In Focus | Melanie Z Kilpatrick

Meet Melanie Z Kilpatrick! Melanie has lived in Victoria for 23 years!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend, we both appreciate the moon and weird flowers equally. And can talk about politics and religion without getting heated.

What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
Paboom I think, it's full of fun stuff.

Describe yourself in one word.
Optimist.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy with my mom. We need to see more of the world, and I've always wanted to do an exciting trip with her, she knows how to sightsee with the best of them.

What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Swimming at Durrance Lake in the summer.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ha, there are many things. I used to embarrass myself daily when I was on the radio. I think it's good for you to be vulnerable and not pretend that you're perfect.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Weirdly, losing my sister to cancer. She was my best friend in the world and after a short and fierce battle with lung cancer, she left us before her 32nd birthday. When you're so close to someone and lose them, its something that is with you forever. She inspires me every day to enjoy life and it's shiny moments.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Huge family gatherings at my grandma's house -- she's 91 now. We were all pretty unruly, food fights and all. My grandma didn't even get mad. Just clean up the mashed potatoes you threw at the wall, and it was all good.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I spent many years in radio emceeing and hosting events, and participating in them. I volunteer whenever I have time at events and support local fundraising drives. I have been a United Way coordinator in my various workplaces for at least eight years.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would give everyone the power to be empathetic and take away their fear of the unknown. It would change the way we treat others in a massive way.

Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
The Gorge Waterway, one of the most peaceful places I can think of.

Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
I would like to see be more kind to those that are experiencing homelessness, drug abuse or mental illness.

What do you think makes Victoria great?
The culture of social awareness! And the fact that we are always 20 minutes away from something great (movies, concerts, festivals)....and nothing at all (mountains, ocean, beaches)

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel to Europe and Asia
2) Have enough time to grow an awesome garden
3) Take photos of the Foo Fighters

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have had over 30 room-mates over the years trying to make it on a bad radio salary.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I love social media, Instagram is a favourite but I use them all.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Mel Z Photos and Media.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I love live music, sunsets, creature, my kids and I love photography. It's like a great pizza. Mix together all the things you love and you've got a fine meal.

What is the goal of your business?
I'm really doing it for the art. I'd love to make enough to have expenses covered, but this is all about the experience and sharpening my skills.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balance. It's impossible to have enough time to nourish all of the things you love and balance that with work.

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 think the path just unfolds regardless of which direction you choose.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I should go to bed earlier. Hahah. I exist on an average of five hours sleep. I think I'd be a new human with seven.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Enjoy the shiny things! There's so many rough and tough spots, you have to make time and indulge yourself to make it all worthwhile.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Maybe Tina Fey. She's an inspiring, hilarious and talented woman. I love her strong sense of self, her feminism inspires me and she is the real deal. We could hang out.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You can find a lot of interesting things in local shops. It's part of our community and we can make such great connections with people that become more meaningful as you become a "regular".

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My kids, of course. And this photo of a seal. You'll see...

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'm shouting out Saanich Parks and Rec for having awesome programs and facilities and creating places for the community to gather!

My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Vanessa Chiu from Kiss 103.1.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I have met some amazing photographers at local events, and I've learned that your most enjoyable work, maybe something you don't even get a paycheque for. But money is cool too sometimes haha.

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!