In Focus | Chantal Couture

Meet Chantal, she grew up in Quesnel, B.C. and after travelling for some time, she moved to Kelowna and has been a resident for 28 years. Chantal is the creative mind behind two unique stores located in Downtown Kelowna, Funktional and frock&fellow.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Taryn Hughson. She brings so much intellect, optimism and adventure to my world.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I’m a real fan of my stores! Arden, the manager at frock & fellow has a terrific eye for curating a beautiful collection of unique clothes. And Maiya, the manager at Funktional is an excellent merchandiser and brings an order to a unique collection.

What is your favourite activity?
Floating in the pool.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza and tacos are a solid tie.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
OBVS, IM NOT TELLING!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It would have to be falling in love with my wife, she has inspired me to live my best life.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My brother and I loved burying each other in the pigpen mud and have the pigs find us. It was like hide and seek but with pigs.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I was lucky enough to take part in tutoring English to a newly settled Syrian family. And my business donates weekly to the Kelowna Woman’s Shelter Thrift Store.
In the winter we donate stuffed bags of essentials and warm clothing to Inn From The Cold Kelowna.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hate- there simply is no room for it.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My backyard. I like the sound of the creek and the birds, as well as swinging in my hammock. It's perfection.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
As a community, we are only as strong as our most marginalized. So I’d like to see adequate housing for our homeless population.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Tolerance in the world.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I turned 20 in Tokyo, working in Ginza, as a hostess.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Funktional and frock&fellow.

What does your business do?
Funktional is a gift store, open since 2001 and frock&fellow in a curated consignment shop.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) http://@shopfunktional.
Our websites, frock&fellow, Funktional or FB Funktional, frock&fellow

Why did you get into/start this business?
After 10 years of working for corporate stores, I really wanted to be the decision maker. I wanted to choose what products I was selling and it sure makes a difference when you love what you sell.

What is the goal of your business?
To provide Kelowna with beautifully presented stores that showcase the incredible artists Canada boasts and to offer excellent fashion choices for the savvy shopper.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Managing good health has interrupted both my work and life at times.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
SAME! Each and every turn has led me to this exact place, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting your neighbours, your community, their talents and skills are abundant, why wouldn’t you want to?

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Janet Davey is the manager of the Kelowna Woman’s Shelter Thrift Store and brings so much warmth and empathy to her job.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Janet Davey

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!