In Focus | Christine Esovoloff

Meet Christine! Christine is originally from the Kootenays and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for almost three years now. She enjoys wine tasting, shopping for shoes, and spending some quality time with her fiance Shaune, and their kids.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from the Kootenays and have been in Kelowna for almost 3 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My fiance Shaune, he always makes me laugh. Also, our kids. I know I am biased but I think they are pretty awesome and we always have fun together.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Strut Footwear because ... SHOES!!

Describe yourself in one word.
Enthusiastic

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
New York. I have never been before and have always wanted to.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Ummmm, wine-tasting!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Yikes! Not sharing that one!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Giving birth to my babies! It sounds cliche but it really was amazing and they are my greatest accomplishments.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I used to go and visit my grandmother in Victoria every year. Each morning, I would wake up early and sneak downstairs very quietly so we could have some time together, just the two of us. She would always make a classic English breakfast but after she would let me have 12 smarties as a treat. I don't know why she gave me 12 or why it felt so special, but I think it was the time spent together that was so precious to me.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Last year I participated in Swinging with the Stars which raises money for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. That was a lot of fun and I think Hospice is so important. I haven't done much this year, I need to get on that!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Ummm, a Trumpless America might be a decent start?

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I am lucky enough to live right by Knox Mountain so I love to sneak away for hikes when I need some alone time.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more support for mental health and addiction issues. We are blessed to have the resources we do but I think we can always do better.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The outdoors! We are so lucky to live in an area with so much to do outside! Whether it is on the lake, hiking, or skiing, it is easy to be active all year long.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1 - Swimming with Great White Sharks
2 - Travel to Europe (all over it)
3 - Publish a book. I have recently co-authored a book but I would love to publish one in which I am the sole author. Daunting, but I would really like to see this happen.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was born in secrecy and put up for adoption. My mom changed her mind a few weeks later (no surprise, I was pretty cute) and my family all got letters when I was three months old introducing me!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
http://christineesovoloff.home.blog Instagram - @the_ginger_journal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-esovoloff-829a78143/

What is the name of your business/organization?
I am lucky enough to work for Csek Creative and NowMedia.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I was brought on to run the new publication division which is a tonne of fun!

What is the goal of your business?
We are a full 360 ad agency. In the publication department, I help people reach their desired audience through a combo of magazines, and online.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Confidence. I really struggled with confidence in my younger years. I always wanted to 'fit in' and it wasn't until recent years that I have learned (still learning) to accept myself for who I am, and embrace it.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would definitely have believed in myself a little earlier.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"I think it is so important to hold ourselves accountable for our lives. We are responsible for our own happiness, no one else. It doesn't mean that bad things don't happen ... but every day we wake up we have a choice to better our lives, or not. Choose."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Erin and Kathleen, my childhood besties. We are still best friends but we don't get to spend as much time together anymore, especially all three of us, so I would definitely choose them.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When we support our local shops, we are supporting our community. Our locally owned stores are the ones who put money back into our community so it is so important to support them.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have a few things I am proud of but currently, I am proud of the book I co-authored.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Brandie Jollimore, manager of Cosmetic Culture. She is so good at her job and so passionate about helping people. She is a fantastic friend and truly selfless.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kwame Boateng

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, Kelowna!