Meet Megan. She has lived in Kamloops for 21 years. She is a talented pastry chef that makes mouth watering cakes and cupcakes that will have leave you with an eternal sweet tooth!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I spent my childhood in Kitimat BC, but I've been in Kamloops 21 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Steve. Even though we're married and we work together but we still have fun at home, at the movies, on hikes, AND we can survive trips to Home Depot!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
One of my favourite things to do when I travel is to find the little artsy nooks and wander through the shops and boutiques; so I love shops like Far & Wide, Castles & Cottages, Paper Unicorn and gallery stores like the one at the Old Courthouse Gallery.
Describe yourself in one word.
Goal-oriented
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I'd probably go back to Berlin. Steve and I visited my best friend there a couple years ago and it was the best. Sweater weather, beers at breakfast, Christmas markets, and alllll the schnitzel!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I love all the live music happening around town - there always seems to be some kind of show or open mic night to go to.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I used to work in a call centre where we had windows that faced the train tracks. One day, we all noticed there was a bear running down the tracks. Surrounded by a dozen of my peers I say out load "Awww I love BEAR BUMS." Ha! Whoops!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Everyday I get to go to work for myself in a community full of the best, most kind-hearted people. It's amazing to be a part of a group of creative entrepreneurs who work to build each other up and root for each other to succeed.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite memories from my childhood would be all the time we spent doing arts and crafts projects with my mom. She always seemed to have something planned for us to do on weekends, or when we were out school. Lots of embroidery, crochet, marbling fabric, making decorated boxes (I don't know where that one came from), perler beads, shrinky dink, Christmas ornaments, Barbie clothes, Halloween costumes, friendship bracelets, watercolour classes, drawing classes, ceramics, you name it and we probably did it!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I'm the current Vice President of the Kamloops Arts Council, I often donate gift certificates to elementary school fundraisers and we donate treats to other non-profit events like the recent "We Won't Bounce Back" event in support of postpartum women.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'm going to agree with Henry from Waffle Laundry on this one - I really wish there was less food wastage in the world.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The section of the Rivers Trail near Cinnamon Ridge - it's so peaceful and has some of the best trees!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
There is so much artistic talent in this community, I would love to see a performing arts centre established downtown that would give a variety of artists (visual, performance, film, music, etc.) the opportunity to showcase their talents.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The volunteerism in Kamloops is outstanding - there is no shortage of community focus and people actively helping out for all kinds of charitable initiatives.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Visit every province and territory in Canada
2. Enjoy some cheese & baguette in Paris
3. Snuggle a panda bear <3
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I once competed in a national trivia contest for high school students - I think my team got 2nd or 3rd in Canada. Go Kam High!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Cocoa Dot Cakes
Why did you get into/start this business?
I grew up baking with my mom and my granny, so baking has always been a source of comfort for me. After I moved out, I started experimenting at home and sharing with friends and coworkers; eventually it turned into a side business that just kept growing!
What is the goal of your business?
Make birthday cake great again! I grew up when the DQ ice cream cake was the only dessert, and when there was cake, it was from Safeway! Scratch cakes are where its at!!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle at work and in life has always been not saying "no" often enough.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Yes!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live the life that is best for you - other people's expectations will never be as important as your own happiness.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Christina Tosi - creator of Momofuku Milkbar. She's one of my biggest inspirations in terms of where I'd like to see my business grow and she seems like a cool person in general. PLUS she lives in New York which is my absolute favourite place.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As a business owner myself, I try my hardest to spend my dollars locally. There's nothing like seeing a maker who put their heart and soul into their business succeed in following their dream.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is Cocoa Dot Cake Shop! It's taken a few years of super dedicated, hard work, but I'll be opening a store front on November 24th in downtown Kamloops.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jesse Faubert - Jesse is one of the most highly motivated, creative, dedicated people I know. Not only is he an advocate for the arts, an artist himself, an entrepreneur, the co-founder of a non-profit, a football coach and all around awesome person!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jesse Faubert
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!
