Community People Profiles is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they go about their lives living on Salt Spring Island.

This weeks featured local people profile is: Deanna Milligan

Here's a bit about Deanna;

I have an eco clothing company called Cherry Blossom. I silk screen images onto original Bamboo and Hemp Clothing and sell at the Salt Spring Saturday Market. I also run Salt Spring Screen Print with my husband Jason Gaffney and we print custom pieces for schools and organizations on the island. I am proud to be one of the 5 producers ( including Cheyenne Goh, Julie Mackinnon, Rachel Hughes and Zandra Stratford) that organize Salt Spring in the City. It is a travelling Salt Spring artisan market that is happening in Vancouver March 27th-29th.

What brought you to Salt Spring Island?

We were looking for a great place to raise our girls. The artistic nature of the island and sense of community really spoke to us. Also, the opportunity to buy a unique hemp bale house was exciting!

What one thing about Salt Spring would you tell someone who has never visited the island?

It is so dynamic! Some people think this is a sleepy island but even in the winter it is bustling. People are always creating events and there seems to continually be something to discover here. The people that you meet often reveal themselves to have fascinating backgrounds and there is a supportive network for big ideas.

If you had a magic Salt Spring wand, what island thing would you change?

More public art in our village. Allow the board walk to be extended all along the waterfront. Love the idea of floating house boat studios in the harbour. A permanent gate/sign at the front of Centennial Park welcoming visitors to the Salt Spring Saturday Market.

Which well known person, living or dead, do you think would be a good addition to the island?

Bill Murray would be fun. He seems to be pretty spontaneous and seems kind of like an islander already.

Is there a special project, business or initiative you are working on that islanders should know about?

Yes, Salt Spring in the City!!

The second annual event, Salt Spring in the City, will be held at Vancouver's Heritage Hall at 15th & Main this March 27-29th. We will be bringing the island’s bohemian lifestyle and fresh finds from our hottest artisans with over 30 unique brands to discover. From the modern to the rustic, chic to traditional — there's something for everyone.

Salt Spring's artists' creative talents are influenced and inspired by the island and we are coming together to bring that distinct flavour to Vancouver. Visitors to the show will have a unique opportunity to discover the best of what the island has to offer, as well as win an exciting array of prizes.

Salt Spring in the City is more than just a market; it is an artist-run collaboration. We invite you to come and be a part of this dynamic and engaging show. Admission: $3 Adults $1 Kids. FREE for babes in arms.

Partial admission proceeds will be donated to the Save on Meats Token program. T

Is there a really good interview question we should have asked you?

Favourite spot on the island?

How would you have answered your question?

Changes all the time. But right now I am smitten with the Chris Hatfield trail. It is just absolutely magical.