Western Canada's Next Home Stylist could hail from Prince George.
Last week Tijana Popovic was named to the top three in a contest for the title by Urban Barn and Western Living Magazine.
The Vancouver-based actress and self-proclaimed frugal fashionista got her start in style as a young girl scrounging for creative ways to spruce up her wardrobe as well as her room in the family's log home 20 minutes outside the city.
"When I was a kid there was even less in terms of stores and places you could go. I feel like I started going to thrift stores there because I could find things that were different and unique."
That resourceful streak stayed with her, even inspiring her blog Frugal Living Adventures.
"It all started as a joke with frugal living because I live in Vancouver, which is the most expensive city in North America now, as a way to say you can still live the lifestyle that you want and have the things that you want just on a budget or maybe you make it yourself."
There she showcases her do-it-yourself flair, from a simple rope belt to a floral dining table runner she presented in a video entry to the contest.
Her father said she always had a vision for a space and its potential.
"As far as I can remember she always had a creative side to her, even as a kid," said Stan Popovic, who is a sales associate at the Prince George Citizen.
From acting in her first elementary school play in Blackburn, to tasteful jewelry creations to exquisite meals, the proud papa said she always had a knack for the creative.
"She's always doing five things at once. I never see her crash," said Stan, adding her energy keeps her motivated and competitive.
He recalled his shock when Tijana moved to a 1960s era home.
"It was so gaudy it was horrible," he said, but when she was done the beautiful interior just made him say "Wow."
"Her room always had a spark to it," he said.
Some of that spark was inspired by a search for the unknown.
"Growing up in a small town I loved magazines because it was like a window to the outside world," Tijana said.
Now she calls her style modern vintage eclectic.
"I like the idea that you can take something very modern but surround it with maybe a vintage item or something a little more splashy and eclectic that if you saw on its own you might think was too colourful or splashy but once you get it in your room it works."
Her advice for would-be stylists?
"They shouldn't be playing it safe," she said.
Get that splashy item, or the throw pillow that seems too colourful.
"They should design what's right for them in terms of their personality and their style and let it shine through."
Tijana and the other contestants - Christina Dennis and Ryan Massel, both from Alberta - will compete in three design contests for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree and be presenters at the home and design shows in Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton this fall.
Voting will open for the first contest, design of an awkward space, which has to be completed by June 12.
