Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in small-town Saskatchewan. Beyond that, I lived in Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, High River and now Kelowna (since 2019).
What has been your career path?
Being an entrepreneur at heart, I decided to pursue my long-time dream of opening a home décor boutique in 2022, following a 27-year career in the veterinary industry. As a professional home stager since 2011 styling and decorating homes (on weekends and evenings while working full time), it was a natural progression to follow my dream of opening a brick-and-mortar boutique!
Home décor is something that needs to be seen and touched in person, plus I wanted to create a relaxing environment where people could shop, enjoy conversation within a beautiful ambience, and have the ability to ask questions about how to style their homes. In 2024, I decided to open a second boutique just a few doors down from Modern Cottage Co., this time featuring women’s clothing, shoes and accessories (another passion), called Madeleine Grace.
Leaving the corporate world after many years came with much fear and uncertainty, but I’ve never looked back.
What is the one aspect of your work that really gets you fired up?
Helping our customers find the perfect gifts and décor items for their home or design project truly ignites my passion and excitement. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about understanding their unique vision and preferences, and then guiding them to pieces that not only enhance their spaces but also bring their ideas to life and spark their joy.
It’s this dynamic process of discovery and connection that makes every day in the boutique inspiring.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about embracing the beauty of the outdoors, especially living in the beautiful, sunny Okanagan. The picturesque landscapes and vibrant natural surroundings provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
I cherish the time spent with my husband and pets, whether we are exploring scenic trails, enjoying the serene lakes or simply soaking up the sunshine in our backyard. This love for the outdoors brings joy to my life and offers a perfect balance to my entrepreneurial endeavours.
What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned in the last five years?
• Embrace change and uncertainty: Leaving a stable career to pursue entrepreneurship taught me the importance of embracing change. Transitioning from a structured environment to the unpredictability of running my own businesses required courage, adaptability and resilience.
• The value of passion and purpose: Entrepreneurship has allowed me to align my work with my passions. This sense of purpose is a significant motivator, especially during challenging times.
• Celebrate small wins: Recognizing and celebrating small achievements is important. Each milestone, no matter how small, is a step towards long-term success.
Which of your innate qualities or daily practices has led to your success?
Prioritizing a customer-centric approach, creativity, innovation, adaptiveness, attention to detail, organization, building strong relationships with customers and delivering exceptional service have fostered loyalty and repeat business. And, of course, having a passion for fashion and home décor!
How would you describe your personal style?
The perfect balance of casual elegance and professionalism, where neutral tones and natural fibres play a central role. I gravitate towards clothing that is both comfortable and stylish. Staying on-trend is important, but I always prioritize pieces that offer ease and sophistication. No outfit is complete without an array of jewellery, which adds the finishing touch!
Fashion & Beauty
Favourite pair of shoes: Lately I’m loving my Soruka sandals for their comfort and style all in one!
Favourite day-bag: I love my Michael Kors tote; it carries my laptop and all my business essentials.
Favourite jewellery piece: My wedding ring, of course, but I also love the wedding rings that I wear on my right hand that belonged to my grandmas, Madeleine and Grace, who are the namesakes and inspiration of my new clothing boutique.
Fashion obsession: Summer print dresses!
Scent: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue has been my signature scent for years. It’s the one perfume I’ve never tired of.
Style Inspirations & Life
Fave magazine: Canada’s Style at Home.
Favourite musician: Keith Urban.
TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: I’m so inspired by designer Shea McGee and her Netflix series Dream Home Makeover.
Favourite cocktail or wine: Passionfruit mojito or a nice Riesling.
Album on current rotation: '80s pop puts a spring in my step!
Favourite flower: It’s a toss-up between pink tulips and Gerbera daisies.
One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: Without question, my four fur-babies always bring a smile to my face: Maltipoos Kaia and Kali, and kitties Zoey and Milo.