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In Focus | Cherelle Arnesen

Meet Cherelle. She has lived in Kamloops for 22 years. She is a local award-winning eco-fashion designer specializing in reusable baby products, Nuggles Cloth Diapers, and recently launched a new eco-apparel line called RococoBum, which is made in Canada from sustainable fabrics. Check out what she does at Nuggles.ca and RococoBum.com.



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born on Vancouver Island and have lived in Kamloops for 22 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
If I can only pick one, it would be my husband. I can just be me when I’m with him. We have interests in common and that’s kept us close. He’s my best friend.

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Again. Do I have to only pick one? Right now I’m going to have to say Far & Wide, because I can get lost in all the beautiful things in there.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go and visit all the places my recent ancestors walked. That would take me to a lot of amazing places. Sweden, Germany, France, New York, Quebec, England and West Africa. It means something to know where your family came from.



What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hiking. I love to get on a new trail and explore. There are certain areas where you can get off the beaten path and just stop and listen to the beautiful sounds of nature.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don’t get embarrassed. I mean I do, but rarely... I can’t think of an embarrassing time other than when I was really young, and my cousin and I lit her parents living room on fire. I was embarrassed but really should have been happy to be alive.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having children. It’s inspired me to be a better person, it’s inspired me to trust in the power of my body, and it’s inspired me to create so many wonderful things in my life. I’m in love with these two little boys and that continues to inspire me every day.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
So many. Most of them took place at the house my cousin and I burned the living room down. It was on 20 acres and we would chase horses and catch mice and throw rocks at hornets nests and walk to the corner store for 5 cent candy every day. One time we took a shortcut coming back from the store through an adjoining farmers field, realizing half way through that a bull lived in that field and was charging straight at us ... we ran for our lives and ducked through a barbed wire fence just in the nick of time. Nothing like being a kid and feeling like you were invincible.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
One of my most memorable volunteer experiences was working with Habitat for Humanity in Kamloops. I also am able to use my two Businesses to give back to the community through sponsorships and donations. A product I created is also being used to help the City with their Waste Reduction initiatives.



If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would like to see greed rid from this world. A myriad of other problems would disappear along with it. Hunger, war, proliferation of disease, environmental issues, oppression ... the list goes on of problems created by greed. I do look forward to a day when problems like these will be solved.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Chapters Book Store.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
The way people treat each other. We have so many good people, and we forget to take the time to focus on those who make other people’s lives better. People follow by example.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people of course! Diversity is what makes Kamloops stronger. That and we are surrounded by natural beauty.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Backpack through Scandinavia.
- See a space launch in person.
- Paint a masterpiece on a huge canvas.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
After graduation I decided to apply for post secondary education in Chemical Engineering, got sidetracked by a car accident and instead ended up as a Banker. I hate math. Go figure.



How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
@rellybell on Instagram, I’m also on LinkedIn.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Nuggles Designs Canada / RococoBum Apparel

Why did you get into/start this business?
For my children. I wanted to create eco-friendly products they could use, and grew it into a business and two brands (Nuggles and RococoBum).

What is the goal of your business?
With both of my brands, my goal is to encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives and start when you’re young. Right from infancy we start to leave a carbon foortprint that can remain beyond our years on this earth. We can all do our part.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The biggest struggle is always maintaining balance, and combating health issues. Keeping family as a priority is really important.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Go get it girl. I even have it framed on my wall. It’s just a way to get myself going when I’m dealing with challenges.



Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be kind. Always.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jeff Goldblum.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s sustainable. It’s healthier. It makes our economy stronger. It means more when we know who we are buying from.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My 2 little boys!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jenn Marple, owner of Lizzie Bits and recent winner of the Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. She’s a big supporter of other local businesses and an amazing business owner!

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Suvannah & Julie at Stork to Cradle Doula


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!



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].




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