A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.
Our community is strong and growing with record speed and maintaining a connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.
Introducing, We are #OKGNtech. A showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement. Follow along on the blog and on Instagram @OKGNtech to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.
Meet Chloe. Chloe Popove is the CEO and founder of Another Room as well as a public relations and marketing freelance agent. When she isn’t trying to sew cannabis culture into the travel and hospitality industry, you’ll find Chloe lost in the latest Neil Gaiman novel.
Where do you work in the Okanagan?
“I am the CEO and founder of a company called Another Room but I also do some freelance public relations and marketing work. I’m self-funded, so freelancing helps to support Another Room. I’m working from home in my pyjamas, mostly.”
Tell us a little more about Another Room.
“Another Room sells travel accessories for the discerning cannabis consumer. We’ve recently expanded to offer city guides, along with editorial-style content that covers topics like travel regulations, the best portable munchies, and how to cure jet lag. Behind the scenes, we’re developing what we’re calling The Super Market – a B2B platform that will serve the hospitality space.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“Using my imagination and being creative—being okay with trying something new and failing. I like being able to work and partner with people who are up to really cool shit.”
Can you speak into your own entrepreneurial journey? Is Another Room your first business?
“I’ve tried a lot of different things and I’ve just gone with what feels good. I used to own an online consignment store called My Modern Closet. Then I moved on to “Girls Who Say F*ck,” which was an experiment in trying everything—marketing, consulting, media, public relations, seeing how quickly could we become Instagram celebrities, and having really bold conversations. From there, I started Another Room. I’ve never been afraid to bounce between jobs. That mentality generally has a negative connotation, but it’s provided me with a lot of varied experience with a lot of different people.”
What advice would you give to someone that is interested in getting into the line of work that you’re in?
“Try jobs in various industries before running full speed at something. Or, f*ck it, run full speed at something—just be willing to fall flat on your face, spit the dirt out and keep moving. Decide why you want to get into the industry and then let that percolate. Start talking to people about the jobs they’ve had. Find out what it’s been like when someone else started a similar company. Find mentors.”
Can you speak to the value of mentorship?
“Absolutely. I have a few people that I respect and can turn to that I call coaches. As a human being, you live in your own bias. Having coaches removes a huge ego piece that comes with running a business. There are people who are really good at things that you’re not. It’s cool to have someone come in with a birds-eye view and give you feedback.”
Do you think anything is missing from the OKGNtech community?
“Besides somewhere to get dumplings? A place for creative freelancers to connect and help each other. I think more people are deciding to freelance and that community needs a place where they can bounce ideas off of one another—somewhere they can express problems that they’re having and other freelancers can help find a solution.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received or would like to share?
“Figure out your “why” before making a decision. Slow down, in the least cliche way possible, think about the “why” of your decisions and what you’re hoping to get out of them. When my brain is stretched too thin, I find sitting down with a cup of beer, tea, water, or smoking a joint, and journaling helps me to focus and evaluate my choices. When you write down why you’re stressed about a decision, it doesn’t live as a constant loop in your mind anymore.”
Who inspires you?
”I want my answer to be Lizzo because she’s been inspiring me lately. Markku and I will listen to her whole album as we drive in from Westside Road. Other than Lizzo, everyone that I’ve been around lately has been kicking ass. Lots of people quitting their jobs and just going for it, which I love.”
Connect with Chloe. Learn more about Another Room. Hungry for more? Meet James.
