Fay Krajnc runs a family business

Fay Krajnc, owner of JMK Custom Kitchens and Woodworking, left Kelowna for a peaceful life in Castlegar

Fay Krajnc worked in the shop until this year, but now her priorities are administrative duties. — Breanne Massey photo

What do you do in your downtime?

I like to bake bread, desserts, and in general I like very much to just cook. In the summertime I love to garden: flowers and perennials and all types of vegetables, which I can for our whole family. Sports are also a big part of our family life. Scott, my co-owner, plays baseball, squash, tennis and of course golf and brings most of the family with him when he can.

If someone were visiting you from out of town, where would you take them to give them a taste of the place?

We would take someone visiting us on a tour of our beautiful countryside. There are so many different places to go; there is Silverton and New Denver through the mountains. There is Balfour and across the ferry and up the lake for a beautiful trip. There is Trail, Rossland and up to Nancy Greene (Provincial Park). There are many restaurants in every area for further entertainment. (Zuckerberg) Island, the art centre and the (sculptures) on Castlegar’s Art Walk (are other attractions).

We have found that the people in the area are very friendly and appreciate the assistance with regards to designing, product and the quality that they receive (through JMK Custom Kitchens and Woodworking). I have personally enjoyed the people that we work with and given assistance to and have many new acquaintances. It’s their appreciation that makes everything worthwhile.

Why did you choose to live here?

We had been looking for a smaller city to come to. Castlegar and the surrounding area were very beautiful, with more of the country look to it. We looked for a home, found one in the Thrums/Tarrys area that was very appealing to us and made our purchase. The property had a large-size building which would adequately take care of the custom cabinetry and custom woodworking business that we wanted to pursue. We have now been in the area since 1991 and have been working in our business for 20 years—and have enjoyed every year.