rev-digital-FINAL-PRESS-2023-PAGES-AHCC-QUARTER-BLEED - Flipbook - Page 70
ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Jillian Peever
Organization Name: The SPACE Upstairs
(The SPACE stands for Sharing the Performing Arts and Culture with Everyone)
About Jillian:
Jillian Peever leads a new organization which acts as a platform for
promoting contemporary performance arts, cultural experiences,
open mindedness, and wellbeing through the arts in the “Near
North”. The SPACE Upstairs is not a “studio,” it’s an opportunity
to experience dance in a non-competitive environment and to
experience how dance can make a positive influence on building
relationships, self confidence, physical and mental exercise, and
artistic collaboration and inquiry.
What town do you operate your business/volunteer in?
Burk’s Falls
What do you love about Almaguin, making you want to go
above and beyond in the community?
I think Almaguin is a beautiful area, with much nature to discover,
and friendly people willing to help and share. I wonder if it is
the beauty of this place which helps people to be so kind? So
generous? I want to go above and beyond because I have found
people here to go above and beyond for me.
What woman inspires you/ who do you admire the most?
There are so many. In my career I have looked to mentors including
Peggy Baker, Denise Fujiwara, and Sasha Ivanochko. These women
have shown me such kindness and encouragement in my career,
and they have also shown me how impactful a life in dance can
be. They are women with such integrity, creativity, and they spend
time encouraging others. They expand minds! Then there are the
women in my everyday life, like my mother and my friends, with
whom I share my joys and struggles and give me encouragement.
What are you most proud of in your career/ life?
I am extremely proud of my kids, and tied to that is the
transformation I have gone through because of them. It’s not
perhaps the most unique thing to be proud of-every mother
goes through a change- but I am proud nonetheless. To pivot
from life in the city and working for others, to founding and
managing The SPACE Upstairs has been a big learning curve.
While I simultaneously manage being primary caregiver, with the
many roles I play at The SPACE Upstairs...managing, teaching,
promoting...I am proud of what I am able to do.
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What message would you have for other women in the
community looking to start up a business/volunteer in the
community?
I see many women in the community doing fantastic work.
Volunteers and business owners. I would encourage those who
are taking on something new for the community to look for ways
to remain inspired with what you are doing. Ask yourself why you
are doing what you are doing, and what sparks you into action?
For me it is dancing and sharing the benefits of dance with others.
All the challenging tasks that are required along the way are made
easier if I can first connect the task to my overall vision. Keeping
my passion at the forefront helps me in all aspects. Also, lean on
those who offer support, people want to help, and when you are
successful, you can share the success with many!
.
.
“
“I wonder if it is the beauty of this
place which helps people to be so
kind? So generous? I want to go
above and beyond because I have
found people here to go above and
beyond for me. ”
- Jillian Peever
