In Focus | Janelle Lamont

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?
Janelle Lamont

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from 'The Puddle', good ol' Williams Lake, and I'm blessed to live in Kelowna now for exactly two and a half years this month!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite people to hang with each have four legs. I'm an animal lover at heart and have the two most adorable, fat and wrinkly English Bulldogs, Sully and Jake. They are always happy, down to eat, up for an adventure and don't talk, pretty much the perfect friend.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to head out to the Grand Canyon and paddleboard into Havasupai Falls. I've flown over it many times and always thought 'wow, I want to be there.' It's so beautiful.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Definitely The Industry Beauty Environment, it's something different in Kelowna, very refreshing and welcoming. Has a great vibe and is always a good time with good finds.

What is your favourite activity?
I'm a sucker for going to the movie theatre, it's one of my favourite things to do!

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Oh my gosh, pizza... Pizza! Did I mention pizza? Anyone who knows me knows about my love for pizza.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
It takes a lot to embarrass me. I'm usually the first to laugh at myself or find the humour in what most would consider embarrassing but, the few really embarrassing moments I'll keep to myself!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I've been in the beauty industry for 15 years this August. I have spent countless hours with so many different types of women of all ages. In most cases, I sit face to face with them for one to two hours and hear some truly inspiring life stories. Not a lot of us get the time and opportunity to sit and really talk to even our best friends like this with how busy life can be. Many of these conversation I'll never forget, and have made me the woman I am today. My clients really inspire me and teach me so much about life.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was very little I would get all bundled up and my dad would pull me on a sled in the winter around the trails in the forest surrounding our house. He always brought snacks and hot chocolate, and I would always feel like we were out and about all day. It was quite the adventure. Now that I'm an adult, I realize it was probably just a few hours.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Many of my clients are connected to local charities, fundraisers and sport teams. I donate gift certificates and services to support their fundraising and auctions! It's a great feeling to be able to show support for my clients in the community.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would like to stop all these crazy terrorists attacks. So many innocent people are losing lives and being hurt. It saddens me to think that we might not get to see the beauty of the world through travel because of the fear of an attack in a foreign destination.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I'm a 'live in the moment' kind of girl and really try to enjoy every free moment I have. I love exploring and finding cool new places and things to do, and I guess that has been my favourite activity since moving to the Okanagan. There's so much to do here and experience.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
It is a toss up between the walk to Paul's Tomb (the view is amazing) and visiting The Salted Brick (best charcuterie in town)

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna is pretty awesome! I think a positive change would be more empathy for the homelessness here. No one is born with the life goal of living on the street or having an addiction. I think it would make a huge difference if there was more understanding for mental health issues and support for these people.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Oh my gosh, Kelowna exceeds great. I believe we live in the best part of Canada. The scenery, wine country, weather, all the unique eateries and there's always something to do for every budget.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) A mission trip to a third world country
2) Explore Thailand
3) Go on a hot air ballon ride.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm obsessed with documentaries and love baking!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
Instagram

What is the name of your business/organization?
I have two businesses! The Kelowna Brow and Nail Guru and The Industry Beauty Environment, located downtown in the Art District.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I have been a business owner since I was 18-years-old. With all the experience I have, being able to apply that to The Industry, along with everything I've learned through the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur, inspired me to open. I feel like this business is the outcome of the knowledge I've acquired in my career. Having an environment I can create, instead of the typical salon genre, is what I want to offer Kelowna. The team I'm working along side are all beauty industry leaders, and extremely talented boss babes collaborating together.

What is the goal of your business?
I have many goals but, the first and foremost, is to have a place that raises the standard of beauty in Kelowna, where everyone feels welcome and has a great time.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
That would definitely be finding balance when it comes to work and play. It's very easy to get into the routine of working all the time and forgetting to have adequate amounts of free time to enjoy life.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things differently for sure. If only I knew then what I know now!

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Right!', 'switch', 'relax your hand' and 'Sully, stop barking!'

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ellen, I love that chick! She is so funny and down to earth. I think we'd have many good laughs that's for sure.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's rare that an entrepreneur has health benefits. They are always the first to arrive and last to leave the work place, and with the amount of thought, time, and labour that goes into their business, it really ends up being a 24/7 job. I know that first-hand, and I really respect that, so that is one of the main reasons I like to support and shop local. And really, why wouldn't you? We have the most amazing local produce, wine, unique storefronts and a good selection of chain businesses. Kelowna has everything covered.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I would say my personal growth. Learning about who you really are and becoming your own best friend isn't an easy feat, but is so rewarding. Also, the business awards I've won over the years.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sea! Girl, you are so amazing, the best mom, such an inspiring entrepreneur, my first friend in Kelowna. You are one of the most real, unique and interesting people I've ever met. Your business sense always pumps me up. You are doing such a good job in life my friend, especially through this last year. Keep up those awesome piercings at Bertram and Co. Xoxo

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Laura McCallum, owner of Flash and Frame Photobooth! Such a breath of fresh air and a total #bossbabe.

Some general comments I would like to share are
I feel so blessed to live in Kelowna! The community has been so good to me and my business! Come check us out at The Industry for some amazing lashes from Fearon (Luxe Lavish Beauty) and Chelsea (Once Upon a Lash). We also have Jade rocking the best organic spray tan around (Organic Tan Kelowna) and I just got back from Beverly Hills CA where I completed my certification for Microstroking Brows (Permanent Makeup) Thank you to all my clients and friends for your support and have the best Kelownafornia Summer y'all!

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.