Local Community Advertising
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Teena Gowdy (officially TennaRee Gowdy)
What do you always find yourself saying?
“If you don’t use it, you lose it, so, know your limit and work within it, and get fit, stay fit, and have fun while doing it!”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
I would love to spend the day with recording artist, Lizz Wright. I would love to sing with her as one of her back-up singers, at her concert. I would share some of my original songs, and let her try her sultry, soulful voice singing them; I know I would learn a lot from her feedback.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
The West Coast, Canadian Radio, Canadian Urban, or the Covenant Music award, any of those would be great!
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Mother Teresa, I wish I could have met her before she died. I was so inspired by her selfless life, her compassion for humanity and her giving to help the sick. I wrote a song about her! Her examples have also caused me to do what I do now. Work with older adults through Interior Health, I am a BCRPA group fitness and Osteofit instructor and encouraging whoever will listen to me, to be and do all they can to age actively.
Who inspires you?
Kimberly Zink, president of Klemmer and Associates. This woman demonstrates tuff love as a motivational speaker, she leads by example and is an overcomer and her inspiration motivated me to go further, reach higher, and believe your dreams can come true.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Visit Australia.
2. Learn to tread water.
3. Write a hit song!
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
”ALLABORD!”
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
The day I turn 70, with no one believing I am that age, I’ll look, act, and feel, 10 years younger!
What are you passionate about?
My passion is manifested when I am singing and performing meaningful songs that touch the hearts and souls of the listener.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
I had a soul changing experience at 18 years of age, that experience changed my life destiny! But, next to that, I must say when my only daughter was born, three sons followed after her.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being married to the same man for 35 years!
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
I like dining at any winery restaurant overlooking the lakes. Each time I am there, it’s because I am celebrating something special in my life.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
I love going to music concerts and live theatre productions. Kelowna has an abundance of amazingly talented people living in the Okanagan.
What is the name of your business/organization?
TeenaRee Gowdy
What does your business/organization do?
First and foremost I am a singer/songwriter. I teach dance fitness and now Osteofitness through BCRPA. I also have contracted services teaching various performing art activities to those with special needs through EMA (Exceptional Musical Adventures).
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.gowdy.ca
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Teena Ree Gowdy
What is your Twitter account?
@teenagowdy
How do people connect with you on LinkedIn?
Teena Gowdy
What is your mission?
To give unselfish love, walk in integrity, show genuine compassion, and be committed to lifelong learning.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
If I can achieve one thing, I hope to instill in each client a sense of value as a human being. If I can truly get them to believe this. I know we all have our personal limitations, but if I’m allowed to motivate and help them make time to have fun and see themselves as a priority, make healthy choices, body, soul, and spirit, then I believe I am giving out quality service.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
My goal is to have consistent clients attending my dance fitness classes, a well-established Osteofit program, most of my original songs published, streaming through the media networks, and constant bookings for my Zydeco RnB band at music festivals.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Diane Warren (songwriter), Beto Perez (Zumba creator), Clifton Chenier (King of Zydeco), Debbie Cheong (Osteofit program coordinator).
What three qualities do you feel your business/organization exemplifies?
Creativity, encouragement, and having fun out loud.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
If I had employees, I would thank them for believing in me, and giving of themselves to improve the lives of all we come in contact with.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
My impact in the community starts with the fact we all need each other, we can find common ground with each other, showing our humanity. I serve as a guide, if you have lost your way, a bridge so you are reconnected, a sanctuary if you need someone to talk to, a light to brighten your day, an encourager to keep you motivated towards your goals. All of the above done in a creative warm and fun atmosphere.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would you say to them/talk about?
I would love to be stuck with wealthy humanitarians who were experts in any profession, who are looking for unique projects to give financially to and sincerely allow me time to share my dreams and business goals.
If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
I would love to see a change with the homeless getting handouts on the streets. I would love to see a way each citizen, as they so choose, allow the homeless person to give back to the community in some way, in exchange for the monetary handout they get. What they do could be on par with how much money they will be receiving. For example, if they sweep my sidewalk, I will give them a toonie, or wash my car window, for a loonie, or if a business, take my garbage to the dumpster, or something simple like that. I believe this would create value in themselves and give them a sense of purpose in giving back to this beautiful community they live in.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is a great place to live, because of the lakes, mountains, weather, and fruit orchards all around us.
My choice for Kelowna in focus spotlight is:
Heather McCullough, she is the program director of Exceptional Music Adventures. She has started this program to give special needs and autistic peoples a chance to experience the disciplines in the performing arts world. She continually displays a positive attitude despite her tragic family background.
General comments I would like to share are:
I have a deep desire to get back to my roots. I was born in Louisiana and raised in California. Along the way I lost my musical roots even though I love to sing a variety of different genres. I have been reconnected to my Zydeco heritage. I am in the process of writing and with the help of others arranging my original songs, incorporating it into my culture, with its unique musical instruments, the dance moves, and sharing the Canadian, US history connection, into my Zydeco RnB band and workshops. This is my dream and goal; I would love to stay in touch with you. My desire is to be a very creative woman, using all my being to create a life of unselfish living in this world. To create value in others by giving true love, encouragement, compassion, and a smile to light the world of whoever I come in contact with.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
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