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Meet Ashley.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Okanagan?
Calgary born, High River raised, and even did some time in Fort McMurray post-university for a few years. I've now been in Kelowna for just over three years and it's hard to picture myself anywhere else.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Definitely my fiancé Tony Varco. He’s my part adventure buddy, part comedian, and part trivia king. He pushes me to be a better person all the while being goofballs in the process.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Hmm, a hard tie between Krafty Kitchen + Bar or Boheme Collective. Krafty tends to be where I celebrate my most memorable milestones over delicious food. Boheme Collective has adorable clothes and accessories.
Describe yourself in one word.
Curious.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece. In a heartbeat. The architecture, the food, the culture, the history, and of course the beaches. All of it has appealed to me for as long as I can remember.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I actually love mountain biking. I'm certainly not the best at it by any means, but there's something about climbing Knox and finishing the ride with a cold beer at Kettle River Brewing. That's about as good as it gets. Bonus - dogs frequent the patio.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh my goodness, I've honestly lost count at this point. I'm a well-known klutz, so most of my tales involve unfortunate spills usually caught on camera. Last year I had a wardrobe mishap during a Femme Fatale show, so that was fun! (No nudity thankfully!) All you can do is laugh it off.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I love seeing a community come together despite difficult and trying circumstances. My friends and family did it in High River during the floods of 2013. Fort McMurray as a whole did it during the fires of 2016. And there are so many local examples here in the Okanagan too! We're all stronger together - regardless of sex, ethnicity or political affiliation. When push comes to shove, we're a lot more resilient than we ever give ourselves credit for and that's inspiring.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was incredibly fortunate to be thrown into just about every sport and performing art under the sun. However, my two big highlights were performing with The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede and camping in places like Christina Lake here in BC.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Both my grandfather and great-grandma passed away from Alzheimer's, so I try to raise money and run in their memory each year. I'm always happy to get involved in any good cause though whether it's Motionball, COHA, or Kelowna's Gospel Mission. The most common way I give back is typically by coaching entrepreneurs on how to start or step up their marketing.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Closed-mindedness. Being intolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others only makes us unreceptive to new, and potentially better ideas.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I'd probably head to the Kasugai Gardens or the beach with a book and cold brew coffee in hand.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Homelessness. I don't envy the job of our municipality in trying to solve such a complex issue. Some need a hand up. Others are riddled with addiction. Some suffer from mental health issues or in the worst cases - a mix of all of the above. There are just so many variables at play, and unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all method in aiding the situation here.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The work-life balance and overall lifestyle here! In Alberta, it wasn't unheard of to work 10+ hours and even infuse some work on the weekends. I'm slowly learning to relax more, take time for myself in the great outdoors and "smell the roses."
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Eat pasta in Italy.
2. Learn guitar.
3. Scuba dive with whales.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I've been singing and dancing on and off since I was 8-years old, even longer if you count family reunions or private kitchen performances.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @ashleyvkendall
What is the name of your business/organization?
My freelance biz is Kendall Media. I also work in marketing full time with a fantastic real estate developer Highstreet Ventures (soon to be the agency Roketto).
Why did you get into/start this business?
I actually studied broadcast advertising and news journalism at university. When I moved to Fort McMurray, I ended up having a great opportunity in marketing, and here we are several years later. I love wearing the many different hats in marketing.
What is the goal of your business?
Help businesses find their unique purpose and tell their story in a memorable, measurable, and cost-effective way.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Saying no, but I'm getting better. Must be that Okanagan Lifestyle getting to me ;)
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Everything has a funny way of working out for the best so long as you go into the situations with the best of intentions and learn from the errors when they happen. Nobody’s perfect - reflect, learn, and do your darndest not to repeat the same mistake twice. As cliché as it is, if I never made the mistakes I did, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"It's all about balance." Seriously, ask any of my friends. I'm like an endless record.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Maybe one day I'll be wise enough to create my own quote. In the meantime, every morning I walk into Highstreet Ventures to this one by Calvin Coolidge which speaks for itself, "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! Has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Likely Kristen Bell. Big time girl crush on her. Talent, wit, and humour - hello! She just seems like she'd be such a cool, down to earth person to hang out. Plus, some of the initiatives she's pursuing with her husband Dax is incredibly refreshing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you buy locally, you're supporting your neighbours and fueling the local economy. That money is going to Becky's hockey practice, Brittany's philanthropic dreams in giving back to the community, and John's restaurant, which supports local farmers.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having the courage to move nearly 800 kilometers away from my best friends and family to pursue a career I’m passionate about.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Michelle Webber. This girl works SO hard balancing her wedding planning business, Shucked Oyster Co, and fostering dogs, just to name a few things.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Michelle Webber.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Be mindful about not taking this beautiful place for granted. There’s so much to do and explore and it’s nearly all free to do so. There’s not a whole lot of places dripping in as much natural beauty as the Okanagan, so get out there and experience it first hand as much as possible!
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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