Meet Dr. Karen Canupp! Karen is an eye doctor in Jefferson, is married to John and the couple has two children, Lilly Grace and Mitchell.
They attend 12 Stone Church at Braselton and support The Young Life of Greater Jackson County. She serves on the Board of Directors for Mavuno Ministries in Gainesville as well as iServe Ministries in Jackson County. Dr. Canupp also is a member of both the Barrow and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
She said her favorite thing about Jackson County is the small town feel.
“It’s changed a lot since I grew up, but I still like the ‘small town’ feel I get here. People still blow the horn when they drive by my house, my kids can walk to school, and people still know each other. It’s the little things…” she said.
We want to thank Karen for sitting down with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Jackson County.

Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “I love helping others. When I started college I had a different career path in mind. However, I have found that God will open and close doors to guide you where you should be in life. I am very happy with my profession and thankful I have a job that I love.”

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Jackson County, and what do you love there?
A: “Cream and Shuga. I love their pecan bars.”

Q: Who was your favorite teacher growing up?
A: “Janet Schwartz. She taught high school English at Jefferson High School.  

Q: Have you had a light bulb moment in your life, an “Ah ha” moment?
A: “My mom used to tell me ‘Life wasn’t a bed of roses.’ I have found there is some truth in that, especially when I became a mom myself. I have learned that even though things don’t always happen the way I want them to, it’s learning not to sweat the small stuff.”

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Jackson County?
A: “I was born and raised in Jefferson, Georgia, so I have lived here for most of my life, except for college and when newly married.”  

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Ski trips with my family and friends.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “New York, because it’s beautiful at Christmas.”

Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: “‘Star Wars’ – My parents took all three of us to Winder to see it.”

Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Be kind, be respectful and always stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves.”

Q: What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “Keith Urban, Barry Manilow and Casting Crowns.”

Q: What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Jackson County and why?
A: “Mitchell Hardware. It was started in 1952 by my grandfather, AG Mitchell. He loved that store and going in there reminds me of family and what it means. My dad owns it now and still works there.”  

Q: Choosing anyone (past or present and a non-relative), with whom would you love to have lunch?  And where locally would you have this lunch?
A: “Emily Bronte at The Braselton Tea House.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about Jackson County?
A: “It’s changed a lot since I grew up, but I still like the ‘small town’ feel I get here. People still blow the horn when they drive by my house, my kids can walk to school, and people still know each other.  It’s the little things…”

Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “Still putting my kids through college; hopefully traveling.”

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I can bake a real ‘Buck Marlowe’ pound cake that originated from Marlow’s Café.”

Q: What three words mean “Home” to you?
A: “God,  Family and Friends.”

The Faces of Jackson County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.