Hi, I’m Deena Woolhouse. I have lived in Big Lake since I was a child and hope to stay in this area going forward. I am honored to be selected as a Face of Big Lake because there are so many great people who have been chosen. I proudly work at Riverwood Bank in town so stop in and see me! I also have started my own business in painting, which as always been a dream of mine. I absolutely love being a part of this community and want to continue being able to support the residents here. I am newly married and was able to get it done during Covid.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Andrew, and I were married in June, 2021. We ended up getting married right during covid! It was a beautiful, intimate wedding and we just had to shorten our guest list. I have two older sisters who don’t live too far away and I have one niece and two nephews.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
Riverwood Bank of course! I also love MN Wholesalers, the Big Lake Food shelf because they are so needed in the community, and Ember Coffee.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
Currently I am a Personal Banker and Consumer Lender at Riverwood Bank in Big Lake. I also oversee the Tellers who work with us. I own my own business on the side painting portraits of people’s pets – typically dogs. My business can be found on Facebook under Woolie Custom Creations. I also enjoy making shirts and other items for family and friends. My future career plans include the possibility of being Branch Manager at Riverwood Bank some day. I absolutely love working here and couldn’t imagine not being with Riverwood. I also plan to grow my painting portraiture business. I have been passionate about painting since I was young and certainly want to keep doing that also.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Big Lake for 26 years with my family. We moved here when I was 2 years old.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
I would have to say Jesse Cornelius – owner of MN Wholesalers in Big Lake. He gives back so much to the community and does great things. He always donates many toys in our Riverwood Bank boxes!
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
We have two boxers. One is Trooper and the other is Soka. Yes, they are named after Star Wars characters.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
I love any of the Star Wars movies, The Big Bang Theory, and Bob’s Burgers.
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
My favorite holiday is 4th of July. It’s usually great weather, family and friends get together, and we can enjoy beer and the lake.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get involved! Help where you can, when you can because it will always come back to around.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to take my family to Disney World – yes, because there is a lot of Star Wars things there! I would also like to visit all 50 States. I need to get to both coasts.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like how caring our community is to one another. People will help and support one another and they are willing to go the extra mile.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I want to continue and have grown my painting business. I also hope to be buying a home and have a family.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and one drink the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mashed potatoes or really any form of bread. And my drink would be Mountain Dew.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
I don’t have many nicknames. Some people do call me Deeners.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would want to be able to tell the future. Then I could prepare myself for what is coming and help guide other people.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Starting my painting business for sure. It took a lot of courage and was always a dream of mine.
Q: What would you do/buy if you won the lottery?
I would buy a great house, new car, and more painting stuff. I would want to give to my family, but also help out my co-workers and their families at Riverwood. It would be nice to be able to spread the love.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and my mom and dad. They support me in my dreams.