In Focus Friday | Lauren Clifford

Meet Lauren. She is from the Sunshine Coast and has lived in Victoria for 10 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband. He is my best friend, not to mention he is kind, smart and basically has the best sense of humour a person could ever have.

What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
The Very Good Butchers. Hands down. They are a vegan 'butcher', selling 100% local island products. So not only is the food amazing but it's created in the community. It's an ethical choice and showcases exactly what I love about living on the island.

Describe yourself in one word.
Goofy.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii. Surfing, beer and pineapples.

What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Eating. The foodie culture is so exciting in this city. I love going out and experiencing the great things that are being created here. I also love cooking and sharing meals with friends and family.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm clumsy, I talk too much and I have a pretty silly personality. I could probably fill a book with embarrassing moments.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Living on the island is pretty inspiring. I guess that's not a particular thing, but the natural scenery, from beaches to mountains, it presents so much opportunity for fun and new experiences. It's hard not to be inspired when having limitless options. You can surf, snowboard or ski, you can hop in a kayak right downtown, it's all right in our backyard. I think that because of this, it has attracted a really vibrant community of people. Which is a second reason that it's inspirational. Everyone who lives here is here because they love it!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I loved taking off into the woods with my friends. We used to go for long hikes to see waterfalls and swim in the calm parts of the creek. We walk for hours to find snowy hills in the winter or the best cliffs to jump off into the ocean when it was warm. Living on the Sunshine Coast, there was always trees to climb, trails to trek and so much to be seen.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I can't say I formally volunteer in any sense. However, I do take a lot of pride in the community I am part of as a mom. I definitely give back to my village. My home is a revolving door of muddy boys, princess parties and all the neighbourhood kids are welcomed in our home and treated as our own.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to see farmers shift from factory farming to more multi-crop, sustainable, small-scale practices. We are so lucky to live in a place where we have an excellent climate for farming, as well as a culture that sees it's importance and has a love for local, quality and environmentally friendly practices, so we already see a lot of it here. It would be great to see more of this all over the world.

Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
Mill Hill. The hike is short but you can catch the best views of the city and the surrounding forests from the top.

Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
More affordable housing would be the most positive thing that could change for Victoria. The people who make this city great can't afford to live here. Without affordable housing, we lose our artists, hospitality, our makers and creators.

What do you think makes Victoria great?
It's a perfect mix of joie de vivr, which means the joy of living and adventurous spirit. The people here have a love of life and a need for new, exciting experiences. This city breeds and attracts people who want to get the most out of life.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Finishing my Cicerone Certification, it's like a sommelier of beer, is my first goal
2. I also want to travel down the coast in a van with no agenda
3. I would like to spend some time as a beach bum in Hawaii

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I majored in hot glass and still make as much art as I can in my spare time.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I am @thecraftbeerbroad on Instagram.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Technically I'm a student, I'm studying for my Cicerone Certification.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I realized people would rather buy beer than art.

What is the goal of your business?
I'd like to work with the beer community, and spread the word on what great things are being created and brewed on the island.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Self-doubt.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing. I adore my family. This is a wonderful city. Every experience has lead me to where I am and I absolutely love it.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'What do you want to do today?'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't forget to have a good time.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Professionally, I would love to spend 24 hours with any brewer in the city, so I could really get nerdy about the science of beer and the art of making it, but realistically, give me 24 hours to spend with anyone in the world, I'm going to pick my husband. Lucky me, I live with him.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
First of all, and most importantly, we have some of the greatest stuff to offer on the island, so I can't see why anyone wouldn't. But also, it's important to take care of each other and support people in the community who have something great to offer.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a mom. Not just becoming a parent, but being a good mom. I honestly don't know if I've fully accomplished it yet, but there are small successes to be celebrated every day and they are some of my proudest moments.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My brother, Kris. He is smack in the middle of a Radiology Residency in Halifax right now. He is studying so he can get extra training as a Vascular Radiologist. What he is doing is so important, so incredibly cool, and will really help people.

My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sarah Green. She is the Pastry Chef at 'Delish' in Oak Bay, and she is the best!

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.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Victoria!