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?
Ashley Weeks.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Kelowna. Third generation, minus the time I spent in Edmonton between 2012-2016.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I’m lucky to be able to spend a lot of time with family and friends but I’d have to say my boyfriend, Marshall and my dog Suzy. We love taking Suzy for a good play at the dog park or a hike up Knox Mountain.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I love food and there is no other food culture I want to experience firsthand more than in Spain. Plus, I hear they have good wine too.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Easy. Central Kitchen & Bar. Love their staff, food and environment. It’s not often we go a whole week without going there at least once.
What is your favourite activity?
Golfing and hiking in the summer, snowboarding in the winter.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I don’t know that I can choose just one. I’m addicted to DunnEnzies pizza but I love a good shrimp taco.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I get embarrassed easily and try to block these moments out of my mind.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Celebrating my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary this year. They are so sweet to each other and have the kind of love I hope to have when I’m their age.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending weekends at Big White with my family and our friends.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I recently participated in Motionball, which is a not-for-profit organization that builds awareness and raises money for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation. Our team was lucky to be paired with two incredible Special Olympics British Columbia athletes and we had an absolute blast playing a variety of team sports throughout the day! I’m very proud of Kelowna for raising over $105,000!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I’d make flights across Canada more affordable so Canadians could spend more time exploring their own country.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking, golfing and wine tasting.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any of Keith Lanouette’s spin classes at Oranj. I’m not alone but it gives me a chance to listen to some good music and get out of my own head.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd like to see more public awareness and education brought to mental health, not just for those who suffer with an illness but also for their family and friends so they can try to better understand what their loved ones are going through and be supportive.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The landscape and the climate. I never knew I’d miss the mountains as much as I did when I lived in Edmonton.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Hike the West Coast Trail with my dad
2. Finish my WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 4 Diploma
3. Go to the Super Bowl
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m actually a really good snowboarder.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
What is the name of your business/organization?
Associate, Leasing & Sales at Colliers International
Why did you get into/start this business?
My dad introduced me to a successful developer in Edmonton, who offered me a position at her company. I’ve learned so much since then and luckily, I was able to continue in the same industry once I decided to move back to Kelowna.
What is the goal of your business?
To build and maintain strong relationships with my clients while still being true to my character.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Finishing my degree.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
There may be a few things I’d change here and there but only if it still brought me to where I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Probably best I don’t say it here. I’m working on it!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My sister Sam. We are very similar but opposite at the same time. My nephew always comments on how much we mimic each other’s mannerisms when we’re together.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s so important to bring money back into the local economy, particularly in a city like Kelowna which is tourist driven for nearly half the year. We need to support local businesses year-round so they can survive during the slower months.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finishing my degree and getting my real estate licence.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My sister! She’s an amazing mother who does everything for her kids and is still able to balance a successful career, all while being a supportive wife. I really don’t know how she does it sometimes.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Megan Woodruff, owner of 24K Coaching. I can’t think of a better person suited to provide guidance and support to someone who wants to make a change in their life.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Stay positive!
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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