In Focus | Jessica Mudaliar

Meet Jessica! Jessica has called Kelowna home for 10 years since moving from Alberta.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Victoria, and grew up in Lacombe Alberta before moving to Kelowna 10 years ago.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My 7 month old daughter, Priya. She is an absolute joy to be around! Although my husband, Sanj is a close runner up. He is always game to join me on my (sometimes crazy) adventures.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Frock & Fellow. I love the idea of up-cycling used clothing, and you can always score good quality designer finds!

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
So many places! But I would settle for Lussier Hotsprings near Invermere. Something about soaking in a natural hot spring on a cold day.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Paddleboarding on a warm summer evening.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
On my honeymoon in Portugal, I attempted to swing on a rope into a pool at the base of a waterfall, but lost my grip and did a very ungraceful 15' bellyflop. In front of about 20 people and my husband. Let's just say I bruised more than my ego!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was a teenager I went to Tijuana Mexico to build houses for families in need. The overwhelming emotion and gratitude on the day we finished their new home was so inspirational. It made me realize that we can accomplish such incredible things if we're just willing to put in a bit of hard work.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Horseback riding out in the bush with my Grandpa and learning to skip rocks in the creek on his farm.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mamas for Mamas, and the Kelowna Women's Shelter quite often. I'm also a member of Do Some Good and really believe in what they're doing for our community.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The climate crisis. If only we could go back in time 50 years and stop ourselves from destroying our planet.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any of the quieter beaches to enjoy a good book, or a lookout point to watch the city light up at sunset.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
A better sustainability plan to reduce the city's environmental footprint and boost more economic growth in eco-friendly business and the renewable energy sector.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Where do I begin? Our amazing summers, beautiful location, lake life, snowboarding in the winter, and of course a great community of people.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Climb a mountain, learn to scuba dive, pack my family into our old campervan and embark on a year long road trip.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to paint and sketch in my spare time. Although I don't seem to have much of that lately!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

What is the name of your business/organization?
Enliven Design and Consulting

Why did you get into/start this business?
It's essentially a marriage of my two greatest passions: design and sustainability. Conventional buildings, construction, and energy use are currently one of the biggest contributors to pollution. But adopting more sustainable practices can change that.

What is the goal of your business?
To create beautiful, efficient spaces that are better for the people who use them and the surrounding environment.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Having to convince people who've never worked with me of my professional value/worth.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same, I'm very proud of who I am and what I've accomplished.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'No worries'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Fill your life with things you're passionate about. Don't waste your time chasing after something you don't truly believe in.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My Dad. We always seem to get so busy it's hard to make time for each other, especially because we don't want the rest of the family to feel left out. But it would be great to have an entire day to ourselves!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Not only are you supporting your own economy when you shop local, your business benefits a member of your community instead of a big corporation in another city. It's also better for the environment because there's less of an impact from shipping.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
When I wrote and passed my professional exams to become a Registered Interior Designer.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My good friend Brittany Vienneau. Not only are you a great mom yourself, you also tirelessly donate your time and work so hard to support other mothers in our community.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kevin Mueller

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for featuring me in InFocus!

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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!