Women of the Thompson Valley

Women of the

Thompson Valley 2017/2018

Photo Tyrel Rose

WOMEN IN TRADES Exploratory Program This program: • introduces women to theoretical and practical learning in Welding, Electrical, Millwright, Plumbing, Carpentry, Construction Craft Worker, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Instrumentation, Equipment Operator • allows women to obtain industry safety certifications • provides supports for work readiness preparation PROGRAM DATES

November 6, 2017–February 2, 2018 OR March 5, 2018–June 8, 2018

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to gain admission to this fully funded training initiative: • Unemployed individuals not eligible to qualify for EI • Individuals not currently eligible to qualify for EI or have not been in receipt of EI benefits within the last 3 years (or 5 years in the case of maternity or parental benefits)

INFO AND REGISTRATION 250.828.5106 | witt@tru.ca

tru.ca/witt

MC 123037

• Employed individuals working 20 hours a week or less

We’re all different!

The same should be true of your financial advice. Instead of giving you the generic advice you find elsewhere, we are ready to work with you to understand your unique financial goals, and help you find the right path to achieve them.

Get advice as individual as you are with Investors Group.

Top left: Marilyn Giesbrecht, Leah Briault, Karin Sykes. Bottom left: Kelsey Boudreau, Teri Young, Liana Shaw

Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

100-741 Sahali Terrace | 250.372.2955 | investorsgroup.com

4 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

Kim Nobert

Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services began in Western Canada in 1992 as Personal Alternative Funeral Services, with the goal of providing consumers with a comfortable, affordable and common-sense alternative to the escalating costs found in many funeral homes. Our mission is to deliver superior value, both financially and emotionally.

Kim was born and raised in Kamloops and after 39 years found her calling as a licensed funeral director. She has attributed her “life’s lessons” to reach both her personal and professional goals. After starting her funeral director’s apprenticeship in 2011, Kim graduated Mortuary School in 2013 and was her class valedictorian. Kim was appointed as a Manager of Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services® new location in Kamloops in August 2014.

Kim married her husband Paul in 2001, and values his support of her career.

Together they have three crazy rescue cats, four fantastic nephews; great parents, and many friends that she likes to share her time with when she can.

Sharlene Patko

Has the best job in Kamloops! She is living her dream by owning The Look Boutique, a ladies boutique that targets women forty and older. Her store is her sandbox and she and her staff are here to have fun with the customers. They believe in the Coco Chanel saying which is “A girl should be two things, Classy and Fabulous” and we can be that at any age!

The shop is located in downtown Kamloops.

Come and share the dream.

Make it happen at

604 TRANQUILLE ROAD, KAMLOOPS | 250-554-2324

125 Fourth Avenue, Downtown Kamloops 250.828.1000

KAREN WATT Has spent the last 25 years in Kamloops, Kelowna & Prince George as an expert corporate recruiter, assisting clients open job orders with candidates searching for their dream jobs or career moves from Janitors to General Managers in all Industries. She has grown Excel Personnel from a one-woman show to an 8 person operation with a field staff of 90+ people assisting clients on temporary staffing while working with over 4,263 permanent clients assisting in over 25,000 placements in 25 years.

Thanks to the support from the community, Excel Personnel is now a multi-million-dollar company and is celebrating its best year yet. Excel has been nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Momentum Award for the fifth time and numerous nominations within the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce for Business Excellence.

Karen leads by example, building an atmosphere of trust and respect within her company, staff, recruiters, as well as with the candidates and clients who seek Excel’s Recruitment Services.

She ensures the company is continually giving back to the community that has supported Excel for the last 25 years, with this years GROW A ROW sponsorships as one of 38 companies contributing to just under 2,700 lbs of food to the Kamloops Food Bank through Kamloops Home Hardware and Lyons Landscaping’s diligence in community support.

Administration | IT & Engineering | Management Finance | Sales & Marketing | Trades/Technical Physician Locum Services

Offices in Kamloops, Kelowna & Prince George 250-374-3853 • www.excel.bc.ca

Women of the

Thompson Valley

Welcome to Women of the Thompson Valley, a tribute to women leaders published annually by Kamloops This Week.

In these pages are profiles of women whose daily activities help propel Kamloops and the Thompson Valley forward. From entrepreneurs to business leaders to volunteers, the women in this publication epitomize the

drive and focus needed to be constantly improving.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this year about boosting the number of women in the workforce, after meeting with female business leaders on tours across Canada: “This is not just about doing the right thing, but understanding that women in leadership can be a very powerful leverage for success for business, for communities

and for our entire economy.”

By showcasing and celebrating the inspirational women in the Thompson Valley, we hope to inspire others to avoid placing limits on their potential, the scope of their career and the opportunities their intelligence and skills would otherwise allow them to reach.

Please take some time to read through the profiles of the women within these pages. You will learn a lot about your neighbours — and we think you might just be inspired to reach new heights.

PHOTO: JASON SANDHU

6 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

Carol Goddyn

Bev Graham General Manager

Bev joined Berwick on the Park thirteen years ago as the Marketing Manager. She moved over to the General Managers office in 2012 and has been responsible for the overall management and operation of the community ever since. With her team, she strives in maintaining standards for exceptional service delivery.

Tammy Keiff, Front Office Manager

Erin Currie, Community Relations Manager For the past three years Erin has been responsible for the planning and management of all sales and marketing related activities. As the community liaison for Berwick on the Park she works to foster and build partnerships within the community.

After having spent many years as an adviser in the banking sector, the practice of real accountability disclosed to me that representing the best interests of my clients required having access to a much broader mix of alternatives than was available within the constraints of a limited solution environment. I believe all clients are unique and the complexities of their life circumstances can vary significantly. As an adviser, this uniqueness obliges me to have a broad knowledge of all sectors of insurance and investments. This expanded capability permits me to provide my clients with both exemplary service and the right solutions to their financial and insurance needs. To offer anything less than this to my clients is simply not acceptable.

Angela Gross, Director of Hospitality Services

For the past eight years Tammy has been responsible for coordinating front office operations as they relate to resident services. She supervises the Reception/Concierge team in coordinating the day-to-day work flow to ensure quality control and service delivery.

Angela joined Berwick on the Park five years ago and is responsible for and oversees all hospitality services. As the Director of Hospitality Services, Angela works with all departments to ensure quality services are offered while striving to exceed resident and guest expectations.

Billie Askeland, Nurse Team Leader

Jacqueline Siemens, Recreation Manager

Billie joined Berwick on the Park in 2015 and is responsible for providing the overall coordination and operation of our 24 hour care to residents in our Brio Care Suites. She performs all day nurse duties and manages the 24 hour care team staff.

As a professional adviser in financial and insurance solutions at Goddyn & Associates Financial in Kamloops, I believe there is a deep-rooted responsibility to provide the very best remedies possible to all the individuals, families and businesses who trust in me and the services I offer. To address these needs faithfully and competently, an adviser requires both a broad choice of applicable alternatives and a healthy relationship with providers in the financial and insurance industries.

Helping to make and encourage appropriate financial choices has been the foundation of the success of my independent practice for over 20 years.

My experience has shown that listening to and identifying client needs is absolutely essential to meeting each client’s requirements and expectations.

Jacqueline recently joined the Berwick on the Park team. She is responsible for thebplanning, organizing and implementation of innovative, creative and balanced programs that foster social interaction, continued learning and wellness amongst our residents.

245 1st Avenue, Kamloops | 250-374-2138 cgoddyn@telus.net

Doreen Monson

For more than 25 years Doreen has been sharing her real estate experience in Kamloops. Your neighbourhood expert, Doreen is a careful listener who works hard to understand each client’s unique real estate goals.

Thinking of buying or selling?

Have a chat with Doreen.

Your local Kamloops Senior Living Expert.

Please contact Berwick on the Park, (250) 377.7275 • email • berwickonthepark@berwickrc.com

Doreen Monson Real Estate (Kamloops)

250-374-3331

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 7

Women of the Thompson Valley

BY BUSINESS

Alternatives Funeral & Cremation . . . 4 Artful Needle . . . . . . . . . 20 Barre Kamloops . . . . . . . . 15 Berwick on the Park . . . . . . . 6 Connect . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Dr Tamzin Morley, ND . . . . . . 22 Drake Cremation & Funeral Services . . 8 Excel Personnel . . . . . . . . . 4 Fulton & Company LLP . . . . . 12-13 Glover’s Medicine Centre Pharmacy . . 17 Goddyn & Associates . . . . . 6 & 16 Insight Natural Healing . . . . . . 21 Investors Group . . . . . . . . 3 Jonni’s Styling Studio . . . . . . . 15 Kamloops This Week . . . . . . 18-19 Kipp-Mallery Pharmacy . . . . . . 10 Maritime Travel . . . . . . . . . 9 Paul & Company . . . . . . . . 22 Pip & Peo Clothing . . . . . . . 21 Rainbow International . . . . . . 11 Remax . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Salmon Berry Lane . . . . . . . . 8 Sandbar Grill . . . . . . . . . 21 Sippers Winemakers . . . . . . . 16 Sisters Sleep Gallery . . . . . . . 22 Snap Fitness . . . . . . . . . 23 Social Fire Time Raiser . . . . . . 21

Spice . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Thai Massage . . . . . . . . . 11 The Look Boutique . . . . . . . . 4 Triple Tree . . . . . . . . . . 20 TRU . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vix Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . 8

BY NAME

Angela Gross . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ashley Eaton . . . . . . . . . 11 Ayla Salyn . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bev Graham . . . . . . . . . . 6 Billie Askeland . . . . . . . . . 6 Carol Goddyn . . . . . . . . . 6 Chelsey Tennant . . . . . . . . 12 Cindy Ross Friedman . . . . . . . 17 Darlene Kawa . . . . . . . . . 19 Doreen Monson . . . . . . . . . 6 Dr Tamzin Morley . . . . . . . . 22 Erin Currie . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fay McCracken . . . . . . . . . 8 Geralyn & Kristen . . . . . . . . 15 Jacqueline Siemens . . . . . . . . 6 Jeanine Ball . . . . . . . . . . 22 Jennifer Betts . . . . . . . . . 18 Jessica vliegenthart . . . . . . . 13 Jodi Lawrence . . . . . . . . . 19

Jonni Yeomans . . . . . . . . . 15 Julie Ford . . . . . . . . . . 17 Kaitlyn Cumming . . . . . . . . 13 Karen Watt . . . . . . . . . . 4 Karleen Landry . . . . . . . . . 21 Kate Potter . . . . . . . . . . 19 Kim Nobert . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kristina Giffford . . . . . . . . 10 Lauralyn Connor . . . . . . . . 20 Leah Card . . . . . . . . . . 12 Linda Skelly . . . . . . . . . . 18 Lindsay Berry . . . . . . . . . 21 Lorianna Bennett . . . . . . . . 22 MaryAnn Shewchuk . . . . . . . 8 Michelle Brezina . . . . . . . . . 9 Mindy & Nina . . . . . . . . . 22 Rose Tomlinson . . . . . . . . . 9 Stacey Vair . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sairung Senger . . . . . . . . . 11 September Kuromi . . . . . . . 21 Sharlene Patko . . . . . . . . . 4 Sukwinder Sawa . . . . . . . . 10 Tammie Strack . . . . . . . . . 20 Tammy Keiff . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tara Holmes . . . . . . . . . 18 Tracy Munson . . . . . . . . . 21 Vix Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Wedny Warkman . . . . . . . . 16

PHOTO: ROXANE KOLLE

8 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

Fay McCracken Fay McCracken is a Entrepreneur and a Bed & Breakfast Coach. She is the owner/operator of Salmonberry Lane BnB and Mystic Mountain Re-Creations in Clearwater BC.

The BnB is open all year around www. salmonberrylanebnb.com. It’s a great place to stay and hike in the beautiful Wells Gray Park of Clearwater. Enjoy cross country skiing & more.

Fay is offering 2 day workshops on how to Start & Run your own BnB, they will be offered throughout the winter & spring 2018.

Mystic Mountain Re-Creations is the exclusive dealer for PIY Furniture Paint in the North Thompson Valley. She does custom painting, workshops and home parties from Barriere to Blue River.

HOW TO START & RUN YOUR OWN BnB

2 DAY WORKSHOP & RETREAT WINTER 2018 • LIMITED SPACE www.salmonberrylanebnb.com salmonberrylanebnb@gmail.com 250-674-3068

North Thompson Women In Business

(NTWIB) was established in 2013 as a not-for-profit organization created in order to give a voice to Clearwater and District businesswomen, whether they be professionals, run their own businesses, thinking about starting a business or work for others. Our aim is to offer as many networking opportunities as possible to all women and to promote one another’s businesses. We hold interesting and enjoyable social events where both members and the general public are welcome to attend.

We have numerous Guest Speakers; and offer provocative thinking, innovative business ideas, and workable solutions. Have your mostpressing business challenges, concerns, and questions addressed in our open forum. Exchanging ideas & insights. .

New changes for our meeting, We will meet every second month ( last Monday) November, January and March. New Hours will be 4pm - 6pm at the Wells Gray Inn in Clearwater. Drop in fee of $2.00 and you purchase your own refreshments and dinner.

We also host a site for things to do and offered in the North Thompson Valley (Barriere to Valemount) very affordable advertising on our web site. www.thingstodonorththompson.com. Like us and advertise on our Facebook Site. North Thompson Businesses.

In April of 2018, we are currently working on hosting a Home & Garden Expo. This will be open to all businesses from Kamloops to Valemount. The Expo is open to all sectors of businesses, outdoor activities, retail, home-based, internet, spa’s, artisans, crafters, auto shops and so much more. We are working on the location, date and costs.

Please email ntwomeninbusiness@gmail.com for more information.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

MaryAnn Shewchuk

Drake Cremation & Funeral Services started first in Clearwater in 2005 and expanded to Barriere in 2007. The company focuses on helping families at their worst time and believes in a core principle of helping and not pressuring. Going beyond expectations is an everyday event.

MaryAnn was born and raised in Uncas, Alberta, a small rural farming and dairy community. She moved to Barriere, BC in 1990. In 2005, Drake Smith was looking for assistants in Clearwater, BC. MaryAnn applied for the position, drove from her home in Barriere to attend an information session, and began working on-call until 2010 when she then became an apprentice.

She graduated as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 2012, and became the manager of North Thompson Valley operations almost immediately. MaryAnn isn’t limited to serving people in Clearwater and Barriere, however.

She meets with families from Heffley Creek to McBride and all points in between.

MaryAnn has two grown children and five grandchildren, two sisters and a brother. She also has the support of Tim, who knows this is a way of life not just a job. MaryAnn also has a great many friends who understand that leisure time is difficult to predict. She would be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can call her at 250-674-3030 or

email her at maryann@drakecremation.com.

Do You Sometimes Wish You Felt More Inner Peace About Your Life?

• De-stress • Improve your communication skills • Feel more connected to yourself and others • Gain wisdom and perhaps a new perspective

Every April & October

Check website for dates www.vixmeyer.weebly.com

Drake DrakeCremation Cremation !

!

& Funeral Services

& Funeral Services

210 Lansdowne, Kamloops • 250-377-8225 DrakeCremation.com • AFFORDABLE & NO BLACK SUITS

REGISTER TODAY - vixmeyer@hotmail.com This will all take part in a safe, non-threatening, confidential environment.

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 9

Manage your time more effectively H

ectic schedules can make managing time seem like a riddle wrapped inside an enigma.

Many people feel there are not enough hours in the day, but you need not look for extra hours in the day to manage your time more effectively.

• Examine your existing time management: Before creating strategies for changing the way you manage your time, you first need to understand how you are currently spending it. Jot down what you do during an average week.

Include how long you spend conversing, when you start working, how often you check your email, etc. Analyze this time in an effort to determine how much of it is being spent doing something productive and how much is getting in the way of getting things done.

• Complete crucial tasks first: Figure out which of your daily tasks are most important and take care of those first before moving

on to less important tasks. This can reduce stress and make you feel more confident you can accomplish the smaller tasks.

• Write things down: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when there are many things swimming around in your head.

Put your to-do list down on paper.

Seeing it in black and white can help you separate the important tasks from other things that can be put off for the time being or delegated to someone else. If necessary, use a day planner or set notifications on your smartphone.

• Avoid instant access: Schedule a time to return phone calls and instant messages rather than thinking you need to reply right away. Some notes may require immediate attention, but many likely do not.

• Turn off email notifications: Email notifications can be very distracting when you are trying to get work done.

Turn these off so you can concentrate more on the tasks at hand.

•B lock out distractions: Turn off your television and phone and steer clear of social media while trying to get things done. Come back to them later when you’ve completed your tasks.

• Recharge with downtime: Physical & mental fatigue can contribute to procrastination.

Plan periodic breaks throughout your day. These breaks can help you be more productive by re-energizing you.

•B e flexible: What works for another person may not work for you. Therefore, try a variety of strategies to get a better handle on time management until you discover one that works best for you.

Rose Tomlinson Michelle Brezina

Rose Tomlinson was in her mid-20s when she entered the travel industry. Needless to say, the travel agency manager at Maritime Travel has seen massive changes in the years since.

Rose’s travels have taken her throughout Europe and across Mexico, Australia, Turkey, Russia and the Caribbean, giving her the first-person insight so crucial to her career, in which she helps others per fect the art of travelling.

As those with wanderlust can attest, the travel bucket list seems to grow each year — even as destinations are crossed off. For Rose, the same holds true as travelling gives her a sense of freedom and excitement difficult to find in other endeavours.

Rose enjoys all manner of travel, but does tend to gravitate toward exotic locations.

As she is slowly becoming an empty-nester, with three daughters in university, Rose will have more time to discover travel gems, which will help her further fine-tune her skills when sending clients on unforgettable vacations.

When Rose is not satisfying her travel bug, or that of a client, she enjoys walks in nature, kayaking, reading and spending time with friends and family.

ONLINE AND COMPETITOR PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE COLUMBIA SQUARE - 500 NOTRE DAME DR [ACROSS FROM BOSTON PIZZA] maritimetravel.ca | 778-471-5619 | kamloops@maritimetravel.ca

Michelle Brezina is proud to have joined the Kamloops Maritime Travel team. Michelle welcomes her previous clients from Sears Travel, where she began her successful career in 2007.

“We have a great team here, we all have our special areas of expertise. It’s a fun office, we certainly LOVE TRAVEL and it shows!

Over the years, she has had the privilege to travel to many beautiful destinations and loves planning trips for her clients to Europe, whether it be a coach tour or a river cruise! Michelle enjoys researching travel itineraries to fit her clients’ needs and is always up for a challenge!

Outside of work, Michelle is a 15 year season ticket holder to the Kamloops Blazers, as well as enjoys watching curling and the Toronto Blue Jays. She enjoys spending time with her family at the lake cabin on Green Lake, reading a good book, exploring our beautiful province on road trips and of course travelling!

Michelle looks forward to the opportunity of working with you to plan your next dream vacation!

ONLINE AND COMPETITOR PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE COLUMBIA SQUARE - 500 NOTRE DAME DR [ACROSS FROM BOSTON PIZZA] maritimetravel.ca | 778-471-5619 | kamloops@maritimetravel.ca

10 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

Tips for women mulling a career change

W

omen considering a career change may experience mixed emotions.

The excitement elicited by such a decision may be tempered by fear. Such fear is natural when embarking on a new path and leaving behind some security and professional equity, but that fear should not be the deciding factor when women mull whether or not to change careers.

The decision to change careers is something that requires careful thought and ample consideration of a host of factors. Women facing such a decision can consider the following tips to ensure they make the best choice for themselves: • Consider your motivation before pursuing a change: The motivation behind a career change can go a long way toward determining if that change is ultimately successful. Money can be a great motivator, but if money is the only thing driving a change, women might be better off pursuing new opportunities within their existing field rather than changing careers

KRISTINA GIFFORD

Ensuring the needs of every patient are met has been the daily goal of Kristina Gifford, who joined Kipp Mallery Pharmacy 17 years ago, straight out of the University of British Columbia.

In 2014 Kristina purchased the business and now has three locations in Kamloops: in the heart of downtown at Victoria Street and Third Avenue, in Landmark Centre at Summit Drive and McGill Street, across from Thompson Rivers University, and in the Dallas Towne Centre, next to Market Fresh Foods.

Gifford is based mainly in the downtown site, where she loves the diverse clientele, noting every day is different as the needs of each patient varies.

Kipp Mallery offers complimentary medication consultations, diabetes consults and travel medication and vaccinations. And, when commercially available products are not meeting the needs of patients, due to availability or dosage issues, the pharmacy can provide tailor-made medications.

Kipp Mallery has compounding solutions for the entire family, from pain medication and bio-identical hormone-replacement therapy to dermatological issues.

The pharmacy has a wide range of clinical, compounding and prescription services at all three locations, with the downtown site offering a comprehensive home health care department that includes certified stocking fitters and certified mastectomy fitters. And, for those in need of a doctor, Kipp Mallery has an in-store iMedicine Patient studio.

Sukwinder Sawa

Sukwinder has lived in Kamloops more than 30 years and can't imagine living anywhere else.

Spice Of India Cuisine has been satisfying appetites since 2009, offering a diverse selection of Indian cuisine for all tastes and solidifying the Northills Shopping Centre eatery as the premium Indian restaurant in Kamloops.

In addition to serving fantastic food, Spice is passionate about giving back to the community.

This year, Spice was involved with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and will again be a proud contributor to the Kamloops This Week Christmas Cheer Fund. Spice is also honoured to have been voted No. 1 in both the Kamloops Daily News and KTW Readers’ Choice Awards for six years.

Please join us for our amazing all you can eat lunch buffet. Make sure you come hungry because we know you will leave Spice full.

We now have 3 locations to better serve our customers!

Kipp-Mallery Pharmacy Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Kamloops Corner of 3rd Avenue and Victoria Street.

250-372-2531

Kipp-Mallery Dallas Located in the Dallas Towne Center, beside Market Fresh.

778-469-5271

Kipp-Mallery Landmark Located in the Landmark Center, on the parking lot side, Corner of Summit and McGill across from TRU. 236-425-0025

#1-700 Tranquille Road, Kamloops • 250.376.4444 Lunch Buffet & a la Carte: Mon-Sat 11am to 2pm Dinner: a la Carte • Mon-Sat 4:30pm to 9:30pm Sunday 4pm-9pm

www.spicekamloops.com

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 11 entirely. Staying within the field will allow women to capitalize on the professional equity they have built over their careers, while also providing a new challenge. A genuine interest in another profession or a desire to find a better work-life balance might make for better motivators to change careers than simply switching to make more money.

• Do your homework: Career changes require hard work and, if extra schooling is necessary, a potentially hefty financial investment. Women should thoroughly research any fields they might pursue before making a change so they can fully understand the commitment they will need to make. Once they get an idea of what they will need to do make a successful career change, women should speak with their family to discuss the effects that their pursuit may have on family members. Such a discussion can make the transition to a new career easier and the support a woman’s family provides along the way can serve as something to lean on if or when things start to feel overwhelming.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Many people are dissatisfied with their careers and those who aren’t might have been at one time. When mulling a career change, don’t be afraid to seek help. Help might come from family or friends, but women shouldn’t limit themselves with regard to whose help they will accept. If a woman wants to become a college professor, she shouldn’t hesitate to contact a professor at a local college, explaining her situation and asking for any advice. Women have nothing to lose by reaching out and such help can prove invaluable.

And women might be surprised to learn just how willing even strangers might be to lend a hand.

• Give yourself time: Career changes are rarely an overnight process.

Successfully switching careers takes time, so don’t give yourself a quick deadline to make a change. Such pressure likely won’t increase your chances of making a successful switch and you won’t enjoy the process nearly as much if you bury yourself in pressure.

Ashley Eaton Sairung Senger

Rainbow has come so far in the last 12 months. We recently completed we what we believe is the largest bio-hazards Kamloops has seen at over a quarter million dollars. I am so pleased Rainbow Restoration was chosen to restore Hudson Bay Landing and we are proud of the results. This project brought back to life a landmark, as well as created more jobs and affordable housing for Kamloops.

We are always looking for new ways to help the community, through Kamloops Women in Business, Aurora Rotary, Chamber (Membership Ambassador), CHBA the Kamloops Networking Group. Helping others is what we are all about!

24/7 EMERGENCY CALL OUT | FREE ASSESSMENTS (778) 470-2237

W W W.RAINBOWK AMLOOPS.COM

Sairung cannot say thank you enough to the people of Kamloops. “It has been a very good journey for me in the past two years since we opened Kamloops Thai Massage, so many learning experiences”.

She studied at the Wat Po Thai Medical Massage School in Bangkok, Thailand, and is fully trained and certified. Thai Massage stimulates the acupressure points in relation to the concept of energy lines. It provides major pain relief by working on tendons and stretching and loosening tightened muscles. This focus releases tension and relieves joints.

Sairung’s business originally opened in the basement of her house to see if there was a market for Thai Massage in Kamloops. Within a few months, she knew people really liked it. The business soon expanded into the perfect spot for the studio at Rogers Place. She now employs up to 3 full-time Thai Massage specialists.

Kamloops Thai Massage’s studio reflects their brand “Authentic Thai Massage”, beautifully. Drop in for a tour to see the elegant and original Thai decor and the custom Thai massage tables. The professionally delivered services include: Traditional Thai Massage, Oil Massage and Foot Massage.

When asked how long she will do massage, Sairung smiles and says, “As long as I can. I enjoy helping people.” She adds, “With some of my clients, I feel like they are part of my family. I want everyone to know that I will always be here if anyone wants a massage that works.”

1815 Rogers Place • Kamloops 250.682.5955 www.kamloopsthaimassage.com Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm www.facebook.com/kamloopsthaimassage

14 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

digital.kamloopsthisweek.com Has A

For

DIGITAL team

your business

Your one stop media company

Web Design Hosting Marketing Social

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 15

Build a strong professional network

N

etworking is often seen as a means to further one’s career, but developing a group of professional contacts can also be a great way for professionals to stay abreast of the trends in their particular fields. Networking also can benefit small businesses as they look to connect with vendors that can help them grow their businesses.

A strong professional network is not built overnight and many professionals spend years nurturing relationships with people in their networks. It takes patience and hard work, but the right network can pay dividends for years to come.

Individuals and business owners can take several approaches when building professional networks they will rely on for years to come: • Ask around: Some individuals may hesitate to seek networking advice out of fear of appearing opportunistic. But successful professionals understand the need to network, so your colleagues will likely be glad to offer referrals if they’re in a position to do so. When receiving a referral, ask if you can use the person’s name, which should help you establish a connection during the introductory process. Resist the idea that using a colleague’s name when meeting a professional you hope to work with is something sinister, as the name will only help you with the introduction. Once the introduction has been made, it’s up to you to do the rest.

•R econnect with your college or university: Another great way to build a professional network is to reconnect with your college or university.

When meeting people affiliated with your alma mater, the ice has already been broken in a sense, as the school is essentially a built-in connection. You also won’t have to worry about the awkwardness that might come when meeting a professional contact with whom you have less in common. Alumni organizations and local chapters can introduce you to people who earned your degree at your school, and many people love to help out their fellow alumni.

• Get active in your industry: Referrals are not the only way to develop professional contacts. Being active in your industry by joining professional organizations and attending seminars and other industry events is a great way to expand your network.

Volunteer to work with professional organizations when possible or offer to host information sessions or educational workshops at your business.

• Employ social media: Social media is not just for kids. In fact, social media is a great way for professionals to make and maintain professional contacts. LinkedIn, for example, makes it easy to connect with fellow professionals who are looking to do the same. Twitter can be used to promote professional events, such as seminars or workshops with which you are working.

These platforms can be used to grow your network quickly and easily, but be sure to vet each person you connect with to make sure you are affiliating yourself with the right people.

Born and raised in Kamloops, Jonni, after living in the Lower Mainland, knew she would return to her home town in the heartland of the province.

As the owner of Jonni’s Styling Studio for 32 years, Jonni is honored to be included in this special feature among women noted for their positive impact in our city.

“I feel invested in our community when involved with projects that bring volunteers together”. She adds “With an amazing team of like minded people and generous local sponsors, I organized two successful events; “Paint the City Pink” which raised over $11,400 to support Royal Inland Hospital, and “Downtown is Trending” to bring awareness and exposure to our beautiful downtown.

Professionally, Jonni focuses on service, and ensuring her skills stay sharp.

As a national colorist and educator for Paul Mitchell®, Redken, and Sebastian, she offers mentoring to keen individuals wishing to embark on a career in the beauty industry.

She has served as liason for the Hairdressing and Cosmetology course for our school district, and also on the board of directors for the KCBIA. She received national recognition as a finalist in the Contessa Canadian Hairstylist of the Year in 2016 and also honored with the John Steinberg Award for Community Service. This year Jonni is competing as a finalist in Kamloops Extreme Makeover, vying for another community service award.

Jonni is pleased to announce the opening of her NEW salon in December ‘17, located uptown at the Landmark Building across from T.R.U.

As mothers themselves, BARRE Kamloops co-owners Kristen Pickell and Geralyn Alain know how hard it can be to make time for fitness and have catered their boutique studio to help other moms find “me” time once again. With an offering of pre-natal and Mom & Baby fitness classes as well as the recent introduction of a child-minding space, they have hit the mark.

Even for those without kids in tow, BARRE Kamloops offers a welcoming atmosphere with large windows and modern breezy décor – no intimidating heavy weights or machines in sight. Instead, resistance bands and light weights are common place in the studio and provide a welcome change for people looking to challenge their body in a different way with small, but effective movements.

“Our classes are for anyone—you definitely do not need to be flexible or coordinated. We’ll talk you through everything you need to know,” says Pickell.

“We promise you’ll have a lot of fun, and get a good, full-body burn out of it too,” Alain adds.

Clients don’t just attend BARRE classes for the killer workout, however – the sense of accountability and comradery is evident as soon as you walk through the door .

“We work at building relationships and friendships.

That’s what it’s all about. People stick around after class, chatting and getting to really know each other.

You’re not a nameless body, coming in and going without anyone noticing. We don’t just care about shaping bodies at our studio, we care about building community”.

Jonni Yeomans KRISTEN & GERALYN

250-372-7594 • 105-147 Victoria St.

jonnis.com

103-150 Victoria St 250.682.8323

www.BARREKamloops.com

16 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

IMPROVE YOUR RESUME C

hanging jobs can be a difficult decision to make, especially later in one’s career. In many ways, landing a new job is more challenging than ever due to the technology-driven society in which people live. Information is shared faster than ever and applying for jobs isn’t the same as it might have been as recently as a decade ago.

One thing that has evolved is the resumé. Although creating a powerful resumé has always been a challenge, modifying one for today’s digital world requires some insider tips.

Adapting a resumé as one ages and has gained experience can be advantageous. A well-crafted resumé is one way for professionals to demonstrate

how their skill set is current and adaptable to today’s business climate.

The following tips can help improve a resumé when the time comes to move on to a new job:

1

Focus on your accomplishments: Rather than focusing on job responsibilities at each job you held, gear the resumé around what you achieved in each position.

This will help identify how you performed in the position instead of just a general retelling of what you did.

It can be challenging to achieve this for jobs that don’t naturally lend themselves to numerically quantitative results (i.e., increased department sales by 15 per

cent), but it’s still possible to use a resumé to illustrate your achievements.

Rather than state you were responsible for providing customer service, explain that you built your reputation on conveying difficult technical terms to the layperson, serving as the go-to employee for translating job jargon for outside correspondence. If you have quantitative proof of how you accomplished something, certainly add it. This can include measures of profit growth, reduction of debt or increase in customer base.

2

Aim for the future: Rather than emphasize what you did, highlight what you plan to do.

This means giving greater weight to the expertise that will translate into your new position. Chances are you can find skills that you honed in one or more jobs that translate into credentials that can be used on another. All of the skills mentioned should be relevant to your career objective and not just added to pad the résumé. Therefore, unless your brief stint waiting tables exemplifies how you developed customer service skills, eliminate it.

Stacey Vair Wendy Warkman

Mortgage | Insurance | Investment | Broker I have had the very good fortune over the last 14 years of being involved in an industry that I love. No two days are the same as every one of my clients have unique situations that require one-of-a kind solutions. As a broker, my business is essentially a one-stop “bank for the savvy consumer” as I offer a full service financial services brokerage providing mortgage, insurance, and investing solutions from 19+ banks, lenders, and insurance companies from across Canada to all areas of British Columbia. As part of the Canadian financial industry since 2003, I have deep understanding of the traditional financial and insurance landscape; enabling me to continue to provide expert financial advice, for everyday life. By offering seamless solutions for my client’s residential and commercial financing, their insurance, and investing needs, I am able to solidify the future financial wellbeing for my client’s and their families.

As a mother of a young family and having the responsibilities of a full career in the financial industry, I understand the delicate balance needed between family life and career. In developing a comprehensive blueprint of my goals, I recognize it is essential to plan ahead.

There is not a lot of “downtime” for most of people these days, so being as cost-effective and efficient as possible is always my top priority.

Doing the same for my friends and clients is simply as natural progression of that responsibility.

245 1st Avenue, Kamloops | 250-374-2138 Stacey.Vair@gmail.com

Wendy Warkman has lived in Kamloops since 1984, and likes to keep active by biking hiking skiing and kayaking. She is just great; what a chatty gal. There is no way you can have an off day when you are working with Wendy. She is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She is the mastermind behind the operation .She is still completely baffled that she has managed in small business for so long having had no entreprunial background. “It is a miracle, we must be doing something right!”. I guess we are because otherwise, it just wouldn’t be this much fun. You really have to enjoy what you do because you spend so much time doing it.

Wine kits are absolutely a great way to make wine. We have a huge selection of wines from around the world. We also carry everything else you will need for wine making, including the labels, corks, wine bottles and ton of accessories. All of our equipment is state of the art and maintained in perfect working order to ensure your wine making experience at Sippers is flawless and fun.

Judging from competition results, kit wines are excellent, increasingly often indistinguishable from commercial wines, and are winning more awards.

According to statistics the general interest in wine, globally, is increasing dramatically and we would like to be positioned to provide the Kamloops population a place to learn more about what is available and to have the opportunity to create custom wines to individual tastes whatever is desired and available.

We love wine! Our expertise in recommending the right wine for you is a result of rigorous testing of commercial product coupled with intimate knowledge of all the wines that we offer.

The result? You get the wine best suited to your personal tastes.

It’s guaranteed.

We consider wine as something that adds value to a social setting, a fine meal or a quiet evening at home. We want our customers to create, savour and share fine wines from juices sourced from the best wine producing regions of the world; from vendors who have established a reputation as leaders within the industry.

In an effort to give back to the community, Sippers is proud to sponsor many local events, organizations and charities around the Kamloops area.

Sippers

winemakers 182 Tranquille Rd • 250-554-9463

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 17

3

Choose the right keywords: It’s important to optimize a résumé for digital scanning, which has become a major component of the employment sector. This includes using the correct keywords and phrasing so your résumé will get “flagged.” Take your cue from the job advertisements themselves and mimic the verbiage used. Replace the lingo accordingly, tailoring it to each job for which you apply. Also, consult the “about us” area of a prospective employer’s website. This area may offer clues about buzz words for the industry.

4

Set yourself apart: Engage in activities that can improve your marketability. Be sure to list training, coursework, degree or volunteer efforts that pertain directly to the skills needed for the job to which you’re applying.

These additions can tip the scales in your favour over another applicant.

Résumés continue to evolve and it is crucial for applicants — especially established workers — to familiarize themselves with the changes and market themselves accordingly.

Julie Ford

Julie Ford is a pharmacist with an MBA and a diverse career as a health professional in Kamloops. She works at Glover’s Medicine Centre, a pharmacy specializing in compounding prescriptions for people and pets. Julie is in her 6th year on the Board of Directors for the BC Pharmacy Association, which represents the business aspect of community pharmacy in British Columbia.

Backed by an amazing team of knowledgeable pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and assistants at Glovers, Julie is able to focus on what she loves most, helping people optimize their health and deal with complicated medication issues. She has a special interest in vaccines and travel medicine and is licensed to give vaccines in the pharmacy.

Julie is very involved with the BC Pharmacy Association, and regularly collaborates with local pharmacists to promote and enhance pharmacy services in BC. This summer, when the wildfires broke and a state of emergency was declared in BC, Julie and her pharmacy colleagues set up a makeshift pharmacy at the Sandman Centre to help the evacuees deal with their medication issues.

Outside of work, Julie is dedicated to her two daughters and volunteers at their school and manages her daughters soccer team. She loves the diverse career and recreational opportunities that Kamloops offers and feels fortunate to live in such an amazing community where one can have a good work/life balance. Julie loves mountain biking on our gorgeous trails and skiing at Sun Peaks.

Glover’s Medicine Centre Pharmacy

250-851-3131 #10-1380 Summit Drive glovers@medicinecentre.com

Cindy Ross Friedman

Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Ross Friedman, FRSA is a full professor in Biological Sciences at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. She is a popular professor and respected researcher, holding national grants, and has been inducted into the inaugural cohort of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.

She was the very first person to proceed through the new tenure system at TRU, and the first woman to be internally promoted to Full Professor.

During her time at TRU, she has been honoured with a Teaching Excellence, Research Excellence, and, most recently, an Excellence in Undergraduate Mentorship Award by her institution. Last year, she was inducted as a Fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), and this summer, she was made a “Life Fellow” for that same organization. She is known as an environmentalist, an advocate for Human Rights and for her LGTBQ2SA+ activism.

Her research group showed—in a Nature Communications paper—that the parasitic flowering plant Arceuthobium americanum (Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe) undergoes thermogenesis (internal heat generation) to explosively-discharge its seeds.

She has been on national radio (e.g., CBC’s Quirks and Quarks) and television in many instances not only to discuss her team’s research, but also to act as a spokesperson for a coalition of concerned community groups opposed to the KGHM Ajax mine, a copper/gold open-pit mine project proposed to be located within 1 km of the Kamloops city boundary. She is an outspoken opponent of the proposed mine.

Dr. Ross Friedman is also an accomplished musician who currently plays in a local Latin ensemble, “Caliente”, but has also played in rock bands. In addition to performing and recording as a solo singer-songwriter. Recently, she has turned her eyes to municipal politics, believing that substantive change has to start by understanding the needs and wants of Kamloops’ citizens. She can be contacted for academic or other reasons via her gmail account: cindyrossfriedman@gmail.com

Women

of Kamloops This Week

LINDA SKELLY

The many years I spent as a retail manager with a major Canadian department store could not have prepared me better for my position as an Advertising Consultant with Kamloops This Week.

Marketing and customer service is paramount in business today and being able to apply those skills that I learned over the years to my wonderful client’s businesses is very rewarding.

When we started introducing Women of The Thompson Valley to our customers, I began to realize just how important these skills are. All my clients that I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help put together their bio for this feature reminded me that service is still the most important asset any individual can have whether its

JODI LAWRENCE Our family moved to Kamloops on a cold and snowy February day in 2007.

We sold our little house in Victoria and found a great property in bucolic Barnhartvale. We love living out there as it is really not far from town, yet it is quiet and peaceful, unlike the busy road on which we lived in the provincial capital.

I have always been in sales in one form or another and started in advertising in 2011 with the Kamloops Daily News.

It’s an intense world of deadlines, but

a professional service or product they are selling.

This feature has given me an opportunity to learn a lot more about the individuals I see or work with on a regular basis, and your clients will love learning about you too.

I am so impressed with so many women in our community who work hard to make Kamloops a better place. I thoroughly enjoy partnering to help you build your businesses. It is exciting to see your results and see you reach your goals.

It has been a privilege getting to know you all a little better and I look forward to working with you all again very soon.

I was born in Sask., raised a “Shuswap Girl “and lived in North Vancouver & Chase before calling Kamloops home 6 years ago. I enjoys traveling and all outdoor activities including water & snow skiing, mountain biking, camping & snowmobilin.

it keeps me onmy toes. I have met so many amazing people in this industry over the years and consider them friends.

My nature is to help people and I get to do that every day as we guide our clients in growing their businesses.

I feel very blessed to have had so many wonderful women confide in me on a level that becomes very personal.

I appreciate their trust in me and I ensure that trust is always top of mind when I am working for them.

JENNIFER BETTS

I arrived in Kamloops this past summer after having lived in the Lower Mainland all of my life.

Moving to the Thompson Valley is something I have wanted to do for a long time and for many reasons. After only four months of living here, I know I would never go back.

Kamloops offers everything I thought I would miss moving to a smaller town, with none of the big city hassles. I have recently come on board at Kamloops This Week as an advertising consultant and, with 15 years of businessto-business sales experience, I am enjoying immensely the transition to working in media.

I am a strict adherent to the idea that a

successful consultant is one who loves helping others attain their business goals and objectives and that a long-term relationship with a client will always serve them better than a quick fix.

This suits my personality well as I take delight in getting to know people and appreciate the myriad personalities life has to offer. As a wife and mother of four grown children with my own story to tell, I relish hearing the tales of others.

As a woman who knows the value of hard work, I am excited to be a part of this year’s edition of Women of the Thompson Valley.

I look forward to many years at Kamloops This Week and working with the business community in the city and region.

The talented, dedicated women of Kamloops This Week’s sales team have a tremendous amount of experience, expertise and creativity to bring your marketing to life – and to bring customers to your business!

Contact them today:

250-374-7467 • www.KamloopsThisWeek.com/contact-us • digital.KamloopsThisWeek.com

TARA HOLMES

Give me a K! Give me a T! Give me a W! I am definitely Kamloops This Week’s biggest cheerleader and in taking on the role of Marketing and Promotions Director it gives me a chance to educate everyone on the vital role we play in Kamloops and surrounding area. No where else can you find the in depth stories that focus on local newsmakers, athletes, artists, and community leaders.

I love Kamloops and by collaborating with organizations it gives us the opportunity to showcase the potential we have here. From the Outside the Box Newspaper Art project, to Raise a Reader, to Christmas Cheer, I could

KATE POTTER

My career in customer service began at the age of 14 and the it was just a job but I quickly realized that I cared about people and giving the best customer service possible.

Joining the team at Kamloops this Week has allowed me the opportunity to develop relationships with business owners and help them build their businesses. I have always believed that it’s not about the sale but the relationships we build and being

go on and on about the importance that Kamloops This Week plays in that.

I have also been enjoying writing a dating column bi-weekly called Holmes is Where the Heart is and have been successfully matching couples along the way. Kamloops is a relationship based city, and I love the friends and colleagues I have met at KWIB, BNI, Chamber, and I have recently joined the newly formed Uptown (KUBA) committee.

I love giving back to the City and there are many places I volunteer every year. Our City recently lost a larger than life contributor so I hope everyone who reads this can sign up for something new to help people in need.

able to offer solutions that work. We recently launched KTW Digital and this has allowed us to offer our clients even more.

As a mother to three wonderful children, 5, 10, and 15, I am kept very busy at home! My wonderful husband keeps me sane and doesn’t mind when I escape to the gym for a few hours!

Life has a way of keeping us on our toes and I have learned to embrace change and live every moment to its fullest.

DARLENE KAWA

Although I have “ink in my veins”, I am more than aware of the importance of multiple platforms in the media. I joined KTW this year, but I am deeply ingrained in the media business, having spent more than 20 years at The Daily News, helping clients get their messages out in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented business that always keeps me on my toes.

During my time in sales, I have had the privilege of managing accounts for a plethora of clients, from small business owners and government agencies to national corporations and realtors.

Through it all, I learned clients put their trust in you and that trust is never taken for

granted, From Day 1, my goal has been to work with integrity and honesty and that mission is unwavering.

I have had a front-seat view to the evolving landscape of the print world. I remain intensely passionate about our print products, but I realize the need to offer our clients myriad other options on the digital spectrum — an area in which Kamloops This Week has planted deep roots.

I’m a prairie girl, but Kamloops is my home!

(After all, you can’t snow ski in Saskatchewan!)

Kamloops is where I have raised my three (now grown) children and Kamloops This Week is where I will continue to deliver clients, in print and online, to the largest audience of any media organization in the city.

20 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 • Learn the recruiting schedule: Some professions may recruit interns yearround, while others may only look for interns during particular times of the year. Speak with your academic advisor or someone in your university’s career-placement department to determine when opportunities in your field are most likely to be available. Make sure your materials (i.e., résumé and portfolio) are ready when that recruiting season begins;

How young women can land the right INTERNSHIP

I

nternships provide great opportunities for young women to get their professional feet wet.

While classroom lessons provide theoretical senses of what a profession might be like, an internship gives an actual sense, shedding light on how a particular business or industry operates.

Young women looking for internships can take various steps to ensure they land the most beneficial opportunities available to them. Competition for internships can be fierce and young women who want to set themselves apart from the field can employ various strategies as they search for internships:

•D on’t limit yourself: Cast a wide net when searching for an internship.

If you want to be an investment banker, landing an internship that allows you to work alongside investment bankers may be ideal.

However, limiting yourself to only those opportunities may be prohibitive and you may end up with nothing. Maintain an open mind when pursuing internships. Even if you don’t land your dream internship, another opportunity may provide plenty of hands-on experience while also allowing you to get your foot in the door; • Tell the truth: Embellishing your résumé might help you get an interview, but chances are the interviewer will learn pretty quickly if your purported skills are authentic. Internship programs are designed for students with little or no experience who might one day turn into valued employees. If a company suspects an internship candidate of embellishing her skills and experience now, that candidate might never get her foot back in the door. Tell the truth and express your excitement at any opportunity that allows you to apply classroom lessons in real world settings.

•D on’t accept just any internship: Not every internship is worth the effort. While interns may be asked to perform some menial tasks during their internships, the right opportunities afford interns the chance to get professional experience and interact with working professionals. If an opportunity is largely or exclusively clerical, you might be better off continuing your search or volunteering with a firm.

Tammie Strack

Tammie moved from Vancouver to Kamloops in 2009 and never looked back.

After 15 exciting years trucking professional long haul, Tammie chose to leave the big miles behind and study Interior Design. With head down and laser focus, an intense journey ensued, fast tracking and earning honour credentials from B.C.I.T.’s Technology of Interior Design.

Tammie’s career was ignited with designing retirement care facilities for several years. Since transitioning to Kamloops 7 years ago, Tammie’s focus has been primarily residential interiors.

Sharp technical skills, exemplary service & relationship building are a few core character traits that define Tammie as an industry design professional.

A year and a half ago, Tammie made a dream come true, opening her new business, TripleTree Interiors & Millwork Inc. A unique business model, Tammie is proud to offer her clients full scope design services in tandem with quality custom cabinetry & finishing. TripleTree Interiors works together as a team with other local businesses to provide complete interiors start to finish.

Tammie is committed to mentor and inspire others to ‘Live with Purpose’. Sharing simple proven strategies to create economic leverage and residual income, developing a Plan B. If there is one message Tammie would like to share with the world, it would be to practise ‘Inhale Love, Exhale Gratitude’.

(236) 421-4225 • #10 - 1103 12th St., Kamloops tammie@tripletreeinteriors.ca • www.tripletreeinteriors.ca

I am an award winning, professional machine quilter and designer, and have just moved to Kamloops from White Rock, B.C., to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren. Having my work located in my home allows me time to spend with my children and grandchildren while doing something I absolutely LOVE. My studio is now complete and I am excited to be designing, quilting, writing patterns and teaching and creating my own quilts for shows. I offer one on one machine quilting lessons on the long arm or home sewing machine, free motion quilting lessons, custom ruler work lessons, and beginner quilt design and piecing lessons. I hold Friday and Saturday sewing nights where you and your friends can visit, learn and develop your quilting skills and creativity.

Please check my online calendar for dates, openings for lessons, as well as prices and information on custom quilting.

I do not label my work as either modern or traditional, but enjoy designing and quilting in a variety of ways. I create unique designs comprising of either whole cloth, hand painted and/or pieced custom quilts, tableware, pillows, bedding, wallhangings, tree skirts, christmas stockings, personalized baby quilts and quilted handbags. I offer custom quilting and design for individual customers as well as keep my Etsy store (The Artful Needle) stocked with unique and creative gifts and home decor items for the holidays and throughout the year.

I am looking forward to meeting new people from Kamloops. Currently a lot of my long arm business is from throughout North America and beyond!

For information please email lauralynconnor@hotmail.com or call 778-791-0964 to set up an appointment, visit my Etsy Shop The Artful Needle or website gallery and blog at www.theartfulneedle.com.

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 21

September Kuromi Lindsay Berry September Kuromi of Social Fire Consulting measures success in terms of intellectual and financial growth, health, personal relationships, creativity and time spent outside. Social Fire’s vision is to facilitate a community where people and companies are both successful and responsible.

In Kamloops, where September and her husband are raising three children, she pursues her diverse aspirations. She is a computer programmer with more than 20 years of experience and enjoys the challenge of creating business value. September specializes in business intelligence, executive reporting and social media.

She is also an artist and community builder, with Social Fire’s flagship offering being the Timeraiser — a silent art auction in which the currency is volunteer hours. Now in its sixth year, Timeraiser has invested thousands of dollars in the careers of local artists and raised thousands of volunteer hours for non-profit agencies in Kamloops.

COMING UP ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 TH

The Timeraiser is a fun event complete with live music, appies, awards and a cash bar. Take note that there is no obligation to volunteer and it is not a fundraiser — consider it like speed dating for volunteering in an art gallery.

Lindsay Berry is the owner and operator of Pip and Pea Clothing located at 618-a Tranquille Road. The business is celebrating its first year anniversary on Halloween.

Pip and Pea Clothing began to give parents a place to sell, swap and buy childrens clothing.

Pip and Pea Clothing sells new and gently used children’s clothing as well as accessories by local artisans. All of the clothing is washed in a scent free, dye free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent.

After several childrens consignment stores closed down in Kamloops there became a huge demand for a place to buy quality used childrens clothing. Pip and Pea however, is not a consignment store, we operate by purchasing or swapping clothing outright which suits us and our customers’ needs far better than consignment.

We are proud to have made some impactful contributions to our community over the last year. We helped to raise over $1,200 for the pediatric ward at RIH, donated $200 in gift cards to mom’s in need through the Pregnancy Care Center, we also supported evacuees this summer with free laundry service and an were an emergency donation drop off location.

We are so thankful that the Kamloops Community has embraced and supported us thus far and look forward to continuing to provide Thompson Valley parents with clean, quality, reasonably priced, gently used children’s clothing

and accessories.

618A Tranquille Road • 250-299-3331 It is my passion to assist overwhelmed moms to create their calm and happiness, even through the business. To go from overwhelmed to overjoyed.

My name is Tracy Munson and I am a Natural Health Strategist & Coach. I own Insight Natural Healing, created “The Overwhelmed Moms” Facebook Community, and am the author of “The Busy Mom’s Greatest Companion”.

As a wife and mother of four young children, I learned that keeping my personal foundation strong is crucial and necessary in progressing forward with a happy and balanced life. I believe in being self-aware and self-observant and that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and better oneself.

It is my mission to assists moms around the world to take time for themselves, feel more confident, and live at ease through any life challenge that comes their way. To feel supported in a world of judgement, have reassurance through the doubts, and have continuous guidance for any situation that may arise As a Natural Health Strategist and Coach, I know that my life events have made me who I am today and that is why I am so passionate about assisting others to see the same. To acknowledge, learn, and progress forward with each situation.

My Vision is “For all moms to think of themselves as extraordinary!”

Karleen Landry

The past year my partner Jim Bigham and myself opened the Sandbar Grill. It’s been an experience I would never have missed.

I had worked with Loblaws for seven years as a store manager and had my own store in Williams lake was quite a different type of learning experience but a valuable one. When you work with cooperate company you learn responsibly to the last penny, product accountability and squeezing out the last drop for a large company that hardly knows your name.

I then was blessed with a management position with The Kurzac family at Home Hardware for ten years. I learn about community, compassion for our staff, their families and growing a business that’s healthy because of that commitment to all people.

When deciding to move forward working for myself I need to know what I was gong to do was going to benefit not just myself but my staff my community and my immediate surroundings.

I’ve committed myself to making the best burger in town! That may sound easy but far from it, you need to start with the best product you can find! Our buns come from Craig’s Bakery, baked fresh daily.

Our beef from Devicks Ranch, lean and rich with color, all of our other meats From Gary’s Deli, great people that make exceptional product and you can only top your burger with the freshes produce around which we are lucky to get form Nu Leaf! I am proud to be open on the North Shore and am hoping to make positive change in our area, We are not just a restaurant we are part of your community, you bless us with feeding and in turn we will continue to bring you the best quality food from our Kamloops suppliers.

Come have a Complimentary Tea with me, it can make a world of a difference: www.insightnaturalhealing.ca 250-682-0707 tracymunson@insightnaturalhealing.ca

Contact Us! #10 – 177 Tranquille Road, Kamloops - Around the back, on the beach | 236-421-2270 Monday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday: closed

Stay connected for daily specials and exclusive offers.

22 | Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18

LORIANNA BENNETT Being a full time family law & personal injury lawyer and co-owner of a law practice, combined with parenting responsibilities, leaves little time for anything else! However, I always make time for community service. That is not just something I enjoy, but something I’m passionate about. For several years I sat on the TRU Foundation Board helping to raise money for scholarships and bursaries. This was my way of giving back to the university that I’m proud to call my alma mater.

Currently, I sit on the Board of Venture Kamloops and assist with various fundraising efforts for the RIH Foundation. Provincially, one of my largest commitments is through my role as director and research committee chair of the Provincial Health Services Authority. This is my opportunity to give back to the specialized health care systems in our province, and in particular to BC Children’s Hospital to which I remain forever grateful.

First and foremost, I am able to secure time for my family. My husband and three amazing children make everything else possible, and they teach me daily about the importance of work/life balance. In our “spare” time we ranch, rope and ride, and enjoy the multitude of other activities that this community has to offer. We could not be more proud to call Kamloops our home!

JEANINE BALL Jeanine was called to the bar in May of 2017, and she is thrilled to be working as an Associate at Paul & Company. Her areas of practice include family law, criminal law, personal injury law, and wills & estates. She appears regularly in both Provincial and Supreme Court. Jeanine is currently the Secretary of the Kamloops Women Lawyer’s Forum (“WLF”). Jeanine is a Vancouver native, but she is proud to call Kamloops home. She has lived here since she began Law School at TRU in 2013. Prior to law school, Jeanine worked for 10 years at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver.

Outside of her professional work, Jeanine serves on the Kamloops YM/ YWCA Board of Directors, and she has volunteered with the “Pit Stop” lunch program at Kamloops United Church. Jeanine is a member of the Kamloops Bike Rider’s Association (KBRA), and she is on the organizing committee for the KBRA series of mountain bike races for kids in Kamloops. Jeanine is also an avid mountain biker and skier. She is a past provincial champion in cross country mountain biking. She also has worked as a ski instructor for children at Whistler-Blackcomb, and she loves spending time at Sun Peaks.

PAUL & COMPANY 172 BATTLE STREET• 828-9998 WWW.KAMLOOPSLAW.COM

Dr. Tamzin Morley, ND Dr. Tamzin Morley is a board certified Naturopathic Physician who owns her own practice in the heart of downtown Kamloops. Dr. Tamzin strongly believes in the naturopathic principles of “Doctor as Teacher” as well as “Treating the Whole Person”. She utilizes her full scope of Naturopathic Medicine to treat her patients, which include; nutrition and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, physical medicine and homeopathy. She also has certifications in acupuncture, intravenous vitamin and mineral therapy and a pharmaceutical license.

Dr. Tamzin is able to treat acute and chronic health concerns and has a focus on hormone balancing, pain management, digestive health, sleep and immune support. During a patient’s first visit, Dr. Tamzin spends an hour discussing their health concerns. This thorough intake in combination with a physical exam and the appropriate lab testing allows Dr. Tamzin to find the underlying cause of a patient’s concern. Dr. Tamzin keeps up to date with evidence-based medicine through attendance at Pharmacology Conferences, Naturopathic Continuing Education Conferences and online webinars.

Dr. Tamzin is incredibly grateful to the Kamloops community for its continuous support and encouragement as she started her own practice. And when she’s not at work, Dr. Tamzin and her partner can be found snowboarding at Sun Peaks, traveling to countries where they don’t speak the language and hiking through local trails.

Dr. Tamzin Morley, ND Phone & Fax: 778-471-0909 Address: 306-153 Seymour St., Kamloops, BC Email: doctortamzin@gmail.com •Website: www.doctortamzin.com

Mindy & Nina

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was prime minister when Nina began her career at Stereo Warehouse in the accounting department. Today, in the era of Justin Trudeau as prime minister, Nina Nina Mindy is partner in the venerable business, having steadily worked her way up over the decades.

When Nina first stepped foot in the company’s door back in 1979, she was the only female in the electronics industry at that time. Later, little sister Mindy joined the team. Both sisters have worked diligently to survive and thrive in the fluctuating retail landscape that has a plethora of big-box and online competitors.

About four years ago, The Sisters felt their need for a speciality bed store in Kamloops and Sisters Sleep Gallery was born next to Stereo Warehouse on West Victoria Street.

Sisters wanted to create a peaceful & comfortable environment for their customer to try their mattresses, within their budget and without the added pressure of dealing with commissioned sales staff. Sister also felt the need to eliminate the stress of wondering how to get their new mattress into their home while getting their old mattress out.

Sisters were the first ones to offer free delivery, free set up and complimentary removal of the old beds, which some get donated to local charities. Sister Sleep Gallery carries major brand names like Sealy, Serta, Tempur-pedic, Stearns & Foster, Springwall Chiropractic and RV mattress plus a variety of headboards, specialty pillows huge section of brand names sheets and duvets. Sisters are proud to carry all Canadian made beds.

198 West Victoria St. (Next to Stereo Warehouse) Kamloops 250-377-3818

Women of the Thompson Valley 2017/18 | 23 Growing up in Kamloops I had my first job at Ladies Only Fitness at the age 16 and by the age of 17 I had completed my first strength training and group fitness instructor certifications through the YMCA. I have worked as a personal trainer in Fort McMurtay, Spruce Grove AB, Vancouver and Phuket Thailand. Moving to Thailand was one of the most fantastic experiences!

I met my husband while working and training at Sinbi Muay Thai in Ruwai Phuket. He is a retired Muay Thai fighter and I learnt so much from him, he is now the coach and owner of Warrior Muay Thai. We now share our gym space and it is amazing! We are so happy to be able to share the Art of Muay Thi and be one of only 300 Training for Warriors affiliates in the world. This training system was developed aver 20 years by my coach, mentor and friend Martin Rooney. It incorporates small group training that builds muscle, burns fat and creates community.

Owning my own gym has always been a dream of mine! I have been a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise for almost ten years, Training for Warriors Certified Coach, Functional Training Coach as well as being a certified Holistic Nutrition Coach with the Edison Institute of Nutrition for 3 years. I am currently working towards completing my Phycology of Eating Certification. I believe that your education is never finished and am always continuing my own which includes attending 2 conferences a year.

My mission in business is to teach everything I know! To provide a safe and supportive community with lots of education, growth, strength and fun. We are a holistic fitness facility and believe in empowering through education. We support the whole person, Mind, Body and Spirit, teaching people how to value and care for themselves beyond how they look. I want to help people become strong and mobile so that they can participate in their lives rather than observe from the sidelines.

There is no 21 day or 30 day fix. My goal is to educate people on how to nourish their bodies, move away from counting calories and get rid of the labels associated with women’s bodies ei. Bikini Body, Summer Body, pre-baby body. These words will never be used in my gym. The body is your life long dance partner and you need to learn how to love and flow with it.

I am so proud to be able to support our community through our Charity Bootcamps on Saturday mornings at 10am.

Since we opened 2 years ago we have raised over $5000 for local charities.

Outside of the gym I am a proud mother to our incredible almost 8 month old baby girl Elizabeth. She is one of my greatest achievements and becoming a mother has pushed me to be the greatest version of myself. I love to travel, read, listen to podcasts, learn, lift weights, train and spend time with my family.

989 McGill Place, Kamloops, BC V2C 6N9

250.371.3200

kamloops@snapfitness.com

@snapfitnesskamloops

@snapfitnesskamloops

Your ro f. Your rules.

Everyday destinations become exciting when your car is too. The GLA is a compact SUV with plenty of space and sportiness for life around town, and the handliroof. ng to make almosYour t any ter ain ferules. el comfortable.

Your Your roof. Your rules.

Everyday destinations become exciting when your car is too. The GLA is a compact SUV with plenty of space and sportiness for life around town, and the handling to make almost any terrain feel comfortable.

Everyday destinations become exciting when your car is too. The GLA is a compact SUV with plenty of space and sportiness for life around town, and the handling to make almost any terrain feel comfortable.

Drive

Drive Drive

Mercedes-Benz Kamloops, 695C Laval Crescent, Kamloops, BC, Toll Free 855-984-6603, www.mercedes-benz-kamloops.ca

Mercedes-Benz Lorem ipsum dolor, Samplestreet 23, 12345 Samplecity, Tel 01234 56 78 90, Fax 01234 56 78 90, info@sampledealer.com, www.sampledealer.com