In Focus | Jackie Rioux

Meet Jackie Rioux! Jackie has lived in PG since 2001!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
ME! I enjoy my own company. Beyond that, my family and friends. Especially grandchildren.

What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Walk Rite shoes. My daughter works there and they have AMAZING comfy footwear. Plus 3 Sisters Rock and Gems is across the street. I love rocks.

Describe yourself in one word.
Unique.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hard to choose. Germany to see family and see Neuschwanstein Castle. The British Isles as well. Apparently, we have family castles there.

What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Hiking. Lots of gorgeous scenery here.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ohh I could write a book here. However, after raising 4 kids, not much embarrasses me anymore. My kids love to tell about the time I left my six-year-old son at a garage sale. That's not quite how it happened, but I will never live this incident down.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I had a breakdown at work when life collided with me. This was the start of my real healing journey, taking courses and aligning that with my life experiences to create the wonderful life where I am now.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I spent a lot of time from kindergarten to Grade 3 with my best friends Suzanne and Lucia. They moved away to Ireland and I lost touch with them for many years. It was thanks to social media that we finally reconnected 36 years later. They were back in BC. I went on a road trip and we had a long lost birthday party that we missed years ago when they moved. Dear friends just picked up where we left off.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I offer my energy balancing services to some local fundraising event and offer gift certificates to charity events as well. This gives others an opportunity to understand why my wellness work is my passion in empowering others.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Cleanse waterways and oceans. Water is our life force. It saddens me that there is so much pollution so I support any endeavors that are working towards making our waterways clean and productive for all life forms.

Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
There are so many wonderful places in Prince George that I love to take friends to hike, eat, socialize; but for time alone, I love my own humble abode, curled up with a good book and a cup of tea. My own backyard oasis.

Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
In my experience with psychology and wellness, I know we have so many wonderful support systems for women these days and I am grateful for that, yet I would like to see more support resources for men.

What do you think makes Prince George great?
Northern hub. Gorgeous scenery. The right balance of city amenities and backyard nature trails.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I have to start adding more to my list! I retired and have been living my passion, and crossing off bucket list items. I have jumped out of a plane, taken drum lessons, scuba dived, drove a race car, white water rafting, earned a Psych degree, just to name a few.

I still want to swim with dolphins, travel to visit castles and cathedrals. One more? I haven't tried zip lining yet. That would be fun too.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am kind of a homebody, yet I spontaneously take off on road trips. My kids know to just say a prayer. I have road angels and many hair raising stories of my experiences.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, LinkedIn, my website.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Ladybug Wellness.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I turned my worst trauma into my gift of empowering others.

What is the goal of your business?
Empowering clients to overcome emotional obstacles to find their own inner peace and live their passion.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Self-discipline. I procrastinate but when I do get moving, a brick wall won't stop my determination!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I used to think I would change a lot of my life, especially the awful things and bad choices. Everything has given my gifts though towards my life purpose, so NO I would not change any of it now.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Everything happens for a reason. Find the lesson and the gift.

Tell us your best piece of life advice
This too shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I have four kids and five grandkids, and my mom and sisters. Plus I have so many dear wonderful friends. It's hard to pick just one. Can't we just gather all of them for a big backyard BBQ?

I do admire Brene Brown, Jack Canfield, Colin Sprake, and several other inspirational speakers and authors. It would be wonderful to spend a day with any of them.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally supports families and friends. When we take care of the small businesses, everything flourishes. They are our cornerstones.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Overcoming PTSD and facing my fears head-on.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Norma at Dragon Stone grill. She is the dearest lady and a great server. You know Prince George is a "small town" when you can go into a restaurant and have a lady like Norma serve you :)

My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Chantelle Rioux at Walk Rite shoes. She is quite knowledgeable about the footwear they sell. She is super friendly and has been mentioned on Hell Yeah PG for her great service. Plus she is my daughter. I admit I am a little biased.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much for the In Focus spotlight feature. I have enjoyed reading about Prince George residents and their personal stories and insights. This really is all about Community!

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!