Meet Carolyn. Carolyn was born and raised here in Kelowna! Her passion for the food & beverage industry came at a very young age and she is a proud owner of two restaurants here in the city.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Kelowna born and raised.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and my 3 daughters, laughing comes easy and they know me the best!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are many but Fleek Factory because their answer is always YES!
Describe yourself in one word.
Cautiously Optimistic
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
California...it just feels good there.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Calling someone by the name that I am 80% sure is the right one. I do it too often and should really not open my mouth unless I’m 100%.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
“If you build it, they will come”. BNA was the first business we opened and we were scared. But the community scooped us up and made BNA theirs. That support settled the fear and let us feel inspired to keep improving, growing and creating.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Riding bikes like all over the neighbourhood! Go checking on stuff, checking on friends. No helmet. Nothing to worry about, only to wonder about.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When the schedule lines up, I like to be part of the activities at our daughters’ school. From a giveback way, our family puts on a charity bocce tournament called The Big Dog open. Its funding goes directly to a Patient Comfort Fund for cancer patients and their families receiving treatment at the Kelowna Cancer Clinic. It helps pay for things that make the fight more manageable. For example, the extra pain meds that are not covered or bussing in a family member for some extra support. It’s raised approximately $300,000 over the years. It’s spearheaded by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and the only rule is you have to have fun and you can repeat costumes from previous years!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Respecting our differences. I say that because it’s something we can actually do every day AND teach our kids every day.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Well if I get to be in my car alone I’m pumped. I’ll crank some Springsteen, maybe some Paul Simon or something else no one will let me play when we’re all in the car!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think embracing downtown Kelowna like a big city. We have big-city problems and we’re getting the big city diversity and hustle and bustle downtown. Keep working on making it a safe, approachable and attractive place not just to attract the tourists but where the LOCALS want to spend their time.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
That is still small enough, you’re likely to run into someone you know wherever you go!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Disneyland
- To be able to do a back bend from standing
- Bruce Springsteen concert
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m an only child so I don’t share my stuff that well.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@carolynnnixon on Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
BNA Brewing and Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium
Why did you get into/start this business?
Both my husband and I started working in the industry when we were 13. Although it’s not what either of us went to school for, it called to us and we get to be excited to go to work every day.
What is the goal of your business?
Giving our guests and our staff a place where they can gather, connect, belong, and laugh together.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balance. I feel maxed most of the time and when I’m not, it feels like I’m not doing enough. This is a bad habit I’ve taught myself and I need to learn to chill out a bit.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Probably the same. We seem to always pick things that take all the hours.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Yes."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Lower your standards for the things in life that don’t matter that much, it’s one thing you can take off your plate to make room for the things that DO matter."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband. It’s easy with him.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
If we don’t support each others business, we’ll never inspire the next person to open their dream job.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
When my 3 daughters look someone in the eye when they say hello.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jenn Larson. Jenn opened up Unhinged Boutique on Lakeshore Rd. This is a passion project of hers that she runs with her mom. Her 3 kids help too, It is a family business through and through.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jenn Larson
Some general comments I would like to share are:
This was fun! Thanks for having me!
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!
