Meet Kendel! She has lived in Kamloops for 26 years. She is a bookworm who helps share diverse, inclusive and inspiring books for children.
How long have you lived in Kamloops?
In total, 26 years. I was born at Royal Inland Hospital and raised here for my early years. My family moved to Rock Creek, BC while I was in high school and then I moved back to Kamloops to attend university.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and two daughters are a given so let’s say my brother Dustin! Even with a 13-year age gap, we always have fun together. He’s kind-hearted, and I can always count on him.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Fiji. My husband and I were married there almost 10 years ago. It would be a great way to celebrate our anniversary.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
There are so many good ones but, Castles and Cottages always gets me! I love all the unique treasures they have in there… not to mention, hilarious greeting cards and gifts.
What is your favourite activity?
The best times always seem to revolve around food, so I’m going to go with: Eating! Trying new foods while traveling, backyard bbq with friends, baking with my kids… (Just to name a few).
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza. Hands down. I could eat it for three meals a day and not get sick of it.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I should probably be more embarrassed than I am regarding many situations but the truth of the matter is, I like making people laugh… even if it’s at my own expense.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It’s a cliché but becoming a mother! My little people teach me so much and inspire me in different ways each day.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory?
My grandma and mom used to own a little café on Seymour Street called LuluBelle’s Café. As a five-year-old, I would help cut fries, blend homemade milkshakes and serve customers. Let me emphasize this… I had unlimited access to homemade fries and milkshakes. How could that not be a favourite memory!?
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I sit on the board for Cariboo Childcare Society as well as the planning committee for the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation Royal Affair. Both fill me with immense pride, and I am grateful to be associated with both organizations. Kamloops Early Language and Literacy Initiative is another one. Both of my girls love Mother Goose and the other free literacy events around Kamloops so we try to support them when possible (i.e., both my girls have both collected donations for KELLI instead of gifts at their birthdays).
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Especially since becoming a parent, the thought of any child going without food or security gets me. If I could wave a magic wand, every child in the world would go to bed with a full belly and heart.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
The access we have to the outdoors in Kamloops is unmatched, and although I don’t get out as much as I used to, I plan to get out more as a family this summer and explore some local trails.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Aina Spa.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see more cohesiveness between the South and North Shore.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Accessibility. We are the hub of the interior, and I love that I can get in the car and go in any direction for an awesome road trip. Also, the weather! Although this past year has been less than ideal, our typical 2000 hours of sunshine a year can’t be beaten.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To live abroad with my family for a year and experience a different way of living.
2. To raise kids who are empathic and respectful.
3. To visit the countries of my ancestry.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you?
I have a major sweet tooth and love candy with all my heart.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Instagram and Twitter
What is the name of your business/organization?
Barefoot Books.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I received a book published by Barefoot Books for my first daughter and absolutely fell in love with it. The illustrations were beautiful, and my daughter always asked to read it. She continued to become a major bookworm so after a few years of learning more about the company and ordering many more books, I decided on my second maternity leave that I might as well sell them myself. I am now back to work full-time as a marketing strategist for TRU so I don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to Barefoot Books, but I love them so much that I can’t let it go.
What is the goal of your business?
To share diverse, inclusive and inspiring books for children. All children (regardless of race, religion, ability) should be able to see themselves in a story, and I love that Barefoot Books successfully does this.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing all of life’s commitments.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Nothing. Everything good and bad has contributed to who I am today!
What do you always find yourself saying?
“It’s no big deal.” I say this a lot to my kids – I think it’s usually more of a reminder to myself though.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I’d love to spend a day on the set of Portlandia. I love that kind of silly, weird humour and I would like to think I’d be laughing the whole day.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local business owners are an integral part of our economy. By supporting them, we are supporting our friends, family, and neighbours. Many of my friends are entrepreneurs, so I see first hand how much blood, sweat, tears, and hustle go into making a successful business run. I am so darn proud of them all and couldn’t imagine not supporting them whenever possible.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Growing two miniature human bodies inside my regular sized human body. So weird. So cool.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
I’d like to give a shout out to someone who I consider a mentor: Aleece Laird of Amplify Consulting. She is an amazing business owner and mother and selflessly gives back to the community. You go, girl!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Maureen Saunders-Doll, Coordinator of the Kamloops Parent-Child Mother Goose
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!
