that people like what I do is the biggest compliment.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
The Fixx Café. It has amazing food and great atmosphere! The staff and owner are great people!!

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
I really enjoy the markets and craft fairs we have. Seeing all the talent and local products is so wonderful for our community and the tourists that enjoy our awesome city!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Junk Accessories

What does your business/organization do?
Junk Accessories is a collection of handmade jewelry and accessories. I started this business in 2002 as a way to turn my passion for creating into a career. Starting out really small, selling in a store I worked at in Whistler, I then had my pieces purchased for a Vancouver TV show. Now Junk accessories can be found in locations all across BC and online. I design and create each piece myself in my home office and enjoy every minute of it.

Where can people find you or your business online?
www.junkaccessories.com
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JUNKACCESSORIES

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Junk Accessories

How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Courtney Lewis

What is your mission?
To create affordable pieces of wearable art that people love and can be inspired by.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
International success. To see my jewelry in shops around the world would be a dream!

Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I would like to have my jewelry displayed in many more businesses around Canada, not just British Columbia, and maybe have my own brick and mortar store in town I can sell and create from.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
It’s hard to choose just one. There are so many great and talented jewelry designers on Etsy and at local markets.

What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
I think that it is unique, inspiring, and creative.

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
The closest I have to volunteers would be all my lovely friends who always take the time to support me in any way they can whether it is spreading the word, or hooking me up with new business relationships. I would like to say thank you to them and let them know how much I appreciate all the love and support.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
I have worked with a local charity for cancer research donating proceeds from necklace sales and items for fundraisers. I really enjoy being able to help out where I can. Also, helping out people in town with their own businesses is really important to me. Exchanging time, products, ideas, and support is a great way to help the community and other fellow small businesses.

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?
Anyone who has experience in jewelry sales and social media. Someone who could give me advice about growing my business and can get me to my ultimate goals.

If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
More available parking downtown or cheaper cabs.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The community. The weather. The beautiful lakes and mountains. I love that there are so many things to do here. Kelowna is my favourite place to live!

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Darcie Jillian of Antidote Hair.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I’m so excited I was given this opportunity to be featured on In Focus. I think this is such a great idea for people to know more about our community and the hidden businesses like myself, and just want to share my gratitude.

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!