In Focus | Jessica Reimer

Meet Jessica! She's works for Interior Health and is passionate about music!



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Chilliwack, BC, and raised in a little farm town called Agassiz, BC, on the coast. It's a small farm town that is on the way to Harrison Hot Springs. I moved to Kelowna when I was in grade 11, and have lived here for 11 years now.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
Hands down my partner, Brad. Since we met, he's always been up for adventure and trying new things. He still hasn't convinced me to go skydiving yet... but I have a feeling it's in the cards. No matter where we are or what we're doing, I always enjoy his company.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lost Together! Ladies! If you have not checked these guys out in Rutland yet I highly suggest it. Think modern & retro consignment... but better! I love that they're making thrifting trendy and encouraging my generation to re-purpose clothing. I have found some amazing one of a kind pieces from there. Follow their Instagram: @_losttogether

Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
EUROPE! The amazing and wonderful thing about that is... my dream is actually coming true this summer. For 6 weeks I will be back-packing Europe, exploring all there is to see. The wine, the cheese, the architecture, the history, the beaches, the culture, need I say more?!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
It's hard to pick... but I would definitely say water sports on the lake in the summer. Whether I'm floating on an inflatable flamingo or wake boarding off the boat, it's the BEST way to spend the summers here.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Well perhaps not the most embarrassing... but there's one that comes to mind. I hadn't really had an encounter with my CEO since I started at my new job last April. It just so happens that she was in the office for Halloween. Not many people like to dress up for the holiday... but I did. I was wearing a bright blue metallic shirt with heart shaped rose coloured glasses dressed as Elton John. We locked eyes for the first time in the hallway. She gave me an awkward nodd... and I got out of there as fast as I could.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I took a class in college called "Managing Innovation" with David Cram. Cram was such a passionate professor who you could tell loved his job. He would spend hours researching new technology and innovation to share with us in class. If I end up with half of his passion for my career... I will have won the game of life.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Jumping on the back of my Grandpa's old Suzuki motorcycle and going for rides with him around Agassiz.



Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
I love supporting the SPCA in our community - whether it's donations or adoption. Animals have a special place in my heart!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I think our world could use more kindness in all aspects of life. Kindness to our environment, to ourselves, to those we work with.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Mission Creek.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Continue to build on diversity and inclusiveness.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I think Kelowna is great at promoting and supporting small business owners. Our community is very conscious of supporting local, and it's great to see entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams with the backing of our city.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. TRAVEL EUROPE - June 2020 can't come soon enough!
2. Travel more often to new destinations.
3. Buy a cabin in the woods (with a hot tub).

Tell us something not everyone may know about you.
Music is therapy for me. It's helped me get through a lot of personal struggle, but also has helped me celebrate my most favourite moments!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Let's connect!
LinkedIn: Jessica Reimer.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Interior Health.

Why did you get into/start this business?
A friend from college nudged me to apply and said it was a great opportunity for me. It's been just under a year at IH, and I can confidently say it's been the best decision of my career!

What is the goal of your business?
I am in a marketing role that is focused on promoting our brand & careers at Interior Health. There's a lot of things available to an employee at IH that the public just doesn't know about and my job is to share them! Seriously guys... 4 weeks paid vacation, extended health & dental, schedule flexibility, pension, unlimited career opportunity plus I get to brag about the beautiful place we live in and call home. Not too shabby if you ask me!

I also have some exciting news to share... we just won BC Top Employer for 2020!! Interior Health has qualified as a top employer and we couldn't be more thrilled about it.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle is definitely the negative self talk. I think we all get in our heads too often... comparing to others and it needs to STOP. I try to check in with myself once daily to switch my mindset into the positive.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same. Everything happens for a reason.



What do you always find yourself saying?
"Sorry"... constantly! It needs to stop. lol.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You can't buy back your time, be present.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Greg Malpass - Owner of Traction on Demand

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally keeps our money in our community. I would rather know my money is going to support a young family that lives in my area, versus a CEO's 3rd vacation home in the Bahama's.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Walking across the stage obtaining my BBA was one of my proudest moments. I walked away from OC as a completely different person as when I walked in. Four years taught me so much that I will forever be grateful for! It's definitely helped make me into who I am today.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My ma! She listens to me rant and has always been so supportive. Honestly listening is the best quality anyone can have, PLUS she offers great advice. Even if sometimes I don't take it. :) She's always been my rock, love you to the moon & back mum!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Louise Powers - Burke Hair Salon

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Over come negative self talk. Focus on caring for yourself - once you're cared for, you can then care for others. Be kind. Put the phone away and be present.

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!