2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Kara Stokes (Q&A)
Kara Stokes
General Manager
Sweláps Market, Kamloops, B.C.
Sweláps Market
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
I started in grocery retail at the age of 16, working as a cashier at my small hometown AG Foods. I later changed careers and went into the restaurant industry, which is where I first got management experience. I moved back to grocery retail after I had my second son and continued to enjoy the career after my daughter was born. As the children grew, I was able to focus more on my career growth, and that all led to where I am today!
Proudest career accomplishments?
A proud career accomplishment was when I became an assistant store manager after working my way through various department manager positions. With the guidance and training of my store manager and district manager, the role gave me the experience I needed to get where I am today. Being hired by Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc’s Business and Economic Development team to lead their first-ever independent grocery store, Sweláps Market, was another very proud career moment.
What inspires and motivates you in your current role?
I am inspired by the ability to bring food sovereignty to what was a food desert in this area. We can bring affordable, unique and delicious food to the community. The customers and colleagues motivate me to ensure the quality and selection of products is top notch, while running an amazing new business and seeing all the benefits to the community.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I like to lead by example. I am the type of person who learns by doing things, not just reading about them. I like to show people what I have learned, train them to accomplish tasks and teach them how to accept feedback … so we can adjust the way we work and accomplish tasks more effectively.
Can you share a recent career challenge, and how you addressed it?
Opening a new store! That was quite the challenge. I had experience with store renovations in the past, but opening the doors to a brand-new business certainly was challenging. We had amazing support from all the people involved in the planning and building of the business. Now that we have a year and a half under our belts, it is so rewarding to see the fruition of everyone’s dedication to make the store successful.
Why is community giving important to you, and how do you inspire others to give back?
Community giving is important because it builds a stronger community—and that benefits everyone. It builds connections and trust. I inspire others to give back by showing the success of previous initiatives and showing how they impacted the community.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I love to go on road-trip adventures, catch a concert of a musician that I love, or just find a dirt road that leads to a small, quiet lake to do some fishing, hunting and camping. I enjoy the many beautiful aspects of nature.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.