Q&A with IABC Member Stephanie Tucker

What was your very first job?
Beyond babysitting all throughout my teens, when I was 16 I worked at Carlton Cards in the Village Mall.  

What energizes you?
Spending time with genuine and positive people. I love being around solution-oriented people who use creativity to find a way to make things work! I’m also definitely a dog person and I find spending time with animals helps energize me, especially when it’s my sweet rescue beagle, Calvin! 

What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
Relax! Sit back with a new book or turn on the latest binge-worthy series, with a great snack of course and definitely a diet pepsi (my favourite!)

What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Enjoy the little things. I like to try and take a second to consciously enjoy it when something makes me smile, laugh or love life. It could be something as simple as a good meal, a hug from a loved one, or seeing fresh snow on the trees I pass on my usual drive to work.

The COVID-119 pandemic has been challenging, but have you found any silver linings over the last several months?
Absolutely. I was fortunate enough to get to work from home for several months of the pandemic, which meant spending more time with my fiancé and our pets. Having more time in the house also gave us a chance to tackle lots of the home renovations and projects that we’d been putting off, so I’ll call that a pandemic positive too!

What book are you currently reading?  
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. I also recently discovered the “Libby” app, where you can link up your NL Public Library membership and use it to rent audio books for free! So I am currently listening to Such a Fun Age on there.

What’s your favourite holiday tradition?
I love celebrating the holidays! Christmas with family and friends is top of my list, and I always enjoy tibb’s eve (December 23rd) because to me it’s the kick off of the best week of the year. 

What is the best part of being an IABC member?
Connecting with the local network of professionals. I’ve only been a part of IABC for about a year and already I’ve learned so much from the awesome network of people I’ve met in the field.