Meet Mia Johnson. Mia is from Kamloops but just moved back two years ago. She is an ambitious woman who loves working with makeup and kayaking!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Originally from Kamloops, but I just moved back two years ago
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids, I have two amazing little girls.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I love Modern Family Boutique! and Sweet Home Cafe. The MFB has an amazing selection for kids items. The Sweet Home Cafe is an amazing cafe where kids can eat and play at a really reasonable price!
Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to L.A. there are so many people in the industry that are inspirations for me that I'd love to meet and take classes from.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I love kayaking at all the amazing lakes close by.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was in the middle of giving a speech in front of hundreds of people and I accidentally hiccuped and then forgot all of the words, and then dropped my queue cards and couldn't make it to the end of my speech.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I think one of the most inspiring things that have happened to me, is others telling me how much they've learnt from me. I've had a few women who were almost in tears while thanking me for helping them feel beautiful and teaching them how to feel like that every day. Those experiences inspire me the most.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Thinking back to running around in bare feet in fields makes me really nostalgic. My favourite childhood memory isn't a specific moment or time it's the feeling that I remember of being so carefree, and having no external weight on your shoulders.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I like to volunteer by doing free makeup and hair on women who really need an extra pick me up, are going through something stressful in life or just need some personal time to feel good about themselves.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would change the amount of negativity we have towards one another, and ourselves. I think everyone could use a little more positivity and positive affirmations in their life.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The Art We Are Cafe!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Our construction! I know it's working towards a bigger long term picture, but I wish there was a better alternative than single lane back and forth traffic downtown.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The sense of community, and the amount of community involvement.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I'm always crossing things off of my bucket list! Right now I'm currently working towards:
1. Attending one of my idols Makeup Masterclass.
2. Try an extreme sport.
3. Buy my dream home.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm terrified of chickens.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, and Instagram!
What is the name of your business/organization?
MGJ Makeup.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always had a passion for makeup, I started by doing makeup here and there for friends and for family for events. I realized that I absolutely loved making people feel beautiful and decided I wanted to take it more seriously.
What is the goal of your business?
I'd like to grow my clients, and branch out into different artistry styles. I'd like to be well known for my diverse skills.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a balance between being a full-time mom, and a full-time employee and entrepreneur
What do you always find yourself saying?
"This isn't anything that I can't handle."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Everything in life is about attitude, you can't always control what's happening to you but you can control your outlook and attitude towards it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would select an old friend of mine, I rarely see them but no one has given me life insight and advice the way they have.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's so important to support each other! Those who own local businesses have poured their heart and souls into these companies. You're helping support local peoples dreams and passions versus large scale companies.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Receiving the "#1 Best Mom" award from my four-year-old.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Two biggest influencing support systems, my Mom and my boss from my full-time job Laina Cook. I can always count on both of them to give me tough love and tell me what I need to hear rather then what I want to hear.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sarah Robertson!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think it's so important to support one another, and build each other up! Way to go Kamloops for having such a great involvement with your local businesses and local media.
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!
