Meet Jessica. Jessica is Okanagan born and raised! She enjoys sampling wines at all the incredible wineries in the local area and spending some quality time with her daughter, Ryver.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am currently living in Kelowna but I grew up in Lake Country. I have been in the area for 32 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a hard one but I would say my 3-year-old Daughter Ryver because she is the most interesting little human and watching her learn and decipher Obstacles in life as she is learning it is always interesting and most of the time extremely entertaining.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Spy Vs Spy. My home was broken into and I suffer from PTSD from that incident and the items I purchased from them helped me to feel safe in my home again. And it’s local! Who doesn’t want to support local?
Describe yourself in one word.
Spontaneous.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy because I’ve always wanted to visit an Agriturismo ever since I worked for Vacanza Italy when I was 19 and was exposed to the amazing hidden areas but only through pictures. I would love to see the area with my own eyes.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine tasting.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Throwing up outside a pub because I had morning sickness from being pregnant and everyone thought I was drunk. It was 4 pm and I only went there for the wings.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was invited by our minister of finance to help the government understand more about a certain situation pertaining to the mortgage industry when I voiced my opinion on the new mortgage rules and brought up certain factors that they seemingly did not consider. I am continually working on case studies for them.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was dirt biking with my friend Leah and she was on the back of my XR 80 on spinecop in Winfield. I did a wheely and she fell off, I did not notice for a few minutes and had to go pick her up. To this day I still laugh about it.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I always try to support local and donate to the local schools. I also offer free credit education to anyone who asks as I feel it is a very important subject that we are not taught enough about in school.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would eliminate hunger, I love food and it breaks my heart to see a hungry person.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The lookout in Black Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think it’s been said a lot, but clearly not enough. Leon Ave needs some serious work. It needs to be cleaned up and we need to get the people living there the help they need. I agree some don’t want it but I feel that with the proper resources, we would see a drastic change.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our lake, it is simply beautiful.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Skydiving
Going to Fiji
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I strongly believe in the planets' impact on us.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook Instagram and Linkedin.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Jess The Broker
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was headhunted to be an assistant by my mortgage broker at the time.
What is the goal of your business?
To help people not only obtain a preferable mortgage but education about credit in general.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Making everyone happy!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do them the same but maybe start earlier with more confidence.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Really?!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"The butterfly effect is real, everything you do in life impacts another situation so it’s important to consider that in your decisions."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Absolutely Queen Elizabeth, her life sacrifice to run her country and what she has endured has always been very inspirational to me. It’s not easy being a Queen.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep our support within the community so we can all prosper.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My 3 children.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Katherine Bramall, she has always inspired me and my business. She is amazing and always has great wine advice.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Julie Gillespie
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Positive thinking creates a positive result. Believe in that always and you will see the results.
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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!
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