Meet Crystal. She is from Kamloops and has lived here most of her life. You could say she is passionate about Crystals, perhaps inspired by her name, as she owns a crystal jewelry company! She also creates beautiful art and other crafty items.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
From Kamloops, lived here most my life.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Tara! She gets my dry sarcastic humor and we have a ton of fun together.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Erwin's Bakery! They have the best cakes and goodies. So delicious.
Describe yourself in one word.
Kind.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To Westwold to visit my dad. There is nothing more comforting than spending time with my family.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
The farmers market. There's so much to see.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Locking my keys in my car with it running.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Getting back into my painting and art. I constantly strive to challenge myself. Trying new techniques and working with different materials. It has led in a direction I never thought I would go in.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My mom picking my brothers and I from elementary school for lunch and taking us to the drive in A&W.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to give back to the community when I can. Maybe not in the conventional way though. When I hear of someone in need, I'll take them groceries or clothing or whatever they need. If I hear of a family that doesn't have money for Christmas, I'll pull my friends together and bring them gifts and a Christmas dinner. I try to give back whenever possible.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would get rid of cancer.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The Lookout.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see the roads all fixed. No more potholes. It would make the roads nicer to look at and drive on.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The way Kamloops comes together in times of need.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Visit Ireland. It's so beautiful there, I'd like to see it in person.
Own a store where I can sell my art and jewelry.
Swim with the sharks. In a very secure cage though.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have an obsession with sharks.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Handmade by Crystal.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I had a coworker ask me to paint a few rocks for her. I started with that and its grown.
What is the goal of your business?
To become a well known local artist.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle was dealing with depression and anxiety. It took a lot of years to get to the point I am at now.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I need a nap!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Take care of those that take care of you.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend the day with Oprah. I just feel she would be so fascinating to talk to and have so many stories to tell.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Going back to school at 42 and starting a new career.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to my bestie Crystal Sterling. She's always been there for me. Without question.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sharleen Ivanauskas.
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!
