In Focus | C.J. Wilkins

Meet C.J.! C.J. is from a small town in Alberta but has called the Okanagan home for 10 years. As well as being an Entrepreneur, he is also a playwright, actor and comedian!


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m originally a blend of big city and small town Alberta. I moved to Kelowna 10 years ago to start my first business and enjoy the incredible Okanagan!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
It may sound a bit cliche but as I get older, I really enjoy spending more time with myself. That’s when I re-energize, learn new things and am centred.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
That’s easy. It’s Textile Apparel on Pandosy next to Olive & Elle. Textile Apparel has the best fashion in town that is all sustainable and ethically made. They have a small, well curated menswear section that is so, so good. Take my money!


Describe yourself in one word.
Whole

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I’d head back to Colombia. It has everything from outstandingly diverse nature to incredible, determined and warm people. Oh, and the empanadas, they’ll change your world.


What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
There’s so much to love in Kelowna it’s impossible to pick one. I’d say mountain biking, attending (and making) theatre and XC skiing would be at the top of the list.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was acting in a play in the Mary Irwin Theatre. During a dance routine I blew out the back of my trousers. Fortunately I was wearing a tuxedo jacket with tails to keep things hidden. Phew!


What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Surviving a massive outdoor accident that should have killed me and overcoming those serious injuries with a smile on my face. I do my best to live with gratitude and determination each day.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Saturday morning cartoons sitting with a blanket in an old-school rocking chair. I'd nearly flip that thing from rocking so much!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
A lot of my clients are not for profit organizations including SOWINS, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I really wish the whole world would get on board with preventing climate change.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I like to grab a chocolate croissant from Sandrine on Dilworth and go for a walk. Few things in life are better than butter, chocolate and exercise combined!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
While I support Kelowna’s housing first strategy, it needs to be backed by sufficient programming for mental health and substance abuse.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It’s the combination of location, incredible weather and size - smaller than the big city but we have an ever increasing number of quality small businesses that are really leading the way in making Kelowna an even better place to live.


What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel somewhere new and interesting each and every year.
Create a broadway hit and a feature film.
Live my core value of napping every day.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm completely deaf in one ear.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Website: wilkinscreative.ca LinkedIn Instagram @say_hota Facebook: @sayhota



What is the name of your business/organization?
Wilkins Creative Insights

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love helping businesses achieve their goals and beyond. My background is in corporate communications so it's a natural fit!

What is the goal of your business?
I help organizations grow. Be it though business consulting, website development, social media strategy, coaching or public speaking, the outcome is to help organizations become better, stronger and more effective.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
In the early days of my entrepreneurship journey (a sign company I sold five years ago), balancing entrepreneurship with life was hard. My identity is not my business card, there’s so much more to life and I think I have a good balance now.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wish I’d moved to Kelowna sooner!

What do you always find yourself saying?
Let’s kick ass. Sometimes I’m pretty straightforward with my motivation.


Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be present. Don’t take things personally and seek gratitude.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Richard Branson because I know things are going to get a little out of hand somehow but it’s going to be awesome.


Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it’s important to buy local from a businesses carrying goods that are made ethically and sustainably. The hashtag “shop local” has been whitewashed a bit. We can fight that by taking the time to ask the shop where and how their products are made.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Green Innovator of the Year for the work I’d done to own, build and grow a sustainable business. I love using those experiences to help other organizations.


Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Big shout out to everyone who is an entrepreneur, stepping away from the comfort zone to build something they’re passionate about. You got this!


My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Rob Mason-Brown, Artistic Director of Fred Skeleton Theatre Company.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
In life we often narrow our focus as we get older and more comfortable with routine. If you challenge that notion, life becomes more vibrant and open. Do it!
About....
C.J. is a business and communications consultant, playwright, actor and comedian. His most recent production F*ck That Hurt was a sold-out, smash success at the Kelowna Fringe Festival. C.J. produced, wrote, directed and performed the hit comedy about recovering in rehab after a tragedy.

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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, Kelowna!