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Meet Bonnie! She's lived in Kelowna for just over a decade and loves making people laugh.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in the wilds of Penticton, but have lived in Kelowna for the past 12-ish years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a tough one, but probably my niece Molly. We like to go on adventures and find animals (shout out to the peacocks in South Kelowna!). We both love dinosaurs, sass, and treats. She really wants to see a poodle next, so let me know of any leads.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Textile Apparel - it is sustainable, fashionable, and run by good peeps. But mostly it carries a lot of black dresses, which I am all about.
Describe yourself in one word.
Silly.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
If I am being honest? Lee’s Doughnuts on Granville Island - that’s a taste that haunts you. To be fancy? Probably Wales. Rugby players? Yes! Delicious food? Debateable. Pub life? Sign me up!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I do love me a good hike, even if my hiking attire blinds tourists. I insist upon showing my pale belly.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
There have been oh so many over the years, most of which cannot be put into print. Fainting in front of my entire class in Art School though is a close second.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It will sound incredibly cheesy but it was starting theatre 4 years ago. It changed my life in innumerable ways, but most importantly it gave me confidence to keep getting on stage even if I didn’t think I belonged there (oh hai, stand up). It also lead me to meet some of the most important people in my life. That and, you know, attention.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going out into the wilds of Langley with my entire family to cut down a Christmas tree. I was probably about 6 but I remember it being VITAL we pick the best one. This is something my dad and I still do. Our standards are impossibly high.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been very active in raising money for addiction and recovery through Boxing for Community with Mad Katz boxing club. I have fought in two charity boxing matches and raised $1200 for the cause!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would remove Nickleback. I feel this would ease world tensions.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
It is a bit cliche, but I do like to climb up the back of Knox Mountain to have some alone time. There is also an amazing trail in Glenmore that I like to wonder if I need a cry or to hunt Sasquatch. Or both!
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see positive change for those who suffer with mental health and addiction issues.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Mountains! Lakes! Lake Monsters! But really, I love that Kelowna has pocket communities of artists, comics, theatre people that all love and support each other.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I would love to go to the Arctic one day, just to see what’s what, I would love to perform comedy overseas and not be heckled out of existence, and maybe do a cross Canada roadtrip?
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I train 4 days a week as a boxer but also have a visual arts degree. I like contrast.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @feltedsheep, Facebook @bonboncomedy
What is the name of your business/organization?
Bonnie Esson: Comedian
Why did you get into this business?
I tried stand up when I was 17, and it went so badly I took 17 years away from it. I did improv and theatre but it wasn’t until my friend was doing open mic where I thought, “well I can do this too.”
What is the goal of your business?
Ultimately to make a living being an artist.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Imposter syndrome is real folks! Probably believing that I have the chops to do what I love, and to give myself permission to actually try.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have probably started theatre and comedy way earlier, but I wouldn’t have the same stories.. so probably not.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Gordon Bennet!” which is basically a weird English version of “oh for goodness sakes”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be authentic. But also laugh at everything.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Karen Kilgariff- she is incredibly smart and funny, but mostly I love that she would want to spend the day drinking coffee and being sassy.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our fellow Kelownians make a living wage and to not give massive corporations more money they don’t need.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Boxing in two fights even though I am not a natural fighter. To push through when you really want to give up has been an amazing life lesson. And buying smaller pants has been a bonus.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Rob Mason-Brown! He is the co-founder of the best theatre company in town, Fred Skeleton Theatre co! He is an amazing director/human and contributes so much to the arts community in Kelowna. Plus he is the person I can call at 4am for help with no judgement.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Russell James
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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