#WCW Jennifer Triggs
At Alora, we love to celebrate women in the community who are doing great things. The aim of this #wcw campaign is to highlight the great things going on right here. People need to be appreciated so that they can carry on their good work.
We want to celebrate these women by styling them in Alora Jewelry and giving them a make over and free photo shoot!
Meet Jenn!
Please let us know a little bit about yourself!
Hi I’m Jenn. I was born in Victoria but raised in Calgary. I am a mother of an amazing son who is 12 years old. Some of my hobbies and interests include gardening, wine, skiing & hiking. I also enjoy traveling to unique destinations.
How did you get started with Phasion Estates?
Phasion Estates Winery began during a transitional point in my life. I was going through some tough personal times including a divorce. I have always wanted to start my own business and I was also thinking about how I could still provide for my son. I also wanted to be able to give him all the opportunities I could like sending him to university and offering a fulfilled lifestyle with as many opportunities I could pass onto him, as a single parent.
During this difficult time I was truly inspired by a fantastic industry story, and as a new entrepreneur this really secured my decision to jump into the wine industry. I also wanted to support a product that I would be passionate about. I believe wine is a very cultural, historic and artistic product that I can relate to on many different levels. The industry offers many stories that inspire me, ranging from family memories, community involvement, and the ability to utilize the earth’s elements to create and produce a product that the whole world can enjoy. I feel that this is very inspiring, and to be able to have that capability, the possibilities are truly limitless.
What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
Being able to share my wines with everyone, and also being able to educate my customers about our Canadian wine industry. I find this very rewarding to be able to have this voice though running my business. I also enjoy meeting new people, hosting events, and giving back to the community.
How do you balance work, family, and other commitments?
I find myself preplanning my daily tasks, either through my calendar, or utilizing tools to be able to be more proactive for my day to day tasks. I live by my daily to do list to keep organized, and to accomplish my goals/tasks.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
When I was 21 I decided to take my first risk, Skydiving. I jumped out of a plane at 10, 000 feet, and I loved every minute of it. I am a bit of a risk taker like that. Perhaps when my son turns 18, I will take the big leap again. I will keep you posted.
How would you describe your relationship with your family?
Excellent, I have been so grateful to have so much support for my new entrepreneurial decision from my family, I also have mentorship within my day to day life that I can rely on for questions, or advice. I am truly blessed to have great people in my life.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment came to me last year, as I was awarded the 2014 Alberta Beverage Judges Selection award within the Bordeaux blend category. To be a brand new winery and to win an award such as this, was truly an honor that I am really grateful for.
What is your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?
My greatest failure would be not having a better understanding the emotional ups and downs (aka Emotional Roller Coaster) you have when starting your own business. When I first started I was excited to fulfill my dream, be my own boss, and ready to conquer the world. As time progress however, there was a lot more emotion involved with a lot of highs and lows. I have now started to gain a better understanding of these emotions, and what triggers them. They have now even out for me, it just took a bit of discipline and better understanding of myself.
What were you doing 5 years ago?
Five years ago I was working for our local telecommunications provider as an acting business analyst for the scheduling team within the operations department. I was slowly climbing the corporate ladder, within a leadership role of a team of 10 clerical team members.
Where do you want to be in 5 years? How do you think you will get there?
In 5 years, I will be running my vineyard and winery within the Okanagan Valley. I will get there by increasing my annual case production and wine portfolio. I will also increase my annual distribution partnerships, while building and developing my brand in the industry. These actions will allow me to reinvest my profits to purchase my vineyard land and to build my winery.
What piece of life advice would you give to someone who says they want to follow in your footsteps?
It’s never too late to follow your dream. I left my comfy corporate employment to follow my dream, because I am a true believer of that you only have one life, and a short time to try to make a difference here on earth. It took me a while to understand that happiness is doing something you love, and not about being safe. If you love what you do, it’s truly not work at all.
Do you have general life advice?
Be grateful. Be grateful for everything you have, whether its great people in your life, a great hair day, or finding an extra 10 cents in your pocket. If you are grateful for everything you have, your disappointments that occur in your life don’t seem so bad. This really has helped me put both my business life, and personal life into perspective, and most definitely has contributed to my success.
Jenn is wearing a Tropics Statement Necklace and a Cuff Statement Earring from Alora
