Meet Valerie Jackson. Valerie was born and raised in the great city of Kelowna. She is a creative girl who enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and camping!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend, Brandon. We met six years ago at a local restaurant where we were both working at the time. He's always making me laugh no matter what we're doing whether we are camping, hiking or just hanging at home with our pets.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Funktional, their home decor is to die for, I could fill my house with stuff from there store.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
New York CIty. I've never been, but I think it would be insane to go to such a massive city, coming from such a small city.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Camping in the summer-time. Nothing beats taking a weekend with friends and sitting around a campfire in the forest.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I can be pretty clumsy and have tripped more than enough times.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Would have to be my dad. He built his company Kettle Valley Rock Construction from nothing. Now he is one of the most highly known rock wall companies in the Kelowna/upper Mission.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Being at my family cabin on The Okanagan Lake catching fish with my sister and cousins. The nights sitting around the fire and sitting in the old wood cabin playing board games on the carpet floor. Waking up to a beam of sunshine on your bunk bed and the smell of my dad cooking everyone breakfast. For sure the cabin was most of my childhood.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Over the years I've spent time candy striping at David Lloyde Jones, and Volunteering for Dream Lift Day for The Sunshine Foundation most years.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To live in a world with clean oceans, and less wild animals going extinct.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I enjoy going down to the beach regardless of the season. I prefer the small beaches on Abbott Street, they're usually nice and quiet.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More affordable real estate. I think more of the younger generation should get to experience buying a house in this beautiful city.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The mountains. Being able to drive 45 minutes in any direction and be in the forest.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Drive across Canada with my boyfriend and our pup.
Stay in a glass igloo under the northern lights at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Iceland.
Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando Florida with my boyfriend and my best friend.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a Star Wars fan.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kitty Girl Claws.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Art has always been my passion, and I wanted to find a career I could use artistic skills and be my own boss. I love being able to channel my artistic abilities into unique designs and nail art.
What is the goal of your business?
Would have to be successfully starting and running my own business.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a healthy work-life balance. Working from my home salon has really provided myself with more flexibility to do the things I love and enjoy working.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No, I would do things the same, I'm happy with where I'm at now and the path I took to get here.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Be a voice, not an echo."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live everyday like its your last. Only you can change the way your life is going.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Seth Rogan. He is the most hilarious person I would just be laughing the whole day.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting the small local businesses keeps the money in the community and helps grow other local businesses.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Would have to be successfully starting and running my own business.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Valinda Stoik. She is an amazing esthetician, who recently opened her own space called Haute Mess.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Valinda Stoik at Haute Mess.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
There's never a bad time to treat your self to a new set of Claws! There's nothing like getting yourself pampered, and feeling done up. If you want to see some nail ideas hit up my Instagram: @kittygirlclaws.
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.
