From Detour to Destination: The Story Behind BoostBC

From Detour to Destination: The Story Behind BoostBC

An Interview with Alecia Streleoff  ·  Founder & CEO, BoostBC

My story doesn't start where most founders' stories do. There was no grand plan, no business school epiphany, no family legacy in entrepreneurship. My story starts with a car accident and what I chose to do after it.

A Different Road

Before everything changed, I was pursuing a degree in Communications, Culture, and Journalism at Okanagan College, working part-time at a local bookstore, and building a life I genuinely loved. Then a motor vehicle accident rerouted everything.

I could have seen that as the end of one chapter. Instead, I chose to see it as the beginning of another.

"If something's broken, I'll figure out how to fix it. And if I have to fix it, I might as well make it better."

A Spark in the Startup World

My entry into tech wasn't glamorous - it was a Tier 1 tech support role at a startup. But that role lit something in me. Every problem was a puzzle. Every frustrated client was an opportunity to listen, adapt, and improve. I became obsessed with finding better ways to do things.

That hands-on mindset - learning by doing, fixing by understanding, growing by staying curious - became the foundation of everything I've built since. I still commit to learning at least two new things every day.

Building BoostBC from the Ground Up

Launching BoostBC wasn't backed by investors or a polished business plan. It started with grit, a genuine desire to help local businesses thrive, and the hard-earned belief that small businesses deserve big-level support.

From the beginning, I was involved in every layer - building systems, solving problems, onboarding clients, and doing whatever it took. What started as a solo effort has grown into a full-service agency serving businesses across British Columbia, offering web/app development, marketing, IT solutions, and business strategy.

But what I'm most proud of isn't the growth metrics. It's the moments I've watched clients go from uncertain to unstoppable - launching their first website, landing a dream client, or finally feeling proud of their digital presence. That's the real win.

"I didn't just build a digital agency. I built a platform for people to grow."

The Local Spotlight: Because Rising Tides Raise All Boats

One of my proudest initiatives at BoostBC is our Local Spotlight series. Free or by nomination, it's designed to celebrate Okanagan businesses, non-profits, and innovators who are making a difference and connect them with the mentors, resources, and community they deserve.

We've featured organizations like BEEM Bank, the Lake Country Food Bank, local orchards, app launches, and so many small businesses that simply needed someone to shine a light on them. The result? Real visibility. Real partnerships. A stronger, more connected B.C. business community built on support - not competition.

Giving Back: Youth, Community, and What Really Matters

For over three years, I've volunteered part-time as a Youth Behavioural Interventionist, supporting youth in care and those navigating major life transitions across the Okanagan. This work is deeply personal to me.

I show up with empathy, consistency, and a belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of growth. It's the same philosophy I bring to BoostBC - meet people where they are, and help them get where they want to go.

Alecia Streleoff

Leading with Heart and Strategy

My leadership style is hands-on, people-first, and solution-driven. I lead by example, stay close to the work, and deeply value collaboration and clear communication. I don't believe great leaders have all the answers - I believe they create environments where others feel empowered to find them.

BoostBC has been recognized with a Kelowna's Best 2025 nomination and featured by respected local voices, but the recognition I value most is the trust we've built with clients, with partners, and with our community.

What's Next

BoostBC is growing, and so is our mission. If you're a small business owner in B.C. who's ready to level up - your website, your marketing, your tech, your strategy - I'd love to connect. And if you know a business, entrepreneur, or organization doing incredible work in your community, nominate them for a Local Spotlight feature. Let's build something together.

Connect with BoostBC: www.boostbc.ca  ·  Follow @BoostBC on Facebook