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?
Sophie Brown.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in the lower mainland of BC, but I have lived in West Kelowna since 2010.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite people to spend time with are my husband, John, and my kids, William and Madeline. They always keep me laughing.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy. Beaches, sunshine, good food, wine and coffee.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Olive & Elle, they have a lovely staff and so many beautiful things you wouldn't know you needed until you see them.
What is your favourite activity?
Relaxing somewhere with a large cup of coffee and some good reading material.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
PIZZA!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
The most recent one I can remember is that I was seven or eight months pregnant and I set off the very loud alarm at Blenz because I could not remember the code to disarm it, and was entering my bank PIN number instead. The security company called me and I had to explain that I wasn’t trying to break in, it was 5:30am and my pregnant brain could not remember the same code I had been entering for years.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My mother went back to get a Masters Degree in her 50s after 25 years as a public health nurse. She was diagnosed with breast cancer during her studies, and although the cancer ended up being terminal, she still managed to complete her degree throughout chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Her perseverance was inspiring.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up on a dairy farm in Langley and in the summer the family (my mom, grandma, cousins, aunt and uncle) would get together to make, and round up, hay bales. It was nice to be out in the sun with family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am pretty lucky in that through Blenz, I have the resources to donate to community events and organizations like the Gospel Mission downtown. I was particularly excited to be able to sponsor and provide coffee for the Canadian Breast Cancer Society Run for the Cure in October last year. It is a cause that is very close to my heart, so I am very happy Blenz is an official sponsor of the CBCS and I am incredibly grateful to be able to participate in that event.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
There seems to be a lot of mistrust and fear of 'the other', people that are different from you. I would like to see humans treating other humans with a little more compassion regardless of the things that make us different.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Being out in the sunshine! Sitting on the beaches, rollerblading along the lake, going for walks and hikes. The lower mainland was rain, rain and more rain, so now that I am living somewhere a little less wet and grey I want to take advantage of it!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere along the lake, it’s so peaceful by the water. That, or on my patio at home.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would want to see more resources for the homeless community downtown, be it addiction services, low income housing or employment resources. The city is continuing to revitalize Downtown Kelowna, and I think the homeless community needs to be included and prioritized in those plans.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Aside from the sunshine, how easy it is to get out and explore nature while still being close to the city. That, and the people are very friendly and easy going!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Go across Canada on a train
2) Go to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios
3) Ride in a 60s muscle car.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Through most of my childhood and teenage years I was very involved in art. I drew and painted regularly and I even considered going to art school, but things worked out a little differently. Art is still a hobby I would love to get back into when I have some more free time!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Blenz Coffee Bernard Ave.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started as a server/barista when I was in high school, my first job, and I have worked at several different cafes since then. I love making coffee, I love drinking coffee and I love the atmosphere of cafes. When the opportunity arose to own and manage my own cafe, I jumped on it!
What is the goal of your business?
To create a space for people to come and visit with friends, hang out with a book, people-watch or to study. But ultimately, to provide a great cup of coffee to the wonderful people of Kelowna.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Trying to find balance between the two! When you own your own business your work is never done, there is always something more you could be doing. Sometimes it can be hard to step back from that and focus on your own needs, and the needs of your family.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I might have changed the timeline of when things happened. I think I could have developed a little more experience before owning my own business, and having my first child six months into business ownership was a little overwhelming, but I love what I do, and where I am, so I definitely would do the same thing twice.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'I need another Americano.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend a day with Princess Kate Middleton to see how she manages to stay so composed and flawless with two children in tow, and half the world watching her!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I am happy to shop locally because I know I am helping other small business owners in the same position I am in, trying to do what they love and trying to support their loved ones doing it.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Juggling business ownership and raising two small children at the same time! It has kept me on my toes but I love it.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband John, who, on top of his own career, helps me tirelessly with mine. As well as all of my staff at Blenz, including some special ones that have moved on. They help me keep my business running and many go above and beyond my expectations on a regular basis. My team is like a second family and I couldn’t do this without them.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kelowna artist, Christina Leinemann-Knittel.
Some general comments I would like to share are
Thank you, KelownaNow for this opportunity, and for showing love to local and small businesses in Kelowna!
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.
Local Community Advertising