Meet Jamie New! Jamie is from Pickering, Ontario but moved to BC five months ago. She is a passionate artist manager who loves to check out the many different breweries Kamloops has to offer!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm from a city outside of Toronto, Ontario, called Pickering! I like to say I was partially raised in Toronto, the suburbs, and Muskoka (our cottage country). I just moved to BC 5 months ago in June! Crazy.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Definitely my boyfriend. He's the only person I can spend 24/7 without wondering when I can get away. LOL.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
That's a toss-up between Jardines Domaine and Far + Wide. Jardines has the best clothing in Kamloops by far. And Far + Wide is not only very current and unique, but their product displays are so visually pleasing.
Describe yourself in one word.
Lol that's so hard. If akslfdnvfdkrehgs was a word that would be it.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
England! My childhood friend and basically (not-related) sister moved there and I need to go visit.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Brewery hopping! Haha. Seriously though Kamloops has a few sweet breweries. And wineries actually.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Literally can't remember. Oh wait, um, it's not PG enough for this article.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I'm thinking real hard. I'm inspired every day so I'm having a hard time thinking of just one thing.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Racing 3-wheelers (they were a thing back then), and 4-wheelers with my brother. Most particularly tipping the 3-wheeler by accident while racing and running it over myself (it didn't hurt). Also, manhunt. Growing up in the sticks, that was a darn fun game.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Honestly nowhere yet. I've been to 2 fundraisers up in Sun Peaks so far in the 5 months that I've been here though. The proceeds from our ticket purchases to both of those go towards 1) developing a skate park in Sun Peaks, and 2) helping more youth get out on the mountain snowboarding and skiing, etc.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would make everyone happy. Help them experience joy every day, no matter how terrible their life seems/is.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Floatin' down the river (in a boat).
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Definitely improve the economy. I don't know enough about this place yet but I see a ton of potential.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I love telling my friends and family back home that you can go up the mountain (dirt bike, hike, snowboard), and cruise on the lake, in one day. So much natural terrain surrounding fun city life.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
That's top-secret information but I guess I'll dish some things I haven't checked off. Go to the SuperBowl. Dirt Biking in the San Diego Desert. Buy my dream car with cash.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
You're opening up a crazy can of worms.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram is best, @jamienewnew and @smartist.u.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Smartist University aka SmartistU.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was a newer artist manager, fresh into the music industry, and didn't know much about how to manage a band. I knew there were people in the same boat, and I knew there wasn't really info online, so I started a blog on it, which turned into a school.
What is the goal of your business?
To create sought-after artists and managers in the music business.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Keeping it light, I'm going to say, dealing with customer service issues. ;)
What do you always find yourself saying?
Ha. No idea.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Find the joy in every day no matter what you're experiencing.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My friggen Grandma probably. She's not having a good time right now and I just moved 4000km away from her.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I'm actually so passionate about this! We need to build up our own economy and our fellow creators! Hands down. Support each other.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My business.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
So hard to narrow down. My Mom though. She raised 4 kids and has been through hell and back.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kylye Holly! She's my life coach and she's just amazing.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for being awesome, Kamloops!
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!
