In Focus | Jessica Bergen

Meet Jessica! Jessica has called Kelowna home for 8 years after moving from White Rock! She enjoys Yoga and coffee as well as spending time with her partner Adam!


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I spent most of my childhood growing up in Port Coquitlam, then moved to White Rock for my high school years. I have been in Kelowna for almost 8 years now and let me tell you, it was the best move of my life.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
4 years ago one of my best friends introduced me to this guy who little did I know would become my most favourite person in the world. From Adam's infectious laugh and kind personality, he truly brings light to any room he enters.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bean Scene! Best coffee and their cosmic cookies...my weakness.

Describe yourself in one word.
Motivated - I think at this time in my life this is the best word. I am motivated personally and professionally to be the best version of myself that I can be. Constantly being inspired by friends, family and others in our community.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece! I went backpacking across Europe with my best friend 3 years ago and Santorini will always hold a special place in my heart.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I have two! Spinco has always been my go-to place for a mental break from reality. But my home away from home is Our Yoga Space. The teachers, studio and community love is what the yoga community in Kelowna needed.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh...well. Let's just say I probably have thee smallest bladder in the entire world.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
There has been so many moments in my life that have inspired me as a person. However, one that continues to find new meaning to me the older I get is through my mom's health struggle. Almost 19 years ago she was poisoned with Arsenic. This came not even a year after giving birth to my little sister. The older I get, the more I realize how much she must have struggled. With being a single mom and raising two girls while battling the never-ending complications and illnesses, she is the true definition of strength in my eyes. To this day she continues to fight emotional and physical demons, but she has never given up. Something I have grown to discover over the years is that she always gave my sister and I the best she could with what she had. And for that, she will forever inspire and motivate me as a woman.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My little sister being born! Weeks before her arrival I had my outfit picked out, Piglet gear head-to-toe and I HAD to have my hair in two braids (my favourite hairstyle). I was SO excited to meet her and give her the bunny stuffy that I had bought for her weeks in advance. On April 2nd, 2001 my very best friend came into the world. I remember everything about that day at the hospital as if it were yesterday. It truly was one of the best days of my life.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to volunteer as often as I can, however I believe we can give back to our community through everyday acts of kindness. Whether it's a simple smile or offering to help an elderly person carry their groceries. You never know just how badly a simple gesture may be needed in someone's life.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Less time spent on phones, more time with family and friends.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain, 100%. This is one of my favourite places in the world. The pure, refreshing beauty has gotten me through some hard times. However, it also has brought me so many amazing memories.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Better parking system for people that work at the hospital. Most of the time employees are walking at least 4 blocks to get to an area that they can park for free. Otherwise they are paying $6 a day. After a long shift, it can be quite unsafe to walk that far especially in the dark.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The fact that we truly get to experience all 4 seasons! There is no better place to live.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Go to the Ellen Degeneres show.
Backpack around South East Asia.
Learn how to properly bake muffins. Or just bake in general.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
If I am not working, I am in my pajamas usually by 4pm.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
My personal instagram is @jessbergen and my photography one is @little.foot.photography

What is the name of your business/organization?
Little Foot Photography

Why did you get into/start this business?
A few months ago I found myself thinking “if I could do anything, what would it be?”. Instantly my answer was clear, newborn photography. There is something about capturing raw, natural moments of other people that makes my heart burst.

What is the goal of your business?
To slow down time and provide photographs that will allow families to relive these special days. Welcoming a new baby into this world and experiencing many of the “firsts” will not last forever. However, having photographs to showcase these moments will.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To be patient with myself.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing. I have been inspired by different seasons of my life that have all brought me to where I am today.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Just breathe Jess"

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Do not settle for anything in life. If that job or relationship isn’t serving you any longer, there is only one person that can make that change. And that is you.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ellen Degeneres! I am so in love with everything she does in her life. I record all her shows and every single episode brings so much joy to my day. She is someone that truly sees the best in each person and I believe we can all learn something from her.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support other locals dreams!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Understanding that not everything in life has to be planned out. Learning to let go of control in all aspects of my life has, and continues to be, a work in progress. However, it is something I am so proud of.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Taylor Morrice - thank you for nominating me for this. But also, thank you for being a role model for me from the beginning, for your lifelong friendship and for creating an incredible impact on Kelowna’s yoga community. You are one amazing woman.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
My friend Nicole Whiddington has started a local company called Little & Kind Boutique. It is an online boutique for anyone looking to purchase consciously curated, gently loved children’s clothing, toys and books. Check her out @littleandkindboutique

Some general comments I would like to share are:
If you or someone you know are expecting a baby and would like more information regarding my Fresh 48 and Newborn Lifestyle photography sessions, please visit @little.foot.photography on instagram or feel free to send me an email jess.littlefootphotos@gmail.com
Thank you for all the support.

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!