Meet Tim Milman and Erica Pidskalny. These two are both from Kamloops, spent some time away, and are back now. These two are extremely driven, love Kamloops' downtown, and put all they have into their business "Terra Swell Landscapes & Design."
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
We both are from Kamloops, and with the exception of some gaps here and there have always called this place our home.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
All of our friends and family. We are also a couple on top of being business partners, so any chance to have a conversation with someone else other than ourselves is a great time!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
All of the breweries that have popped up over the last few years. We love that they all started out small with a drive for success, and we take a lot of inspiration from them.
Describe yourself in one word.
We are both extremely driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
We would love to get to Newfoundland. We traveled across Canada back in 2017, and because of weather, never managed to get there. We would love to tick it off the list.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
All of the downtown events....the markets, the block parties, etc.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Unbelievably, neither of us can recall any!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Getting to see the entirety of Canada.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Erica's is going to West Edmonton Mall with her mom and cousin.
Tim's is camping in the Kamloops area with his family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
4H was a huge part of Erica's life growing up. We try to give back to that program as much as we can, and volunteer at events whenever we have the time (which seems to be limited these days!) We have also been able to start sponsoring events as a company, which feels so great to be able to give back in that way.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For everyone to slow down and live in the moment. Our culture has become so work motivated. Personal life is integral for good mental health, and we know we are guilty of not adhering to this idea, especially with starting a new business and planning a wedding all in the same year. It is important to take a breath and enjoy where you are. Because at one point in your life, you wished you could be where you are today, so take a moment and savor it before thinking about the next place you want to be.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
There are lots of places in Kamloops that we love, but we would have to say at home on our property. Tim will head to his garage to work on his project cars, and Erica will head to her barn to be with her horse.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
We would love to see more river integrated events. The rivers are such a key selling feature in Kamloops, and we would love to see better access as well as more events geared to them.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The diversity and the constantly evolving culture. We have gotten to see Kamloops change substantially over the last 28 years and it is so great to see it grow and evolve to include all the residents who call it their home.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel across Canada again once Tim finishes restoring his '77 Porsche 924. The first time we traveled across, we went in our '71 Dodge Camper van that we completely gutted & restored. Going across in a car will be a whole new experience!
2. Continue to grow our business. Our company took off a million times faster than we expected and the trust and acceptance that we have gotten from Kamloops has been incredible. We cannot wait to see where the next 5 years takes us.
3. Get our business to a point that we can take off for a couple of months every winter to recharge in the warmth. That is the ultimate dream!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
We moved to Ucluelet (below Tofino) on a whim a few years ago, and got to surf and be on the beach essentially every day for a year.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
facebook.com/TerraSwell & @TerraSwell on Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Terra Swell Landscapes & Design.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Tim has been in the industry for almost 12 years. We have rolled the idea of starting a business around for a few years, and finally just decided to take the leap!
What is the goal of your business?
We started Terra Swell because we want everyone to have a beautiful outdoor space; an area of their home they will enjoy. We pride ourselves on working with our clients' budgets & ideas right from the beginning.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding time to plan a wedding in the middle of starting a business!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Anyone want to go for a beer?
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Everything happens for a reason. You are where you are today because of all of the tiny things that have happened to you over the expanse of your lifetime. Enjoy every moment, because they all lead you to the exact place you are supposed to be.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Our dog.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The money that you pay for local products goes right into the families of the people selling those products. Every time a small local business makes a sale, they do a little happy dance inside. That makes it completely worth it for us.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Accomplishing projects & goals that we initially think are crazy. Restoring a 46-year-old camper van and driving to Nova Scotia..building a tiny house with only our families help..moving to Vancouver Island on a complete whim..and opening a business.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Every single one of friends & family for being there for us over this last year. Your support and constantly letting us talk your ear off about our company has been so unbelievably appreciated. Thank you.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Melanie Keith & Stephanie Hutchins of Kamloops Integrated Wellness.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We just want to say thank you to Kamloops for accepting us with open arms. It was an exciting day back on March 1st for us to launch our business, but we were also holding our breath waiting to see where this year would take us. We can't wait to become a larger part of the community and are so excited that we have already become a company who is trusted and has had a multitude of word of mouth referrals. It means everything to us!
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, Kamloops.
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!
