In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Natalie Fournier.
How long have you lived in Kamloops?
Seven years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daughter and Sean. They make me laugh on a daily basis and bring sunshine to my everyday.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Yes Bella?'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I can't think of anyone else besides my daughter. To see the world through her eyes is a continuous adventure.
Who or what inspires you?
My mother.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. To go to Paris and Hawaii
2. To open a second store location
3. To ski in Switzerland
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
Although I am tempted to say the birth of my child, it would actually have to be my divorce. It was by far the lowest part of my life but to look back now and see what I have overcome is by far a great and proud moment in my life.
What are you passionate about?
My family and my work. Spending time with my family is a blessing. I cherish every moment with them. I realize how fast life goes by and I make an effort to enjoy every special moment there is, and keep them as special memories. Working everyday and doing what I love is also a blessing. I am very lucky to be able to work with my mother by my side on a daily basis, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
By far the birth of my daughter. We tried for over eight years to have a child. After two failed adoptions and a surprise pregnancy she was finally here, and I have been so blessed ever since that day. I thank her all the time for having picked me to be her mommy. She has allowing me to find strength within myself I never knew I had, and she has allowed me to experience love in a way I never knew possible. I am about to give birth to her little brother and so look forward to the new adventures they will both bring to my everyday life.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a business owner, and a mother are top of the list. I'm also very proud that even through difficult times my ex husband and I have found a way to be the best co-parents we could possibly be. We have set aside our differences and always make sure she is in the best situation she could be. We have had to overcome judgement and comments but in the end, we only care about the well being of our daughter and for that I am so proud.
Where is your favourite place to dine in your city?
Atlas.
What is your favourite activity or event in your city?
Santa Clause Parade.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sweet Spot Cupcakes.
What does your business/organization do?
Bake homemade cupcakes and cakes
Where can people find your business on social media? (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook!
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
I would like my business to continue growing as it has been and have a second location.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Friendly customer service, continues quality of our product and welcoming relationship with our customer. We want our customers to feel at home in our store.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
I would like to thank them for being the greatest employees. Thank you for your loyalty and dedication and thank you for helping my business be what it is today. We are a team and without every member the store wouldn't be the same.
What makes you feel successful?
Tell us about it. Repeat customers make me feel successful. Throughout the last three years we have met some amazing customers and some have become great friends. To hear them speak of our establishment and the experiences they have with our product and staff is a great feeling. Seeing our customers come back again makes us all feel as we have done something right and keeps us motivated to keep doing what we are doing.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I would like them to be business moguls. I would as them the best ways to help maintain a growing business, as well as how to best incorporate multiple locations. I would want to know their tricks for success financially while still maintaining a family life. Is it possible?
If I could change one thing about the city you live in, it would be:
The retail shopping options. I find it discouraging that we must go out of town to find good shopping. We would be able to do this within our hometown and keep the money in Kamloops.
What do you think makes your city great?
The people and the scenery. I moved here from Ontario in 2010 and have not missed it at all. I have made Kamloops my home and find the people here have helped make it easier. They are so friendly and welcoming, which is what we try to do in our store.
The beauty of Kamloops is breathtaking. I'm always in awe at what I see.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Deej and Karly from Bold Pizzeria.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would like to thank you for the feature, and would like to thank the people of Kamloops for allowing me to do what I love everyday. I get to enjoy my family and make people smile everyday. It was a long road to get here and many obstacles to overcome but here I am and life is good.
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.
