In Focus | Jessica Shaw

Meet Jessica Shaw! She has lived in Victoria since 1977.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Chad Jackson, because he always makes me laugh and life is more fun with him, also he is exceptionally handsome.

What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
Lifestyle Market, I could spend all day there because I am passionate about natural health and healing.

Describe yourself in one word.
Particular.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy because that is the next destination on my travel list and I love exploring the world.

What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Hiking and boating.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I recently introduced someone by the completely wrong name...awkward!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired often, I think in the last few years I have learned to trust that everything always works out and that you can personally manifest your goals and desires which has been awesomely inspiring! As well I find inspiration every time I am out in nature, it feeds my soul.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have many, I grew up with five younger brothers on rural acreage in Metchosin riding horses, building forts, riding bikes, catching tadpoles and newts and long summer days at the beach are some of a few of my fond memories with my siblings.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
In the past I have volunteered at Victoria SPCA walking dogs and taking high needs dogs home for respite.
I have a passion for animals so I would love to volunteer at a rescue or sanctuary again.
I regularly donate to animal welfare and rescue causes locally and globally.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Animal abuse and exploitation.

Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
The top of Mt. Finlayson with my dog

Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
More affordable housing because everyone needs a place to call home.

What do you think makes Victoria great?
The weather! I love that I am able to be active outdoors all year long because it's so temperate!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
To swim close to wild humpback whales, travel with Chad in a camper down the Baja coast stopping and staying for as long as I want at any beach, and learn to ride my motorcycle confidently.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a serious addiction to true crime documentaries.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram @shaw.doll

What is the name of your business/organization?
My husband's company is South Coast Electric

Why did you get into/start this business?
He recently bought this well established local company as he has been in the trade for over 25 years and has the experience to grow the company.

What is the goal of your business?
South Coast strives to advance with new technologies within the trade to provide clients with skilled and innovative solutions to their technological needs; for example, solar power installation.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Always wanting to be and do better.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Probably differently now that I know what I know, hindsight is 20/20.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I need to research that.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I think it's important to do things for others without getting anything in return. The feeling you get from giving is priceless.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Dr. T Colin Campbell is a leading expert in how a plant-based lifestyle can prevent and reverse disease, I am very interested in this field and would love to learn from him for a day.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I love supporting local companies because they are our neighbours, our community and by supporting local companies it strengthens our local economy!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I feel accomplished anytime I set a goal for myself and achieve it like running a half marathon, getting my degree, summiting a challenging mountain hike or making a lifestyle change!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lucie Cerny, because she founded RASTA a safe sanctuary for unwanted and abused farm animals on Vancouver Island. This is thankless hard work that she dedicates her life to.

My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dani Hill at Align Hair Studio.

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.

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. Thank you, Prince George!