Meet Tasha Jastrzebski! Tasha was born and raised in Kamloops. She is a dedicated woman who loves the outdoors and enjoys building trusting relationships with her clients!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Born and raised by my amazing parents, Lucy and David Baziuk, in beautiful Kamloops, B.C. This city has meant everything to me and my family. I have taken all of my education here, work downtown, and plan to raise a family here with my husband, Mark.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Mom. She is not only my role model for everything love, health, and inspiration but also my best friend. My Husband too because we have spent over a decade together and still as in love as the day we first met in Earls, Kamloops on one fine Fall day.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I love Castles & Cottages, Far+Wide, Jardine’s, Fern & Frond, Brownstone, Nandi’s Flavours of India, Hoja, Peter’s Pasta, Art We Are, and Gold Leaf Pastries. The quality is unparalleled, and the owners are kind and lovely to chat with every time I visit.
Describe yourself in one word.
Dedicated.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I dream to close my eyes and wake-up in French Polynesia touring Tupai, the heart-shaped island, Bora Bora, and conclude in Tahiti with my Husband. The beauty of beaches and their waves, turquoise waters, and white sand are Heaven on earth for me.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Kamloops Symphony, theatre productions, art at 4Cats with friends, Barre, Orange Theory Fitness, and spending time in our parks and hiking trails. Kamloops has so much to offer and is expanding which is really exciting to be a part of!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
The moments that catch me are at work when I “accidentally” walk into a wall… A door… Trip on nothing… Or my sleeves catch on virtually anything. I am normally very coordinated so Tenisci Piva gets a good hoot out of it when it happens.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired by the small acts in life which include the small gestures that go a long way, consistency in applying work ethic and dedication to achieving goals, and kindness that is exemplified daily by my family, friends, and workplace. I am so fortunate to have amazing mentors and loved ones that show no boundaries when it comes to helping others and supporting one another in life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I cherished the memories and moments where all of my family were gathered in one room for a celebration. I think back and feel so much happiness and warmth when I recall the laughter, jokes, being flown like an airplane by my Dad when I was really young, and the amazing food prepared by my beautiful Babcia (Polish for Grandma). For me, those feelings and celebrations built traditions that I want to share when my Husband and I start a family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been part of Aurora Rotary since 2010. I love and respect how we have multiple Rotaries in Kamloops. The hearts of the people that I have gotten to volunteer with side by side knows no boundaries. Tenisci Piva also supports the community through many events that I have been proud and honoured to be a part of including the Kamloops Food Bank, United Way events, Operation Red Nose, and many more. I also actively volunteer at Thompson Rivers University and the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of British Columbia as a mentor to students in the business program.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Honestly, a way where we could all have equal health and opportunity with no monetary restrictions. I often reflect on what the world would look like or how even more advanced we would be if we could all leverage what this life has to offer, equally.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
It depends on my mood! It could be going for a drive and looking at the gorgeous homes and architecture in some of my favourite neighbourhoods, walking through Riverside park with a Scoopz ice cream in hand, or shopping at my go-to spots.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see Kamloops continue to foster local growth in business, development, and community. We already have a great volunteer heart and base but we can always do more to ensure we are constantly investing back into our beautiful home.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people, 100%, hands down, full-stop.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel with my family to the French Polynesian, live in Santorini for a month, tour London, see the castles in Ireland, soak in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, see Reykjavík, Italy, France, Barcelona, African safari, and, finally, experience Hawaii including hiking each island mountain, a luau, seeing black sand beaches, the waterfalls, and completing the Jurassic Park tour (helicopter and ground).
2) Pay off all mortgages for our entire family.
3) Go on a cooking excursion with Michelin Star chefs (one in each area of the world) with my Husband and trying out their culinary masterpieces to take home with us to teach and pass down.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I started Martial Arts when I was five and earned my Blackbelt when I was fifteen. I value the foundation of discipline, perseverance, and work ethic learned during my training years which helped develop my career as a CPA.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
@tashajaz, LinkedIn, Facebook, and through Tenisci Piva's website: www.teniscipiva.com.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Tenisci Piva LLP Chartered Professional Accountants.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I met one of the founding Partners of Tenisci Piva at a career day speech in high school, Ron Tenisci, and it forever changed the course of my life. I walked straight up to my guidance counselor’s office and switched from science to business that same day.
What is the goal of your business?
Tenisci Piva builds a caring and trusting relationship with our clients, providing high-quality business advisory services and makes a positive impact on their financial and personal lives while creating an awesome client experience.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My family will say: slow down, don't “burn the candle at both ends,” and learn to say "no." I have the tendency to take on a lot because I love achieving goals, pursuing new ambitions, and making people happy! It is an art to find balance in life.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Sounds good!"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be consistent, be kind, be humble, and love each other without limits or boundaries.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Lady Gaga. She is down to earth, very kind, always helps and fights for others and just causes, and I think I would just laugh all day and learn so much from her. Hopefully this is not asking too much, but I would want it to be a day that she was playing a concert, of course! It would be amazing to see her in her element and be backstage with her crew.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping local offers us the opportunity to support the hard work our community members have put into their craft and passion to better serve and provide to us. As a CPA for many small business owners, hearing this from the owners really means everything.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Growing and learning in my career at Tenisci Piva through their unconditional support and obtaining my CPA designation in 2012.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
To my dearest family, I love you more than words can express. Thank you for your ongoing support and care over the years. I would not be where I am without you all. I will continue giving and living life to my best ability because of you.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Chelsea Hogan, owner of Fern & Frond.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I try and live by some guidelines I have picked up over the years which includes: - Give your undivided attention when meeting with someone (eye contact!) - Put the phone away in gatherings - Whatever you are doing, be consistent and give it your best even if you can't give it 100% due to a limitation, give your max potential - Forgive and let go, the weightlessness you will feel will be worth it - Keep learning and asking yourself every day, what did I take away from today? - Take time to slow down and small the roses (literally) - We are all capable of change, no matter how small - Surround yourself with people that you aspire to and admire and find a mentor or two along the way to help your growth - Give back and be a mentor or coach to others if they desire it (always ask first) - A smile can go the distance, every time. Smile more :).
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!
