Meet Jolene, she is from a little town called Chase located on the Shuswap Lakes. She has lived in Kelowna for five years and says it definitely feels like home. Jolene is as a realtor for 2 Percent Realty Okanagan, she specializes in listing homes for sale.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Not one person in particular but my group of friends, we have a lot of fun together and there’s no shortage of laughs! If I don't have to choose a person, it would have to be my cat, Baby, she gives the best cuddles and unconditional love.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Of course, my favourite store is a food store, Nature’s Fair. I stop in for lunch and fresh juice at their Bistro while I’m on the go for work. I love that they support local as much as possible and they always have a variety of organic products for vegans.
Describe yourself in one word.
Frank.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Croatia, it seems like the hot spot to be right now.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Yoga, because it’s amazing. I also love wine touring, going to a winery on the weekend is my favourite place to be.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Recently, I had a shirt malfunction at my favourite local fish store. I won’t elaborate but the owner and I had a good laugh about it!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Discovering Baptiste Yoga and having the opportunity to attend Baptiste Yoga Teacher Training. It inspired me and changed my life so much that I become a Certified Baptiste Yoga Teacher.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite memories would have to be at my grandparent's farm in Chase Creek, from fishing with my Nan, to dirt biking, riding my horse and playing with all the farm animals. I am so fortunate to have amazing grandparents who taught me so much growing up.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give back to a few local charities in Kelowna and I’d like to do more hands-on work in our community. The SPCA is where I would like to make an effort helping more as I have a soft spot for animals. When I am able to one day I would love to be a foster mom for sick and orphaned cats and dogs.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Poverty, no one should go without food and water.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
A beach, anywhere with water.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Proper treatment and health care for Kelowna’s homeless. I find the population of homeless in downtown Kelowna is growing at a substantial rate every year.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
All the amazing things we have to offer from food, wine, beaches, mountains and not to mention our supportive community.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Travel
- Travel
- Travel - I'm planning to take a month abroad this winter somewhere warm like Bali.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a Yoga Teacher at Shift Power Yoga in West Kelowna
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I have Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Jolene Iglesias - 2 Percent Realty Okanagan
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always had a passion for real estate. I grew up in a family of real estate where the nature of the business was always to present. Having that influence, I was motivated and inspired to purchase my first property when I was only 20 years old.
What is the goal of your business?
To make buying, selling and investing in Real Estate obtainable and enjoyable for all my clients. I specialize in listing homes for sale. I believe in the value of saving my clients money in commissions and providing all the same services and more as any other realtor.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has been learning to give up the meaning of the things that happen to me that are not in my control. I am learning to give up the need to know and that life is not happening to me, it’s happening for me.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Though I’ve experienced many challenges and had to start over more than once, I wouldn't change anything. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those failures and setbacks. All of my experiences have played a role in who I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“For Sure” or “Yep”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself in your head, be kind to yourself.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Sadly he’s not alive, Anthony Bourdain. A gifted chef and greatest storyteller who travelled to explore culture, cuisine and the human condition. He brought the unknown world into our homes through his love for people, food and conversation. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. A day of fun, drink and conversation would have been the best day.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Absolutely, especially supporting our local farmers. We want to shop local so that small businesses can thrive in our community. The less we have to rely on out sourcing for food and product, the better.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Earning a Certification in Baptiste Yoga. This practice and community changed my life. That is why a continue to do this work and share generously my experiences. In hopes to give others the tools to live their most extraordinary lives.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Mom and Dad! They’re the best and they do so much for me.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
I would like to see my friend and sports trainer extraordinaire, Shawn Stead - Athletic Coach and Owner of Shawn Stead Performance, to be featured in Kelowna Now In Focus.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for featuring 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!
