February 22, 2024

“Iusedtobetheonlywomanintheteam”,says LisaDalcin,whobeganherjourneyatWildenin 2013asasalesassistantandhasnowascendedto thepositionofVicePresidentSales.Intherealm oflanddevelopmentandconstruction,itwasnot uncommonforwomentobemoreofanexception thanthenorm.

Fastforwardtotoday,andthelandscapehas undergonearemarkabletransformation.Women nowmakeup40%oftheWildenstaff.TheWilden Group,currentlyat24employees,with21working full-time,ispushingtowardsamorediverse workforce.“It’snotonlythatwearenowamore invitingworkplaceforwomenandencouraging themtomoveuptheladder,buttherearealso morewomenouttherewhodaretobreakdown thebarriersinformerlymale-dominatedfieldsof work”,saysCEOKarinEger-Blenk.“Thechange alsohappensonthesocietallevel–agreatand longoverdueachievementinmypersonalopinion. Withineverystrongunity,diversityiskey.”

Meetthewomen ofWilden.

Wilden,Kelowna’slargestmaster-planned communityandamultifamilybuilder,is notjustprovidinglandandconstructing structure,butreshapingindustrynorms, oneempoweredwomanatatime.

FromLefttoRight: JohannaEger MarketingManager, LisaDalcin VPSales, KirstenBrown VPOperations, KarinEger-Blenk CEO/Co-Chair, AliceHenshall ProjectCoordinator, KarenRegier First-aidConstructionLabourer, JolineMathon Carpenter

What’s Inside Inside

A lot has changed in 32 years! Since we started producing this magazine, women’s roles have continued to evolve.

It used to be that a woman who owned their own business was an anomaly. These days, it is no longer a shock to see a woman at the helm of any company as a professional of all capacities.

We have rebranded our magazine Women Who Dare to celebrate the grit it takes to make it to the top while being expected to do it all!

Doctors, lawyers, architects, CEOs, small business owners, movers and shakers – we salute your massive contribution to our community, and we can’t wait to see how the next generation continues to push against the barriers!

We hope you find inspiration in these pages – as much as we did putting this project together.

GENERAL

Kelowna Capital News Advertising Sales Manager

MaxineDeHart

MaxineDeHartisaKelownaCityCouncillor.Shewasoriginally electedin2011,re-electedin2014and2018,andrecently re-electedforafourthtermin2022.Asaresultofthis,shehas beentheCityappointeeontheBoardoftheKelownaChamberof Commerce.ShewasalsotheappointeeforTheCityofKelownaCivic &CommunityAwards.

MaxineistheDirectorofSalesattheRamadaHotelandConference Centrewhereshehasheldthatpositionfor35years.

Sheisalsocelebrated25yearswiththeKelownaCapitalNewsinMarchof2023,writingthepopularBusiness Column“StraightfromDeHart”.

MaxinehasreceivedthehonourofanappointmentasHonoraryLieutenant-Colonel ofTheBritishColumbia Dragoons.Thisisacommunityserviceposition.

Shehasreceivedmanyawardsovertheyears,includingtheUnitedWayAwardofDistinction;Toastmasters InternationalCommunicationsandLeadershipAward;YM/YWCAWomanofDistinction Awardfor CommunityLeadershipandEnhancement;CommemorativeMedalGoldenJubileeofHerMajestyQueen ElizabethII;CommunityCitizenoftheYear;KelownaChamberofCommercePresident’sAwardandthe Mayor’sSpiritofKelownaAward.

MaxineisthefounderofthehugelysuccessfulMaxineDeHart–UnitedWay,RamadaHotelDrive-Thru Breakfast.Thiseventhassurpassedthe$1millionmarkindonationsfortheUnitedWay.Staytunedforthe 2024datesforthisevent!

IstartedcreatingDaretoDream28years ago.Theidea wasto dosomethingthatI lovewhilehelpingpeople improvetheirlife bysupplyingproducts andservices that are especiallyforthem. Wecarry something foreveryone, includingjewellery,crystals, metaphysical, self-help,and alternative healingbooks, incense, oils, Feng ShuiandColourEnergyproducts, Tarot/oracle cards, saltlamps, Tibetanand Crystal singingbowlsand unique gifts.

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Cover photo by: Gary Blanke

The impact of genuine care at Love It Dental

Dr. Suzanne Degner is a woman who dared to open her own dental practiceinabrandnewcity,pursuing a dream of providing patients with compassionate care and gentle dentistry.

With experience as a nurse and over 20 years of experience as an Associate Dentist, Dr. Degner found herself feeling the pull to open her own practice and to care for her patients the way that she desired.

“A passion for caring is what drives me everyday,” shared Dr. Degner. “Caring for my patients, my team, and my family. It is important to be authentic and real with people, and making connections and spreading love and good vibes is so important and really what makes this job fun and rewardingeveryday.ThatistheLove It Dental difference for sure.”

In2022,LoveItDentalopenedits doors to patients in Kelowna and featuredanall-femaleteam.Ledby Dr.Degner,theLoveItDentalteam brings a warmth and gentle, caring approach that had been largely absent from the profession for years.

WhileDr.Degnertrulyenjoysthe art and science of dentistry, she is very passionate about the health care aspect of the profession. With a background in nursing, Dr. Degnertakesimmenseprideinherwork caring for her patients and helping to improve the health of their mouths. “I love making connections with all of my patients and

allowingpeopletofeelcomfortable and cared for while helping to give them a healthy beautiful smile.”

According to Dr. Degner, the industry is very supportive of women in the field, and many dental schools see more women graduating each year than men. “There are no gender barriers to entry in this exciting and rewarding field of dentistry,” shared Dr. Degner. “Also, this is a wonderful profession for everyone, not only women. However, as a mother of four children, I appreciate the flexibility of this profession and the ability to set my own hours and set time off to align with family time.”

When she’s not improving her patients’ smiles and overall health, Dr. Degner can be found excelling in a variety of activities. She is an avid waterskier and won gold at the Canadian Waterski Nationals Slalom Women Over 45 in 2023. She is also an accomplished cellist that has performed in numerous orchestras and ensembles.

Dr. Degner dares to grow and develop in her professional life and her personal life. It’s admirable that she cares so deeply for her patients, her family, and for herself, and she knows that this would not be possible without the support and encouragement that she has received.

“I have been deeply touched and humbled by the encouragement and support of women in this community,” said Dr. Degner. “It

Written by: Sam Hill

Dr. Suzanne Degner

is important that we continue to support one another and promote and encourage each other. It is also wonderful to celebrate each other’s successes in a real and genuine way.”

Speaking of real and genuine care, that’s exactly what patients can expect from their visit at Love It Dental. They focus on quality treatment with extra comforts to make the experience positive. Individual treatment rooms provide a feeling of privacy and security, and blankets, neck pillows, warm towels, and lip balm are avail-

able to patients, as well as quality products to take home at the end of treatment. Dr. Degner’s passion for compassion shines through in every aspect of the experience at Love It Dental.

To feel the Love It Dental difference in your dental health, you can book a new patient appointment at loveitdental.ca or call (778) 7384088. Dr. Degner and her all-female team would be happy to show you how the fusion of modern technology, reliable quality, and professionals that care can drastically improve your dental experience.

Breaking Barriers at Craftsman Collision

Written by: Rebecca Willson

Craftsman Collision, a leading Canadian auto body repair company, is taking proactive steps to address the decline in technicians within the industry, determined to break barriers and encourage more diversity.

Barb Murphy, Operations and Business Development Manager at Craftsman Collision, emphasizes the company’s commitment to increasing the number of technicians in their shops while particularly focusing on attracting more people who identify as women to the industry. Murphy highlights the importance of removing obstacles in what has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated domain.

Craftsman Collision’s innovative apprenticeship program collaborates with educational institutions such as BCIT, VCC and Okana-

gan College to support students throughout their educational journeys and seamlessly transition them into employment. Each student enrolled in the program receives a comprehensive toolkit valued at $5,000 and has their tuition fees covered for a year of schooling. Upon completion of their education, the apprentices are offered employment by Craftsman Collision. Following twelve months of continuous employment as a journey person and successful completion of exams, the toolkit is theirs to keep. Accommodation and commute costs are often managed by Craftsman as well.

“They just want to see people succeed,” said Stephanie Appel, a Red Seal refinisher at Craftsman’s central Kelowna location. She added the company supported her in other avenues of her life, financing her trips to provincial and national car-painting competitions and further personal development opportunities.

As for her personal experience, Appel said the perception of auto body shops as daunting spaces

made for men wasn’t true for her. “I got along with the painters so well, and I’ve had no complaints about being a woman in the shop. I want to try, I want to learn, and they’re very accepting.”

Louise Trenholm, a refinish technician in West Kelowna, echoes the sentiment. “Everyone starts out somewhere, so don’t be afraid of failing,” she said. Both women advise anyone starting out to do research on the kinds of trade industries they might be interested in and reach out to local colleges’ Gateway programs.

Murphy encourages interested candidates, particularly women, to explore opportunities through Craftsman’s website. Moreover, OkanaganCollegeisorganizingaJill of All Trades event on May 15 at the Kelowna campus, providing a platform for individuals to learn more about careers in trades, including auto body repair.

Craftsman Collision’s apprentice programisanexampleofinclusivity and opportunity, paving the way for amorediverseandvibrantfuturein the auto body repair industry.

Ittakesspecialskillsandtrainingtorepairtoday’scomplexvehicles.

Louise Trenholm Stephanie Appel and

Best friends brew successful business

Written by:

Gary Barnes

What started as a walk near Chute Lake nearly three years ago, has brewed up a business for affable friends Melaine Raby and

Kathleen Lemieux

leads a team of 10 experts specializing in grant writing, funding research, and social media management.

Do Gooders collaborates with a variety of organizations, from small startups to established entities like Women’s Shelters Canada and the Kelowna Airport. The Do Gooders Team’s writing prowess has led to notable successes, including recently securing over a million dollarsforadaycarefacility.

Do Gooders also earned consecutivenominationsasafinalist for the“Rising Star Business of the Year” by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for her contributions, Kathleen received Honourable Distinction for the Change Maker Award from Kelowna Women in Business in 2023 and was namedoneofthe“Top40over40”by theKelownaChamberofCommerce. Kathleen is a founding member of theAFPBCInteriorChapter.Contact heratkathleen@dogooders.caforall yourfundraisingneeds.

Cathy van Kesteren.

“It was supposed to be a nice little walk and it ended up being a hike, we were like ‘we need a beer after this,’” said van Kesteren.

They had that beer at a nearby pub and talked about the places they’ve worked in the hospitality industry, their current jobs and what they wanted from their lives.

“We looked around and said ‘we can do this,’” added Raby. “We were so excited like we already had opened the doors.”

Their love of beer, the outdoors, andcamping-athemethatweaves its way throughout their establishment - further convinced the pair that this is what they had to do.

After securing funding, finding a location, consulting with construction services, landing a liquor licence, and dealing with setbacks, the friends opened the doors to Three Lakes Brewing in 2023 during the August long weekend.

The name comes from three lakes, Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood, as well as three women, van Kesteren, Raby and her daughter Tara who is the brewmaster.

Raby noted that, as far as she knows, there are not many women running their own craft brewery operations.

“So many people said ‘women brewing, shout that out.’ Yeah that’s cool, but we just like that we’re brewing beer.”

There were challenges and setbacks, however, including a lease for a Lake Country location that fell through twice and navigating the provincial liquor licencing process.

of not giving up, are attitudes the pair encourage other women entrepreneurs to embrace.

“We never questioned it once,” van Kesteren said. “It was in your gut, in your soul, it was right. It wasn’t a thought in our minds at all.”

Raby noted that it’s also important to find mentors.

“Ask other business owners and gettheiradviceeveniftheyarenot in your field.”

Giving back and sourcing local are other behaviours the friends believe in.

They give to the Lake Country Food Bank, a children’s lunch program, and supported a local family last Christmas.

As much as possible, Three Lakes Brewing sources its ingredients, supplies and food offerings locally and hosts farmers markets, artisans and musicians on a regular basis.

At times the last nearly three years have been blur for the 20yearfriends.Somedaysaresobusy they barely have time to connect.

“We have to have date night,” Raby laughed.

The day-to-day operations are a huge part of what they love about their business.

“Look at what we’ve done,” van Kesteren said. “This is our business. You hang in there and do something you’re proud of.”

The other thing that brings a smile is the regulars, and new faces, who walk through the door everyday.

IntegrityReliabilityImpact

“It wasn’t ‘okay we’re done here’, it was ‘okay what do we do now?’” Raby remembers asking.

That persistence, and a mindset

“They’ve become friends,” Raby said. “That’s what’s so great about doing all of this.”

Three Lakes Brewing is located at 2030 Matrix Crescent in the Airport Business Park.

KathleenLemieux Founder,CEO

JithinAyinickal WebDeveloper ViSorenson GrantWriter

KimeraAndrades SocialMediaand GoogleAdsGrant Coordinator

MichelleNovakowski GrantWriter

IvanaJazic GrantWriter

CherylFarmer GrantWriter

DebbyHamilton GrantWriter

PatriciaAsaka SocialMedia &GoogleAdsManager

EmmaWebb ContentMarketing &GrantWriter

Kathleen Lemieux is a seasoned leader in nonprofit fundraising, with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Do Gooders since May 2021, she

Melanie Raby

Cathy

Photo credit: Noah Redka

Building a legacy with KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence’s Paula Quinn

Paula Quinn, the Executive Director at KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence, always encourages women to be courageous and to “trusttheircapewhentakingaleap of fate”. That’s exactly what Quinn did when she began her career with KF Aerospace 15 years ago as the Executive Assistant to founder and owner, Barry Lapointe.

Working in aviation wasn’t necessarily the plan for Quinn, but the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the business allowed her passion for the industry to flourish. When the opportunity to produce a state-of-the-art building and heritage site presented itself, Quinn was eager for the challenge and prepared for the experience.

KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is a non-profit organization and multipurpose facility established as a legacy of aviation. The Centre will celebrate aerospace’s commercial and military history in the Okanagan, BC, and Canada, by way of education, advocacy, access, and other community-based means and activities. It features an airfield viewing gallery, café, and conference rooms that will also

host public tours and educational programs.

As Executive Director, Quinn is responsible for the management of day-to-day operations at the Centre. She also sits on the Board of Directors and participates in developing the vision and strategic plan for the Society.

“I love the personal connection I can have with the community and the visitors,” explained Quinn. “Also, being able to bring a vision for the long term for the Centre, this legacy will transcend time and it is a privilege to be able to be part of that legacy.”

Although aviation wasn’t the field that Quinn had intended to enter, it’s certainly where she belongs now, and it’s an industry that she believes more women would enjoy if they knew more about it.

“Never think of this industry as limited or dirty, there are so many possibilities within the industry,” shared Quinn. “Working with the President and CEO, I was able to be an advocate for increasing the number of women in aviation, and to work closely with people who helped to empower women and

encourage them to join the aviation industry with all its opportunities.”

KF Aerospace has always known the value of women in the aviation industry and has implemented a variety of initiatives to encourage them to at least consider the field as a career move. One of those initiatives is a state-of-the-art childcare centre on-site. This perk is a huge asset to not only women, but all KF employees.

Whether you’re interested in a career in aviation or you want to experience the history of aviation, the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is an amazing, warm, and friendly place to visit and enjoy the architecture and history. It’s a place to expand your knowledge of local history and experience the

Written by: Sam Hill

Insuchadynamicandcontinuouslychangingindustryyouneeda chosenRealtorwhoiswellinformedanddedicatedtoyourneeds. Buying,SellingorInvestingIamheretoguideyouthroughtheprocess! Ienjoysharingthebenefitsofmyindustryknowledgewithmy Clients,providingyoutheadviceandknowledgeyouneedtomake informeddecisions.Iwillwalkwithyoueverystepofthewayandoffer youexperience,communication,competency,honesty,integrity,and reliability.Ipridemyselfonlookingoutforyourbestinterestsalways! Ihavebeenlicensedsince2006witha10-year-priorbackgroundin theBCCreditUnionFinancialServicesIndustry(1996-2006)and jointownerofa2-5-10HomeConstructionBusiness(2010-2021).I understandtheprocessfromfronttobackinbuyingandsellingrural properties,completingsmalllandsubdivisions,buildinganewhometo includelotselection,houseplans,financingandassociatedproceduresinadditiontorepresenting BuyersandSellersinthePurchaseandSaleofmoreroutineresidentialrealestate. Ifyoulovewhatyoudoandlovewhereyoulive,youareprovidingyouandyourFamilythebestlife possible!IlookforwardtohelpingyourealizeyourDreams! CarmenHarris

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REALESTATEPROFESSIONAL

‘Why not give this a shot?’: Craft 42 Roasters

Written by: Jordy Cunningham

Despite working in the coffee industry for the majority of her adult life, Taylor MacInnes, the co-owner of Craft 42 never even liked coffee until just a few years ago.

“Now, I don’t drink coffee to wake up, I want to wake up to drink coffee,” MacInnes said with a laugh.

It was not long ago that MacInnes’ husband and co-owner of Craft 42, Aaron Moore, was the only coffee lover in the family.

While MacInnes has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and has past experience in management and business, her journey to owning a coffee shop started with a simple, seemingly innocuous purchase.

“My partner Aaron always really loved coffee, so we invested in a nicer machine at home,” said MacInnes.

It was then that she

started to appreciate the complexity, flavors, and opportunities that come from a simple bean.

After her coffee awakening, MacInnes and her husband began to experiment with different roasts and started on a mission to seek out high-quality beans.

“We said, there’s good quality beans out there, why don’t we have more of this in Kelowna?”

It was then that MacInnes had an “aha moment.”

“I remember laying in bed, turning to my partner and said ‘What about roasting coffee?’ Why not give this a shot?”

Initially, Craft 42 started exclusively as an online retailer that sold high-quality beans that had been roasted and packaged by MacInnes and her husband.

“I had no intention of starting a small brick-and-mortar location,”saidMacInnes.

The evolution of

Craft 42 from an online retailer to a bustling coffee shop happened organically, said MacInnes.

While on a walk along the Rail Trail, she spotted the future location of the shop and then happened to cross paths with the right person at the right time.

“The Rail Trail encompasses a lot of the things we value in terms of exercise and the environment, and becoming a destination for people. These are all things that really lined up.”

Just five months later, in Feb. 2023, the doors of Craft 42 opened to the public.

Now, the shop is busy with pedestrians, baby strollers, cyclists, and dog walkers enjoying a high-quality cup of coffee that has been roasted inhouse.

“For me, owning a coffee shop never looked appealing, but now that I’ve done it, I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I can

honestly say I’ve never been happier, this is what we’re meant to be doing.”

Not only does MacInnes want to provide Kelowna with great coffee, she also wants to have a positive impact on the world by fostering a welcoming space for the community to meet and by implementing environmentally-friendly and sustainable business practices. MacInnes said that the shop only uses ethically-grown beans from environmentally responsible farms, composts everything it can and does not use single-use plastic.

“Kindness is one of our top priorities in our business,” said MacInnes. “We try to be as welcoming as possible.”

While it is a lot of work to own a business, MacInnes said that having the autonomy to make decisions has been incredibly rewarding.

“The main thing that inspired me was

having children and wanting to have a family-run business that my partner and I could work at together and our children could be a part of.”

“We’re gaining confidence and feeling goodaboutwhatwe’re doing.”

MacInnes said that while she previously never had plans to expand the business,

WomenMakingaDifferenceinHealthCare

KIMHUMPHREYS

HUMPHREYSFAMILYFOUNDATION

KGHFOUNDATIONDONOR

“Similartomyfather,peoplelivingwithParkinson’s needongoingsupportandspecializedcareto navigatethisdegenerativedisease.Our$1Mgift aimstoinspireothersaffectedbyParkinson’sand enhancetheincredibleworkofspecialistsatKGH.”

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“Deliveringinnovative,highquality,patient-centeredcarefor thepeopleinourcommunitiesiscentraltomywork,along withInteriorHealth'sCardiacteams.Witnessingthetangible impactonpatientsisanongoingsourceofmotivationforme andtheteamsIworkwith.”

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CORPORATEDIRECTOROFRESEARCH INTERIORHEALTH

“Newideasmattertosupportinggoodquality ofcare.Throughhealthsystemsresearchand innovation,wearetranslatingtheoryintoreallifepracticesthatwillpositivelyimpact everyoneinoursystem—forthebetter.”

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“Thefutureofequitablehealthsystemsreliesoneffectively bridgingresearchandbestpracticesintopracticewithinthe systemstheyaremeanttoimprove.Themorewebridge betweenoursystems,thebetterandmoreeffectivewebecome asresearchers,policymakers,cliniciansandpractitioners.”

things seem to all be falling into place.

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the ideas. If the time is right and the place is right, I can see us expanding for sure,” said MacInnes. “I would really love that, not just for ourselves but mainly for our customers, the coffee farming industry, and my children.”

Taylor MacInnes

Photo credit: Noah Redka

The De Pieri Clinic - Transforming people’s lives from the inside out

Written by: Rebecca Willson

Beauty reflects inner wellness.

This is the founding principle of The De Pieri Clinic in Kelowna, and is achieved through their wide variety of both cosmetic and medical services.

Aesthetic treatments include laser hair removal, medical facials, transformative skin resurfacing treatments, Botox, and dermal fillers. Therapeutic treatments include mole assessment and removal, Botox for migraine relief, and topical radiofrequency for vaginal rejuvenation.

In addition, the clinic’s doctors incorporate expertise in hormone replacement therapy into their ho-

listic health program.

Sandra Merlo, the clinic manager, emphasizes the importance of whole-body health, in conjunction with the care provided by general practitioners, to address symptoms such as disrupted sleep, lack of energy, irritability, and weight gain, aiming for an optimal state of well-being.

While women often seek assistance for these issues during menopause or its onset, Merlo notes that hormone treatments are not gender-specific, as more and more men are interested in optimizing their health and vitality as they age.

Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew De Pieri, the clinic’s team is composed of medical professionals with diverse specialties and passions.

Stefan Milanovic MD has trained with plastic surgeons and aesthetic physicians around the world, and focuses on the artistry of natural-looking dermal filler, injectable collagen stimulators, and Botox treatments.

Corinne Dawson ND, the clinic’s naturopathic doctor, draws upon her decade of experience at one of Canada’s leading naturopathic clinics to assist patients in balancing their nutrition, lifestyle choices, and natural remedies for specific concerns. She is also certified in cosmetic and medical injectable treatments.

Janneme Frouws MD, an integrative physician, employs similar treatments while integrating prescription medications as necessary. Her focus includes aiding patients with chronic fatigue, low

thyroid function, and weight challenges.

Merlo clarifies that while the doctors are not hormone specialists, they have undergone specific training in hormone-based functional medicine, offering a unique service for over 15 years.

“We have established methods to address individual needs,” says Merlo. “We’ve witnessed transformative changes in people’s lives.”

From small business owner to federal politics with Tracy Gray

“I had a long career in the BC beverage industry, working for wineries and breweries and I owned a small business for thirteen years in Kelowna, Discover Wines BC Wines and Gifts retail store, which proudly won local and national business awards.

I was grateful for initial loan financing from theWomen’sEnterpriseCentreinKelowna,and it was a privilege to later become a mentor to other women entrepreneurs.

My time as an entrepreneur and sitting on many business, public, and not-for-profit boards helped me as an elected representative through learning to build relationships and teams, working hard, mentoring, promoting our community, and giving back through volunteering. Our team utilizes many principles of customer service in serving the public.

It was an honour to be elected to Kelowna City Council in 2014 where I wanted to make a difference and be a voice for small businesses.

My decision to run in 2019 to be a Member of Parliament (MP) was made similarly when

there were tax changes the federal government was proposing which were going to hurt small businesses.

While I’m proud to be the first female MP representing our community, it’s not something I mentioned prior to being an MP. I wanted people to consider supporting me based on my experience, beliefs, and reputation. I believe womencanbeleadersinboardroomsorpolitics without receiving positions based on quotas.

A few issues I’ve stood against include federal tax increases, wasteful inflationary deficit spending, red tape, and bureaucracy.

While I’ve advocated for persons who are disabled, vulnerable, or struggling with mental health or addiction, protecting freedoms, bail reform, development of Canada’s resources, protecting our watershed, and expanding local passport services.

It is an honour to serve our community. Please reach out with your thoughts or if you need federal assistance.”

-TracyGray

Tracy Gray

Making the world of finance welcoming at Altogether Tax

Written by: Sam Hill

The finance world can seem intimidating from the outside, a vision of serious people working on important facts and figures in gray high-rise buildings.

Altogether Tax in Kelowna, headed by Cheryl Butler and consisting of a team of talented women from all over the world, is looking to change that perception one tax season at a time.

Using colourful branding and offices filled with plants and friendly faces, Butler’s staff deal with taxes, bookkeeping and year-end corporate filings, but add to those basics with personal and professional advice she says her employees research until their clients’ problems

are solved.

Starting with her first client in 1999 (who is still her client today), Butler built her accounting business out of her home for years, incorporating in 2007 then taking on personal tax clients and giving presentations. Eight years ago, Butler brought two employees into a formal office and just last November, the growing team of five full-time and three part-time employees, as well as additional contractors, moved into a bigger space.

“It’s been incredible watching the growth and learning,” said Butler. “I have to be open to learn, too.”

Butler credits her diverse staff of female employees with bringing vastly different valuable skills to her business, allowing her to help a wide range of clients with all sorts of needs.

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

LesleyHobden,MeganSantano, BreeHankins,RemyVentura,and RosieJacobs.

Workingtogetherforourclientsandthe community.Whenwomensupporteach other,incrediblethingshappen.

Although she never set out to hire only women and has had men working for her in the past, Butler said her main goal is to make sure everyone aligns within her business.

The all-female group she has now is working very well, she said, with virtually none of the drama she joked some people might expect, and an environment that highly values work-life balance and family time has flourished.

“We’re mostly mothers, so we have that caring and nurturing nature that we also bring to the business,” said Kelliesha Pyne, one of Butler’s employees. “That keeps clients coming back, and it’s not just about the figures.”

Fostering things like open communication, mindset training and understanding each cultural back-

ground’s way of communicating has only strengthened the team.

“Know who you are,” Butler stresses. “Any job is 20 percent resume and experience, 80 percent how you work with the team and how you feel.”

EXPERTGUIDANCE.TAILOREDSOLUTIONS.

The determination that built Rockwood Custom Homes

Rockwood Custom Homes has built an empire on the pillars of honesty, financial stewardship and ultimately customer care, inspired by owner and founder Allison Grafton’s experience as a business professional, as well as a parent, looking to invest in a home that worked for her family.

Following a career as an investment banker, juggling the full-time responsibilities of raising three children and with the understanding that comes from being a client hiring designers, builders and architects, Grafton saw an opportunitytobreakintotheworldofcustom home building when she began to see cracks in the foundation of the industry as a whole. After 20+ years of building and renovating her own homes, she decided to “dream bigger”.

“I have a lot of experience, I’m a business woman, and I saw a lack of transparency; financial errors, no stewardship, a lack of customer care,” she said. “Not enough commitment, and very little accountability฀ I wanted to start something to disrupt the residential building industry.”

Grafton worked full-time and, along with her husband, they built and financed their houses. Standing firm on what she wanted in her family homes, paying close attention to the financial side of the build, as well as having significant input in the build and design, gave her a unique perspective that she says helps her understand her cli-

ents better today.

Throughout her career, Rockwood’s president and founder has faced adversity as a woman standing on her own in this industry. She speaks of challenges that inhibited her and her crews’ ability to work safely, noting comments that are an affront to the intelligence of all women, but she always knew she had a place in the world of custom home building and stood strong alongside her incredible team.

“They were threatened by Rockwood’s entry into the market with a unique business model,” she says, now able to use the experiences as fuel.“Iamprincipled,fullofintegrity and tough. The men and women who championed or aligned with me weren’t threatened. Those who were threatened tried to put up many barriers, and it was a waste of their time, I was in the market strictly to focus on and build my business.”

Not one to give up, Grafton never stoppedworkingforherdreamsand has worked hard to cultivate Rockwood into what it is today. Nearly forty employees and over 750 contractors have handed over the keys to hundreds of new homeowners, many of whom have shared their stories of success and gratitude on Rockwood’s website. Compassionate client care and a commitment to the highest standards of building and design keep Grafton’s team busy, as evidenced by their numerous remarkable projects underway across Western Canada.

Written by: Rebecca Willson

Allison Grafton Grafton

Rockwood was founded in 2009 and dominates some of Canada’s most desirable locations, including Calgary and the Okanagan, also newly entering the Canmore market. The company has over 50 awards, including an impressive four crowns in Deloitte and CIBC’s Canada’s Best Managed Companies category.

Grafton herself is highly decorated, with the prestigious RBC Women of Influence and Alberta Women Entrepreneur Upsurge awards under her belt as well as an induction into the WXN Hall of Fame.

The Stevie Awards, which recognize outstanding business and financial management, sales and customer service success, have honoured Grafton with Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Women-Run Workplace of the Year awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The team, and Grafton herself, have even more nominations they are waiting to hear about as of this printing, proving the hard work and dedicated care Grafton and her

women tends to have similar priorities and fundamentally understands what other women are going through, as well as what they may ultimately want out of a career and a life. A natural support system based on respect has blossomed at Rockwood because of these principles.

team put in are continuing to yield impressive results.

The Rockwood team is 70 per cent female, although Grafton didn’t intentionally hire this way and she credits just as large a part of the company’s success to the hard-working men she works with as to the women. She says she always hires the right person for the job, always looking for exceptional people.

Many of the women working for Grafton have told her they’ve never had another woman in their life like her before; someone who doesn’t question or compare them, always has their back and encourages them to do whatever they put their mind to, no ifs, ands or buts.

“I have heard, ‘I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t come to Rockwood’, and that is powerful.”

A team made up of a majority of

“Women on my team have clear value systems and encourage one another. You can trust the woman beside you.”

No one knows that delicate balance better than Grafton, who raised three children.

“I give that flexibility. If you need time for your family or to get to events, do it. I care that the job gets done well, but give my team the autonomy to manage. I find that’s rare, especially in this industry.”

Personal development and time away from work are highly valued at Rockwood. One of Grafton’s biggest pieces of advice is to build out your network, both professionally and especially personally. Especially as a woman self care is critical, in all aspects; from health and wellness, to relationships, and beyond.

“I have a big business, it’s 100 per cent mine and a huge responsibili-

ty, but I also have a big life. I have wonderful friends, I’m committed to my whole family, and that helps me run my business. I have people who I can celebrate with and also who I can ask for help.”

Every person on the Rockwood team is an integral part of the process, and on the last few days of a build, Grafton said you can expect to see the entire staff at the site bringing the project together.

Homes are handed over to the clients in “pristine condition, fully furnished right down to the last towel,” and everyone truly has a hand in the success.

“I really have an authentic group of creative and entrepreneurially-minded people,” Grafton said, sharing how proud she is to have mentored many of them to their own personal successes. She added opportunities in the company are endless, as she is always looking for extraordinary talent to add to “the Rockwood world.”

Grafton’s other advice? For any woman in business, it is to remember that you can achieve your dreams.

“Don’t be intimidated; while it does take a strong person in this field, knowing what to ask for, calling for tradespeople and knowing if the job is done right, you have to be clear on your values and let them be your guiding light. I don’t care what the role is- women can do it.”

Teamwork and support may be the grounding operating principles that keep Rockwood powerful at such a level of excellence, but overall, Grafton’s key is holding herself and her employees to a high personal standard that echo her fundamentals of honesty, transparency and integrity.

“Always do the right thing, even if it’s the hardest thing. You always say what needs to be said, stand up for yourself, be confident and support one another. For women, and for everyone, there is no other way.”

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Crowe MacKay’s 55 years of success

Submitted

This year we are celebrating Crowe MacKay’s 55th anniversary in business. Since 1969, Crowe MacKay has been driven by the passion to grow and become a leading Western Canadian firm.

During this same time, the accounting industry as a whole has seen a lot of changes. One of those changes is the number of women choosing the profession and challenging a previously male dominated path. Crowe MacKay is a proud leader throughout the years, advocating for gender equality and providing supportive work place environments to empower all of our professionals to succeed.

What sets Crowe MacKay apart from their competitors?

At the heart of everything we do, is our focus on helping clients to make smart decisions that create lasting value. At Crowe MacKay, we have a strong culture of teamwork,

innovation, and growth; our professionals are recognized as trusted advisors who are highly invested in our clients’ success.

Our corporate values We Care. We Share. We Invest. We Grow. guide us in how we make decisions, foster our culture, and create our working environment. We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work and strive to show we care about the people we serve through our day-to-day work and actions.

About Crowe MacKay

Crowe MacKay LLP is a is a vibrant team of Chartered Professional Accountants with eight locations across western and northern Canada. We are a Canadian partnership with 70 partners and over 450 professional and support staff. We are the twelfth largest professional accounting firm in Canada and our office locations include Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Surrey, Vancouver, The Sunshine Coast, White-

horse and Yellowknife.

Crowe MacKay LLP services clients worldwide as an independent member of Crowe Global, ranked as the eighth largest global accounting network in the world. Our network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 150 countries around the world.

As a mid-sized Accounting firm, we provide high quality professional services to clients in a variety of industries and sectors such as mining, oil and gas, automotive dealerships, aviation, public companies,

privately held businesses, not-forprofit organizations, government organizations and municipalities, and Indigenous organizations and enterprises. We believe strong relationships are the cornerstone to success and strive to create innovative solutions for our clients in both the private and public sectors. Our accounting firm has been proudly serving northern and western Canada since 1969, and our goal is to provide personalized financial solutions and professional accounting services to individuals and businesses of all sizes.

Breaking down barriers to adventure racing with positivity

Written by: Jacqueline Gelineau

After living, traveling, and racing around the world, Nathalie Long decided to settle in the rolling mountains of the Okanagan, an ideal playground for outdoor activities and adventures.

However, there was only one problem, Nathalie Long’s favourite sport –adventure racing– had not yet become popular in the interior of the province.

Undeterred,Longwasdetermined to create change and grow the community of adventure racers in B.C. in the same way that she got her start in the sport –with unrelenting positivity and encouragement.

Adventure racing involves a combination of orienteering and endurance where participants find their way from point A to point B using only maps, a compass and their own strength and determination. Participants are able to use any human-powered means necessary, often including paddling, biking, climbing, and running, to

find as many checkpoints as possible around a course during a set period of time, sometimes for days at a time.

Long had been active as a child but participated in comparatively sterile court-based sports and took up running casually in university.

It wasn’t until she moved to Australia and was surrounded by a group of encouraging but gnarly friends on the other side of the world that she began to dabbleinendurancesports.

“I was somehow convinced to give it a go at triathlon,” joked Long. “I figured out pretty quickly that I’m not super fast, but I can just keep going.”

From there, Long kept going. With help from her friends she learned to paddle, rock climb, trail run, mountain bike, and read a map and compass.

Long then started dabbling in small adventure races and quickly climbed the ranks until she qualified for multi-day international competitions.

“Adventure racing is really my passion,” said Long after more than a decade of

racing.

After living around the globe, Long was ready for a new adventure in 2017 and was drawn to the diverse topography and mountains in the west of Canada.

Despite being the perfect environment for adventure racing with endless mountains, rivers, lakes and trails, Long said initially she struggled to find a community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

So, Long did what her friends did for her all those years ago in Australia; she encouraged others to step outside of their comfort zones.

First, she joined a paddling club and made water-loving friends who were easily persuaded to try land-based sports. Then, she created a Facebook group that allowed people to meet and organize adventures.

“It’s important to surround yourself with people who inspire you,” said Long about the importance of community.

Before long, the Long’s network of outdoor enthusiasts had grown, and they were itching to try out ad-

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Nathalie Long Nathalie

venture racing.

“Anyone that I can introduce to adventure racing, I jump on that opportunity,” said Long with a laugh.

Fuelled with a passion for adventures in the outdoors and a desire to help people step out of their comfort zones, Long founded Adventure Immersion Lab Ltd. in 2023.

“I saw B.C. and the Okanagan as the perfect place to do adventure races,” said Long.

Long’s company holds races and events that are intended to be fun, challenging, and inclusive for everyone, including those who are new to the sport. Long said that the events provide the outdoors community with an opportunity to connect and have fun together, something that she wishes was available when she first moved to the Okanagan.

In addition to the races, Long also offers courses like learn to ski or map reading and orienteering, and women’s only adventures, guided excursions, and weekend-long expeditions and one-on-one coaching.

“It’s about breaking down barriers to being safe and active in the outdoors,” said Long.

People can contact Long at hello@adventureimmersionlab.ca to ask about upcoming opportunities or organize an adventure.

“I’m happy to take anyone out to do any activity... I’m just always outside.”

She hopes to show people that everyone is welcome in outdoor spaces. “It’s not about the training, it’s a lifestyle.”

“Do not be afraid to give it a go.”

To learn more visit adventureimmersionlab.ca.

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A tale of resilience: Carien Rennie

It’s a big decision to pick up and move to a different country.

Carien Rennie (Wessels) took courage to a new level when she left South Africa for Canada in hopes of giving herself and her three sons a better chance at life.

“It’s the uncertainty of the country, and the state that it’s in left us all to wonder what was going to happen in the future.”

Rennie and her family moved to Nova Scotia first, but found it wasn’t the right fit.

The family packed up and moved again to Kelowna in December 2019.

Settling into a new city in a new country was not easy. To add to the hardship, Rennie said her job qualifications aren’t recognized in Canada and she had to go back to the basics.

“I studied as an aesthetician and I eventually worked my way up in South Africa.” Rennie worked as a regional sales manager for a pharmaceutical company in their aesthetics division. “Coming here, it’s different levels of qualification that you need to do it, it doesn’t just work on merit.”

Going back to where she started, Rennie took a job as an aesthetician at a local spa. Then COVID-19 took the world by storm and Rennie decided to re-evaluate life once again.

“The world changed as it is, and being in that industry where touch and all of that was the main focus of it I had to question myself.”

Renniestarteddoingpre-consultation visits for a doctor, but found being stuck in an office wasn’t the

life for her. “I can’t be contained in four walls. My personality is way too big and bright and sparkly, and I need to be in between lots of people.”

With a history of sales, Rennie applied and accepted a job with Boulevard Magazine in March of 2022 as an accounts manager where she continues to work today and loves it.

The hardships didn’t stop there, however, with Rennie’s husband filing for divorce during her first year in Kelowna. “So, here I was in this country thousands of kilometres from anyone I knew or know, new culture, new environment, single mom, three boys and it was like, what do you do now?”

Rennie said a choice had to be made and she wasn’t going to let circumstances stand in the way of success. Rennie said it hasn’t been an easy road, but she is extremely proud of her resiliency.

Her advice to other women, “Never stop trying.”

Rennie said the people she surrounds herself with have made all the difference in climbing the ladder and reaching her goals in life. “We are all flawed human beings and we need each other, we need to stand together. No one is meant to do this alone.”

RenniestartedwithBoulevardin the Okanagan and has since been promoted, also overseeing the English and Chinese magazines in Vancouver.

She recently received her Canadian citizenship alongside her three boys, adding excitedly that “the future is bright.”

Carien Rennie

Written by: Brittany Webster

Career-ending injury didn’t stop Simone Orlando from acheiving her dreams

Simone Orlando was the first to take on both the role of Artistic Director and CEO at Ballet Kelowna, a position she has held for nearly 10 years.

As proud as Orlando is to have held the position, it wasn’t an easy journey to get there.

Orlando said she started dancing around the age of 10, falling in love with ballet while watching others dance during the lunch hour at her school on the North Shore.

“I’d been heavily involved in gymnastics, swimming, and diving, and I realized I was interested in trying to take some dance classes.”

At a young age, Orlando sought out a dance studio near her and told her parents she wanted to attend. Her dance career officially started with her first dance class at the Carisbrooke School of Dance.

Orlando rose in the art, transitioning to the Vancouver Academy of Dance and then being selected to attend the National Ballet School in Toronto.

After graduation, she was offered an apprenticeship with the National Ballet of Canada and eventually signed a contract.

“At the time, I was the only female graduate in my class who was offered a position as an apprentice within the company. It was a very big deal, and it was very intimidating. Being a student in the school is very different than being a professional dancer.”

Orlando was able to study ballet under several of her idols and found a passion for the choreography side of things. “At the time, the National Ballet was primarily a repertoire company, meaning that they didn’t havealotofchoreographerscoming in the door and creating new works.

When they did come through the doors, they were mostly working with the principal dancers and the soloist because the company has a hierarchy.”

After five years of dancing for the National Ballet, Orlando decided to pursue choreography and contemporary ballet.

Unfortunately, dancing became more difficult after a hip injury. Orlando had surgery to fix part of the problem and came back to dance a few months later. Her hip continued to deteriorate and she unknowingly danced her last professional show as Blanche DuBois in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. It was only a month later that Orlando was told she would need a full hip replacement.

“I was questioning whether I could continue to use my body as a, essentially, tool to generate income because I didn’t know if I could be on my feet all day and be as active as I had been.”

Orlando made the tough decision to go back to school in her 30s to study business at the B.C. Institute of Technology, navigating technology she knew nothing about and studying alongside people in a younger generation. “I decided I needed to reinvent myself because I didn’t know what the future was going to hold for me.”

Orlando completed two years and received a diploma in business. At the same time, the former artistic director of Ballet Kelowna was looking to step down and the company was hiring for the role Orlando now holds.

“I had a relationship with the company because the previous artistic director David LaHay had commissioned me to create three

Simone Orlando

Written by: Brittany Webster

works for the company, so I was very familiar with the dancers at the time as well as the company’s history.”

The search to fill the position was global, but with her expertise in the dance world and new knowledge of business, Orlando stepped into the role of Artistic Director and CEO in September 2014.

Since then, Orlando has expanded the scope of Ballet Kelowna. The company moved into a larger space and started touring more outside B.C. and across Canada.

“Ithinkpremieringourfirstcommissioned full-length work, Macbeth by Alysa Pires, was a big highlight - and, of course, it’s coming back at the end of this season as the final piece that we’re presenting at the[KelownaCommunityTheatre].”

Orlando considers herself very

Simone Orlando danced professionally for the National Ballet of Canada. (DavidCooper)

lucky to have grown up as a dancer, noting that it’s taught her a lot about life. “When you’re learning how to dance it’s all about small steps and gradual steps. One step builds on another, and if you stick to it and you’re focused and persistent you can feel and see the progression that you’re making.”

Simone Orlando is the first to take on the dual role of Artistic Director and CEO at Ballet Kelowna. She has held the position since September 2014. (EmilyCooper)

Caring for migrant workers far from home

Written by:

Jacqueline Gelineau

Sometimes starting over with nothing is not a bad thing.

Sandra Zahuna, the owner of San’s Latin Market in Kelowna, saved every penny while she attended University for the opportunity to visit her cousin in Canada and try out a new life. While studying accounting in Mexico, Zahuna worked at a bank to fund her travel plans.

Once she had saved enough for a plane ticket, Zahuna flew to the Okanagan to visit her cousin and immediately knew that she wanted to stay.

“I fell in love with the Okanagan,” said Zahuna.

She was then hired to work on a farm, despite having no farming experience.

“I didn’t even know how apples grow,” laughed Zahuna.

However, after weeks on end of long hours spent working in orchards under the hot sun Zahuna quickly learned.

“I started from zero,” said Zahuna. She had many thoughts of selfdoubtduringthistime,questioning why she left a stable and well-paying job back home but never quit.

“It was the best thing I ever did... It was the beginning of the path to now.”

Between long shifts in the fields,

another aspect of Zahuna’s job on the farm was growing quickly. Because she speaks both Spanish and English and is savvy with numbers, Zahuna was also responsible for helping the other migrant workers on the farm.

She helped with everything from picking migrant workers up from the airport to helping them set up banking, access healthcare, and find foods that they enjoyed eating.

She quickly realized that two staples in Mexican diets– chilies and tortillas– were not available in the Okanagan and Zahuna had to figure out a solution.

Word of her tortillas and abilities as a banker and translator quickly spread. By this time Zahuna had left the farm life behind, but still, migrant workers contacted her asking for Mexican foods and favors, so she found time to help out after and before work, often driving to farms to make deliveries to people who did not have a vehicle.

“I was just helping basically as a volunteer.”

Eventually, Zahuna decided to make her role as a helper official and opened San’s Latin Market in 2013. In addition to importing foods, a large part of what makes the market special for migrant workers is the money transfer service that they offer. At the market, people can send money back home to their families, manage banking, and even sort through legal and government paperwork with

someone like Zahuna who speaks both English and Spanish.

“I wanted to start a place where they feel welcome and they can speak their own language.”

In the early days of the store, Zahuna would work both in the store and as a delivery driver, taking bags filled with Mexican groceries to farms across the Okanagan every evening.

Zahuna still does deliveries on Saturdays but her life looks a little different now that she has a busy five-year-old son with her husband.

Zahuna was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and is still undergoing

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Sandra Zahuna

Lessons in entrepreneurship with Sammy Hill Creative

Hi there! Sammy from Sammy Hill Creative here to chat with you about some lessons in entrepreneurship. If you don’t know me or my agency, here is a little bit of background for you:

I started Sammy Hill Creative in 2019 as a means to supplement my income while I pursued other passions. I was charging a handful of clients a couple hundred dollars to manage their social media and support their marketing efforts. After a few years of struggle and the arrival of a beautiful baby girl, I pivoted and put my full effort into growing Sammy Hill Creative and offering brands support with an ambitious and creative approach to marketing.

Thebuildwasslowandsteadyuntilmydaughterstarteddaycarefulltime in late 2023. Once I could be fully present in the agency, growth came fast and furious. At the start of 2024, I hired my first full-time employee and leased an office and studio space in downtown Kelowna. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how this happened!

Fromtheoutside,thisgrowthand success can look exciting and even enviable, and it is, but it did not come without struggle and many, many lessons learned.

Lesson #1: Nobody has it all figured out. I used to get very jealous seeing other business owners touting success, opening stores, hiring teams, and making it look so easy. I now know that the way things look and the reality behind-the-scenes don’t always match up. Speaking from experience, you sometimes

have to put the cart before the horse and dive in before you have themoneyorthesalestobackitup. In other words, you have to take a giant leap of faith and really believe in yourself. Easier said than done, right?

Lesson #2: Hire for the potential to grow rather than current skill levels. I read this note in one of my favouritebooks,CreativityInc.,just as I was in the middle of hiring my first full-time employee and it really hit me hard. I was struggling to find the right fit for both the role that I was hiring for and my brand, and this note made me rethink my entire strategy for building a team. Skills can be learned, but ambition and drive are much more difficult to instill in employees. As the book says, “What they will be capable of tomorrow is more important than what they can do today.”

Lesson #3: Invest in the experts. Seriously, just do it. Building a business is a huge endeavour and there are so many things that you don’t know when starting out. You will getfurtherfasterifyouhireexperts to teach you or do the tasks for you thatyou’renotanexpertin.Hirean HR professional, a bookkeeper, an accountant, a business consultant, or a marketing expert to put their specialty to use in growing your business.Thetimethatthisfreesup foryoutofocusonyourstrengthsis well worth it.

Lesson #4: Easy is not the goal, qualityisthegoal.Thisstatementis another favourite from Creativity, Inc.Everythingyouseeonlinethese days is about making work easier,

Sam Hill

Written by: Sam Hill

but easy is not the goal. Shortcuts will not get your business ahead faster. While I do believe in failing fast, I have also learned that prioritizing quality over what is easy is what will set your business apart.

These are just a few of the many lessons that I’ve learned in entrepreneurship over the last five years and I know that there are many more to come. The biggest lesson is probably that there is always something new to learn or figure out. I’m grateful for the successes and for the lessons that have taught me how to better my business and myself. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to be daring and to jump into new experiences with support and encouragement from others.

Thank you for reading my story and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Now, for a shameless plug! Sammy Hill Creative pairs cool, creative ideas with grounded strategies to give ambitious brands the opportunity to connect with their

audienceandbuildatruefanbase.If you want to work with a marketing team that cares about your brand and delivers thoughtful and creative strategies to attract your desired audience, visit our website at sammyhillcreative.com and fill out our inquiry form to learn more.

When personal and professional passions intertwine with Julia Rogers of Marshall’s Home Living

Julia Rogers thought that she had life figured out heading into the year 2020. She had never married and had accepted that the only kids in her life would be her niece and nephews.

She had built a 20-year career in the promotional products industry, managing 30+ promotional product webstores at a time, and she was content.

Isn’t it always the case that the moment you feel like you’re where you’re meant to be, your world doesa180?

With much uncertainty in the world, the company that Rogers had worked at for many years went bankrupt. Around the same time, Rogers began dating a wonderful man that she had met at church. That man was Glenn Rogers. Glenn had two sons and was pivoting in his career after caring for his late wife as she had battled brain cancer.

Crystal Selka... CrystalSelka...

Everything in Rogers’ life changed in the blink of an eye. She became a stepmom to two boys, a wife, and as life brought the family to Kelowna, Julia also became a part of the Marshall’s Home Living family when Glenn purchased the business in 2022.

“He ran the business with our excellent team on his own the first year, and I came on board in May 2023, supporting our store and our team, specifically focusing on marketing,” explained Rogers. “Since then, I have been learning a ton from the team, but have also been able to work on our marketing tactics. I have told my friends that Glenn bought the business, but it ultimately resulted in me having a dream job. I get to manage and organize, but also be creative – which is something I had been missing. I also get to work with amazing people.”

isabusinessowner,mom,step-mom;raisinghealthy, strong,confidentdaughters,balancingtheworkloadand homelife.AlongwithhersupportivehusbandDirk,theyhave beenabletoinvolvetheirdaughtersinsportsandactivities andaregratefultohavetheflexibilitytohelpthemwiththeir goals.Crystalisanaturalatrunningthecompany’sfrontend operationsandbringsafriendlycustomerserviceexperience eachandeverytime.Whennotrunningthefrontdesk, CrystalcanbefoundenjoyingbeautifulOkanaganLakewith herfamily,gardeninginthegreenhouseoratalocalyoga studio.Crystal,DirkandthefantasticstaffatSelkaBoat Centrelookforwardtoservingyousoon!

Written by: Rebecca Willson

Marshall’s Home Living is a local, family-owned business committed to the community. They carry a fabulous variety of furniture, accessories, rugs, and artwork in 22,000 square feet of continually updated showroom space. Marshall’s Home Living is the largest fine furniture store outside of the Lower Mainland, and they have everything needed to style luxurious mid-to-high-end homes. The design and retail staff have over 90 combined years of experience dealing with mid-to-high end furniture and the sales team is comprised of Interior Designers that understand furniture and how it fits into a home.

heart and extra time into was no longer there,” shared Rogers. “I am so happy to have this business and that my efforts will always have a direct impact on my life and new family.”

Rogers’ personal life and professional life each took significant turns over the last few years, and she could not be happier in her new life as a stepmom, wife, and Marketing Manager at Marshall’s Home Living.

“It’s crazy to think that not even two years ago, I was single without kids and living on my own, still not sure where I was headed after the company I put so much of my

When asked how the community can further support women who dare, Rogers said, “Support the local businesses that have women that are stepping into their roles with everything they have. Those businesses that encourage and motivate their employees and aim to make homes and lives better for all.”

Julia JuliaRogers