In Focus | Tonya Paranuik

Meet Tonya Paranuik! She has lived in Victoria just one year!

What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
My favourite local store in Victoria is Frances Grey. The store is filled with unique clothing, candles, soaps and so much more. Local treasures.

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would choose Hawaii. Somewhere I have always wanted to go. Now that I am on this side of Canada it is the next trip on the list.

What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
I really enjoy the ocean side walks and watching the sunset.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I would definitely say it was walking down Blanchard street with my 150 pound great dane Loki. He decided to run to go and see a small dog and literally dragged me down the street on my stomach, hands and knees. I wouldn't let him go. A lot of bruises lol

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping with my family throughout my childhood brings back so many happy memories. Always with friends, at the arcade, catching frogs, riding my bike, and lots of sleepovers.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My family and I decided to sponsor a homeless person this year for Christmas. He stands outside of Tim Hortons every morning. He is always so pleasant to us all so we thought we would give him a little extra help and love this Christmas.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would change homelessness. Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and a warm bed to sleep in.

Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
I would definitely sneak away to the beach by the ocean. Curl up with a blanket, book and a snack.

Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
I would like to see positive change in Victoria with our homeless people. We really need to get them off the streets, sheltering them and helping them one by one to get them back on their feet.

What do you think makes Victoria great?
Victoria is so great for many reasons. It is so very beautiful, we have wonderful people to meet and excellent local businesses.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) start my own eyelash extension supply company
2) own a home on a private island
3) go on a Mediterranean cruise

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a lot of tattoos.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
People definitely connect with me through Instagram @myminklashes , Facebook and my website myminklashes.ca

What is the name of your business/organization?
My Mink Lashes & Training Academy.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I fell in love with a Lash Bar in Vancouver three years ago and I made the decision a few months after to go for it! I love teaching and mentoring so the Training Academy was a great addition to my business.

What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to train every person that comes to my location and teach them how to run a professional business while giving the best service to their clients. Safe application and safe decontamination of the tools.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I would say it is just taking time to slow down. I always live and breathe my work and family. Sometimes i just need to take a moment to do nothing.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things exactly the same up to this point of my business for sure.

What do you always find yourself saying?
How can I make us different than the others?

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
When you have a dream always keep visualizing it and it will happen. Don't let anyone tell you any different.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ellen, I just think she would be so fun and inspiring to hang out with. Sure she has so many stories and I can't imagine the laughs that day.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I like to shop locally so I can see our community live more successfully.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting my business with no aesthetic background to where it is today.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband for sure. He has moved across the country to live my dream of owning an eyelash extension and training academy in British Columbia. Such a trooper. Oh, and my boys had to join in.

My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Book of Blondes.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you to the city of Victoria for all being so supportive on my business on Fort Street!!! I look forward to giving back to my community as much as it gives to me.

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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Victoria!