As part of an ongoing series, we’ll be interviewing creative entrepreneurs in Vancouver to see how and why they think doing your own thing in business is possible, why it has boomed in Vancouver, how they’ve benefited from it, and what makes them tick as an entrepreneur; we want to know, “Why Vancouver”.

Recently I sat down with Natalie, from East Van Jam (and her cute kiddos) to see what life is like for a work at home entrepreneur. Natalie does the majority of work from her home, spending a large amount of her time in the garden.  As with most of us, the struggle for Natalie has been having other people around her. As a stay at home mum, that adult connection and conversation is even more important to her, but when she moved into a larger commercial kitchen, she found the toss up between chit chat and cleanliness just too much. Opting for a solo kitchen, she loses that community sense, but gets peace of mind for producing a top notch product. When it came down to it, she chose her business over community, looking for that adult connection elsewhere.

We talked further about the culture of startups, freelancers and solopreneurs here, and questioned why it is so possible. Life in a big city can be isolating, but with nature surrounding us, people often find themselves inspired. Areas of natural beauty are often where the creatives flock, and Vancouver is no different. Perhaps it is that that started the feeling of inspiration, and drove so many of us into creating our own career paths?

We’ll ponder that further as the series goes along, but here are Natalie’s getting sh*t done faves, with her top tunes, locations and vibes for the d-i-y work day. Let us know what you think or if you’ve seen Natalie around town! You can find her delicious jams in a host of stores around town, see the full list here.

1. Do you have a favourite cafe or local spot to work from?
I often do my computer/admin work from home but when I need that out-in-the-world component, I've found myself most often at East Cafe in Hastings Sunrise hood, Moja on the Drive and sometimes Pure Bread, in Gastown. 

2. What's your favourite music to listen to whilst working?
I work best in silence (savoured mostly because I don't get it a lot with my boys when they are around!) But when I do want something, I go between bands like Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, First Aid Kit, Lord Huron and the Great Lake Swimmers.  And Surfjan Stevens.  Some of everything:).

3. What's your favourite thing about summer in Vancouver? 
The sun if it would only shine!  But seriously, I love the anticipation of the arrival of all the fruit - one type at a time as it relates to my business and my taste buds!  But also, something that is very dear to me on a personal level - I am not a traditionally religious person - I don't subscribe/practice any particular faith.  But the closest I come to a religion is the time I make for myself to work in our garden.  There are few things that feed my soul like raising my children and putting my hands in the dirt.  The rewards of watching and tending and guiding are certainly very spiritual for me.  The quietude in the garden - looking closely at all the various insects, observing the growth habits of the plants, the trials of one location versus another - all ground me in the here and now.  Some get this sensation through yoga, but for me it's the time I carve out for growing food for my family that has the most impact on my personal well-being. 

4. What's the one thing you can't live without?
One thing?  My family.

5. What's the best advice you've ever been given as an entrepreneur/small biz owner?
Know your vision, your guiding principles, your numbers by the back of your hand and be real as a person.

If you liked this post, let us know! We want YOU to be part of our community. Send me a message (lucy@ateliervancouver.com) and you can join one our community events, host a workshop or even be part of this blog series!