Meet Adina Joy Markin! Adina is from the Shuswap but has lived in Kamloops for years. She is a diverse business owner who loves the arts and enjoys sneaking away to Riverside Park!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I grew up in the Shuswap but have lived in Kamloops now for 30 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My sister, Angie. We are roommates, amazing friends, each others' cheerleaders, and sounding boards. She loves me for 100% me being me, and I love her.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
My favourite store is mine, Ms. Whimsy's Gift Emporium. It is my personality splashed all over the walls (and ceiling)!
Describe yourself in one word.
Diverse.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to Greece, even for just 1 day! I need a shot of sunshine and warmth.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Art in the Park on Canada Day.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I got my underwear caught on a rack when I was bending over looking at bras at the Bay. I got stuck and took the rack over. Help was needed! I laughed at the time too! I get it.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My friend, Jodi and I just hosted a fundraiser, in my store, for a local family. We honestly didn't know what to expect and we are not professional event planners with a large budget. But we asked people for help and to give anything they could. The outpouring of generosity and community spirit was so powerful and will stay with me forever.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Family time in the summertime. We lived just above Shuswap Lake so we were at the beach a lot. We also camped quite a bit, which I am not a fan of now, but I wouldn't trade those times for anything.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Everything in my store is Canadian Handmade items. Over half of the inventory I carry is made right here in Kamloops. I buy everything outright, so I am injecting money right into the pockets of the artists and creators I buy items from. It is by no means charity. It is such a pleasure to see the wonderful things people make. We have such amazingly talented people here in Kamloops, and I get to talk with creative people every day. Shopping local has always been important to me. Now I get to help take that philosophy and make it easier and even more accessible to Kamloopsians.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
True equality for everyone. You see change, and then sometimes it seems so far away.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Riverside Park- on a bench overlooking the geese and rivers junction.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I am very passionate about changing the perception that Kamloops is just a stopover town. We have so much to offer. I have only just opened, but I have already heard from tourists saying they wish they had booked more time to stay here.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Our downtown is a gem full of green space, historic buildings and great restaurants and stores.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
This spring I want to go on three buying trips (one to Penticton, one to Vancouver and one to the Island). One day I will be able to travel again, but right now my adventure is my business. And I know I have been fortunate enough to have travelled so much already. I just want to continue to be able to be creative and work with creative people. I honestly have the best job in the world. No one is in a bad mood when they walk through the doors.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am very analytical, but also very sensitive. That's why I summed myself up as diverse. I am also very mathematically minded, but super creative. I am just all over the place! Lol.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
mswhimsysgiftemporium on Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Ms. Whimsy's Gift Emporium (located right across from City Hall).
Why did you get into/start this business?
It has been such a long journey and something I have thought about for a long time. But Ms. Whimsy's really does embody my beliefs and I only buy products that I use and love.
What is the goal of your business?
I want to grow and learn as my business grows.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Putting myself "out there" on social media. But if I don't no one will for me. And not worrying so much.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Welcome to Ms. Whimsy's, everything in here is Canadian handmade, so you are supporting local artists when you shop here."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be kind to yourself.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to talk to new business owners, similar to myself. I am here 6 days a week, so I don't get out much. But sometimes it is nice to talk with your peers, share ideas, and just know you are on the right track.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Consumers have the power to choose where they spend their money. Kamloops has so many amazing small businesses, that only survive if people make the choice to shop (dine) in them.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I try my best to be a fair and kind person every day. And I work very hard.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I have such a great support system in my family and friends, but my best friend Katie Erickson has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader during this whole process.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
EA Gourmet.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
When you shop here, you are not only supporting my business you really are supporting artists, crafters, and creators in our community. I work with and buy from such an amazing group of people that range from 16 to 81 years old. I am so lucky and feel a huge responsibility to be successful so that I can continue to keep injecting money into the creative community. Also, I am always looking for new items and like to see what people are doing out there. Feel free to pop in the store and show me what you up to! I can explain how I choose what I buy. Not everything is a good fit, but sometimes it is. And the creative process is a wonderful thing!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
