Meet Shaylene, she grew up in Merritt and moved to Kamloops last year after she married her husband Jared. Together, they set their sights on Kamloops to start a new adventure.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I don't have one person that is my favourite. I have a HUGE group of family and friends that I cherish deeply and enjoy spending a lot of time with. They are such an amazing, supportive and loving group. I am so grateful to have them all in my life.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Belle e la pazza! They have recently just opened their doors for business and I can't say enough about these wonderful people. They are so caring and down to earth. If you haven’t been there you need to go and try them out!
Describe yourself in one word.
Exuberant
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Alberta to visit my sister Chelsea. We have planned a family trip down there this summer to see her and we are so excited to go for a visit.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Floating down the South Thompson with friends and family! I could do that all day long!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I can honestly say it is hard to embarrass me! I will have to keep you posted for this one.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The list goes on and on. Where do I start? It’s inspiring just to be alive!
I have had family experience critical illnesses early on in my life that has made me appreciate life in ways I can not explain. When you have close family that have had cancer or other illnesses, seeing them push through to get better and become these strong amazing people it really keeps you pushing for your true dreams no matter what the circumstances are. Another main inspiration in my life would have to be my husband, he inspires me every day! He is the hardest worker I have ever met. I love having so many people around me that are so strong and determined. It reminds me that life is a privilege and to always be thankful. Becoming an Advisor has been very inspiring in all aspects of my life! I love educating others on the best course of action when planning for their future. This gives me the inspiration to be the advisor I am today!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I would have to say my favourite childhood memory would have to be going to Golden with my sister Joey. We went to my grandparent’s farm during our summer break! I loved helping with all the chores and seeing the animals. They used to have chickens, goats, donkeys, horses, dogs, and cats. My favourite part of our trip down there in the summer would have to be when my grandfather Larry and I would go to the local coffee shop, Legends. We would go first thing in the morning, drive into town, and I would have hot cocoa with him. We would get to spend quality time just him and I. I loved those trips and will cherish them for life.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to be as involved as I possibly can. Our team at work just sponsored the JDRF walk for diabetes. I have volunteered with the Special Olympics for a few years now. I would like to do more volunteering in the future now that I am starting to meet more local organizations in Kamloops.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
All the pain in the world. It kills me to see people or animals getting tortured or abused.
All I can say is be thankful for what you do have even if it isn't a lot.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I love the North Shore river walk. We take our two dogs Lexi and Koda for a walk down that path all the time and they love it!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I am still new to Kamloops, however, I think North Shore could use some more attention to look as beautiful as downtown Kamloops.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The community. Everyone that I have met so far has been so amazing!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love sturgeon fishing! I am counting down the days until August to go again.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
If you would like to connect with me, I am on every media that you can think of. I have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Email, and Skype.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sun Life Financial
Why did you get into/start this business?
I used to be a Care Aide with Interior Health and it killed me to only help people at the end of their lives. When I became an advisor, it was so empowering to be able to help my clients at all stages of their lives!
What is the goal of your business?
My intent is to make a difference, to earn your business and that of those you care about, and to help you make informed decisions. I'm committed to learning and applying the methods, processes and skills necessary to serve you better.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
We have found trying to buy our first home has been a struggle. We just can't find what we are imagining which I also feel might be a first-time home buyer’s thing. But we are planning to buy in September of this year!
What do you always find yourself saying?
I love you. My mom taught us the importance of always making sure you say I love you to the ones that are close to your heart.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always stay positive even when it is hard to. If you think positive and feel positive, that is all that you will have time to have on your mind.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My grandparents; I would love to go to a drive-in theatre with them this summer! I cherish time with them so much.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it is great to know that we are helping local families make their dreams come true.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Winning the singing contest in Merritt a few years ago. The song I sang was rolling in the deep by Adele and still to this day people request it!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom and husband! They are so supportive it is unreal! I appreciate them so much and everything they do. I wouldn't be where I am today without their support.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Belle e la pazza on 152 Victoria street
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Always stay positive and fun with life! You only live this life once so make your true desires and dreams come true. I hope this was as much fun to read as it was to write! Have a great day everyone!
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!
