Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Vanessa Kerry Keely
Get ready to meet the heart and soul of Kamloops in our Room to Shine Spotlight Series! Each month, we're pulling back the curtain to celebrate the incredible individuals who make this city what it is today. From leading visionaries to the behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories will dive into the grit, passion, and genuine spirit that keep Kamloops shining bright. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's shine a light on what makes this place unforgettable—its people.
The heart of any great city is its people. The ones who pour their passion, creativity, and energy into making their community thrive. In Kamloops, Vanessa Kerry Keely is one of those people.
As a Chef with two decades of culinary expertise under her belt, Vanessa has spent her career crafting memorable experiences through food. She's a Red Seal certified chef who completed the Culinary Arts program at TRU in 2007, earning her certification 12 years ago. But her journey didn't stop there, she continued to push herself, setting her sights on achieving Certified Chef de Cuisine and perhaps even Certified Master Chef status down the road.
Born and raised in Kamloops with family roots running deep in the city, Vanessa represents the kind of homegrown talent that makes this community special. She's built her career here, choosing to stay and contribute to Kamloops' evolving food scene. And if you've tasted the creative offerings at Smashville Burger Bar and Inferno Pizza at the Yews Street Food hub, you've experienced her artistry firsthand - from fresh-made pizza dough by Harvest Moon Bakery to gluten-free ice cream sandwiches that are truly one of a kind in Kamloops.
We're excited to spotlight a Kamloops champion like Vanessa!
TK: How did you first get into the tourism industry?
"Culinary Arts program through TRU."
That single decision to enroll at Thompson Rivers University set Vanessa on a path that would shape not just her career, but also contribute to the richness of Kamloops' culinary landscape. Twenty years later, she's still challenging herself, still creating, still making customers come back for more.
TK: What fuels you? What drives your passion for the work you do?
"My passion is driven by my desire to create. To challenge myself every day, make customers come back for more and the community that develops around food."
There it is, the philosophy that guides everything Vanessa does in the kitchen. For her, cooking isn't just about following recipes or plating beautiful dishes. It's about the connections food creates, the community it builds, and the challenge of constantly pushing herself to new heights. That mindset has driven her to pursue advanced certifications and has kept her at the forefront of Kamloops' culinary scene for two decades.
It's this commitment to growth and community that sets Vanessa apart. She's not content to rest on her laurels - she's planning to complete a pastry chef program in the future, always expanding her skills and bringing new flavors to Kamloops.
TK: On your day off, what's your absolute favourite thing to do in Kamloops?
"Hiking and walking the areas overlooking Kamloops."
When she's not in the kitchen, Vanessa takes to the trails, exploring the natural beauty that surrounds this city. There's something fitting about a chef who works with the flavors of the region also taking time to appreciate its landscapes - those same hills and valleys that define Kamloops' character.
TK: What makes Kamloops stand out for you?
"The roots that Kamloops holds with our past and how that shows throughout the city today. The variety of food options is also a plus."
For Vanessa, Kamloops is a city that honors its history while embracing its present. She sees the layers of the past woven into the fabric of today's community, and she appreciates how the city's food scene has grown and diversified. As someone who's been part of that culinary evolution, she's both witnessed and contributed to Kamloops becoming a destination for food lovers who appreciate quality, creativity, and local flavor.
With 20 years of experience, Red Seal certification, and an unwavering commitment to her craft, Vanessa continues to elevate Kamloops' food scene one dish at a time. Her work at Smashville Burger Bar and Inferno Pizza showcases the kind of innovation and quality that keeps locals coming back and visitors discovering what makes Kamloops special.
For those looking to experience her impact firsthand, head to the Yews Street Food hub and try the creations that have made these spots a must-visit in Kamloops. Whether it's a perfectly crafted burger or a wood-fired pizza made with fresh dough from Harvest Moon Bakery, Vanessa's dedication to her craft, and to this community, shines through in every bite.
@heybethtaylor
