Local Spotlight on Jimilee Ayotte

StettlerLocal.com December 21, 2021 @ 3:50pm

Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Saskatoon, grew up on a purebred Charolais ranch near Endiang, AB.

Why do you (did you) choose Stettler as home?

I lived in Edmonton for 8 years including University, and it just wasn't for me. I wanted my kids to have the small town upbringing that I had. That meant moving home, which was also closer to my family, which is great.

What do you do? What is your full title?

I'm the Editor for StettlerLocal.com. I coordinate and create content for the website.

Education?

I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Alberta in Biology. Informally I'm always learning new things - this summer I learned how to shear sheep!

Family?

My husband is Ben, we have four kids from 22-6, 6 cats, and 2 dogs. We stay pretty busy!

Who inspired you in your youth? My family, parents, and older siblings (6) - taught me that I could try anything - my dad has had so many different kinds of jobs in his life! My 4H leaders taught me to just keep trying until I got it right, they also taught me the value of volunteering. My favorite authors taught me that it's a good thing to have big dreams.

Who inspires you now?

My kids - they see the world in such a different way than adults do. There is so much negativity in our world. When I was growing up, things were just the way they'd always been - my kids see a better world where everyone is treated more kindly.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love working with sheep's wool - do not ask how many bags of raw wool I have in my barn! I crochet all kinds of fun things (especially stuffed animals). I use my Cricut to put my stamp on anything that doesn't move - and a few things that do. I have sheep and raise chickens. I garden in our short summer, flowers and vegetables. I'm a 4H leader in the wintertime.

What are your plans for the future?

With the help of the community, I hope to keep building StettlerLocal.com into the great resource I know it can be!

Anything else you would like to add about being a resident of Stettler?

Stettler and the County of Stettler are great places to live. I am glad that many years ago I made the decision to move back to the area.

Thank you to Jimilee Ayotte for participating in our Local Spotlights.