In Focus | Jillian Nicole Battaglio

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?
Jillian Nicole Battaglio.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Dundas, Ontario but I have lived in Kelowna for the past 17 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favorite person to spend time with is my partner, Karlin. We were high school sweethearts and just celebrated our 10th anniversary. While we share a lot of interests, we have different skill sets that complement each other.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I really enjoy shopping at the Kelowna Farmers Market. I love supporting our local farmers and small business owners and I know I am helping to improve the environment by buying local. That, and the food is delicious.

Describe yourself in one word.
Organized.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would probably want to return to Thailand. It is beautiful, sunny, warm, full of culture, and has great food.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking with my family, friends, and of course my dog Rhea!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I’ve had a panic attack during a presentation years ago. It still haunts me and yet it was a turning point. I’m getting better at public speaking.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
After college I travelled through Europe and South East Asia. I learned so much about myself and about different cultures. It was a fantastic experience and I definitely acquired the travel bug because of it!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I loved exploring the conservation area behind our home in Dundas. The forest was very lush and green and we often played in the creek behind our house. This is probably how I came by my love of hiking and nature.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Shopping local, meeting and supporting other small business is my way of giving back.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would eliminate discrimination. I think we live in such a global world and embracing different cultures, religions, and ways of life is very important.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My ‘alone-time’ often involves my dog Rhea. I really enjoy taking her hiking or to the cedar creek dog beach in the summer.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to have the multi-use pathways connected! It would be a fantastic corridor for cyclists and other pedestrians to get from one end of the city to the other safely. I love to cycle, but it is always a little precarious on the roads.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
All of the fantastic outdoor activities that are available.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel, travel, and more travel!
2. Experience an overnight horseback adventure
3. Enjoy a yoga retreat in South America

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a huge health nut. I am very conscious about exercising, eating well and using environmentally friendly products. I even set up a small garden in my back yard. I cook most of my family’s meals from scratch, even my dog’s treats.

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
Creekside Accounting Ltd.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to work more closely with my clients, helping them to set a solid foundation for their own small business. I believe individuals should have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their finances and taxes.

What is the goal of your business?
To help individuals and small businesses understand and meet their taxation reporting requirements, saving them time and energy to focus on things that matter to them most.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Confidence. I am a tiny person and because of this I look very young. I often have people underestimating my knowledge and skills and this influences how I see myself. Having confidence in myself is something I continue to work on.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think life is a journey and everything that has happened in the past has made me who I am today. Since high school, I knew what I wanted to accomplish and have worked toward those goals. I’ve been very fortunate and I wouldn’t change much.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Lots of things… I tend to talk to myself a lot!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Give yourself a break! Life has enough things thrown in your way to tear you down. You don’t need to be one of those things.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It would be great to spend a day with Arlene Dickenson. As a very successful female entrepreneur I can only imagine what a great mentor she would be. I’d love to pick her brain!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
If we want to live in a strong, economically stable, environmentally friendly community that is supportive of its residents, then shopping locally and supporting our small businesses is critical.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting Creekside Accounting. It has been the most exciting and one of the scariest things I have ever done. I am very proud of what I have started.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My parents. My dad and I always have different opinions about my business, but he challenges me and is very supportive. My mom is my emotional rock and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ava Aslani with Essential Law. She is an impressive young professional, a lot of fun, and has also taken the plunge into self-employment.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Taxes are hard so give yourself a break and get a professional to help. A Chartered Professional Accountant can usually find credits or deductions you have been missing and can help reduce your risk of reassessments. For small business owners, you can use your extra time to focus on your business.

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.