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Meet Emily Hubbard! Emily is originally from Saskatchewan and has called Kelowna home for 5 years!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm originally from a small town named Kipling Saskatchewan, famous for the Red Paperclip Trade; I've lived in Kelowna for 5 years now
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my love, Aaron! He truly is my best friend, I get to be one hundred percent myself with him, and vise versa, and he truly feels like home to me, which means a lot when I'm so far away from my true home!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Shawanda Rock & Crystals Holistic Wellness Centre, because I'm all about my being positive, self awareness & reflection, mindfulness & meditation, and my angels! The store has a million things in it & there truly is something for everyone in there!
Describe yourself in one word.
Happy
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Scotland; I just want to see some castles plus i love history & learning, so I feel that would be the perfect place to go!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Going for a dip or float in the lake.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Embarrassing? I'm always saying or doing something that is embarrassing but I handle it quite well, cause I make fun of myself. BUT if you really want to make me blush, tell me I'm too loud or to Shhh!!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that happened to me was being humbled by a near death experience. It took me a long time to fully process what had happened, because it wasn't a crazy near death experience with a long road to recovery. It was a health issue that could have taken my life & came very close too.
It put me in a very depressive state & I didn't even realize how far away from myself I'd really strayed until I heard myself speak one day. It was like an out of body experience really, in a very normal set of circumstances.
My friend asked me to go to the movies, and I would have typically gone in a heartbeat, even if I wasn't that into the movie, because I love the cinema!
That time, though, I said, "Why would I want to do that?" I heard it loud and clear, as if a stranger said it. I paused after my response and processed what I just heard myself say. It was as if in that very moment I realized how much I'd changed in a short period of time. Then I asked her, "Am I the same person you met, am I the same person you wanted to become friends with?" To which she simply responded, "No". And in that moment I realized I let true happiness leave me & I needed to turn myself around!
That moment inspired me to make sure that I'm always checking back in with myself, that I’m reflecting, but not overthinking, that I’m being honest with myself about my feelings & abilities, to not let passion blind me, to stick to who I am, even if that means facing hard truths, and most importantly decide what my self-worth is and what that looks like so I can go after my hopes and dreams!
It's a work in progress - I get lost along the way from time to time, and I dream big BUT that nearly fatal moment in time inspired me to be me - and who else would I want to be, but me!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My brother, sister, and I would transform our backyard into a mini golf course with a cup, some balls, our parents putters, and most importantly our imagination. We'd create hazards & obstacles to get around! It was amazing fun & the best mini golf course I've ever played!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am blessed to get to work with so many different groups through my job! We've ran promotions for Mama's for Mama's, United Way, Kelowna Gospel Mission, SPCA, Freedom's Door, Food Bank, Etc. It's honestly one of best parts of my job! Otherwise, I've volunteered for/at events as that's kind of my forte!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hmmm..That's tough! I'd likely change how materialistic we all are. We need less than a quarter of the stuff we have! Lately I'm looking around thinking, do we really need a bunch of similar stores filled with all the same stuff? We could minimize a bit!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
In summer time, to a park or the beach with a notebook and a pen & in the winter - does Big White count? I love being in the winter wonderland up there!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
In ways we can help the environment! Climate change is the real deal, just cause we weren't hit with fires or bad floods this year doesn't mean that it isn't happening elsewhere and even worse. It is a global problem! We need to find ways to be more Eco friendly & set ourselves up for a sustainable future, as best possible, and we have to do so quickly!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It's beauty! I've lived here for five years and there is still a moment a day that takes my breath away! For me, I think the beauty that exists here increases quality of life & the landscapes evoke positivity. It's no wonder so many want to live here!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Write a book
2) Write a movie
3) Open a bar/restaurant
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I want to be a life coach & motivational speaker.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm on all platforms but Insta is where I hang out the most - @emilych5 or LinkedIn where you can find me by name! :)
What is the name of your business/organization?
Chances Kelowna
Why did you get into/start this business?
I got started in the Casino industry as a co-op student but I stayed cause I fell in love with how much fun I get to have. I get to giveaway a lot of cool prizing, plan some really cool events, and make a lot of peoples days! The job suits my personality!
What is the goal of your business?
To be a community gaming centre that cares! People refer to us as casino but we started as a community gaming centre. We want our guests to feel that sense of community when they visit & we extend that community by giving back to various organizations!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Oh man, I'd have to say my level of passion! That's professionally & personally. I get blinders on when I'm really passionate about something & that's not always the best because you lose sight of other people's perspective!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I'd be raised the same way, but I would have gone in to film & script writing like I originally wanted to! Regardless how long it took to pay off!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"I'm gonna have to journal about this" - cause that's my therapy & way to bring about positive change in my life.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Life is about enjoying the good & navigating the bad. Don’t get held up convincing others you are right – focus on defining life in a way that works best for you, and reflect your philosophies through action. Like Mindedness will follow!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I'd have to go with Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher! I think there's a lot many people, who are open to it, could learn from him. I think not many have life figured out but if there was someone who came close, it would be him! In my humble opinion!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
What kind of community do we have if we don't support the people that make it go round!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I'm most proud of moving out to BC. It was an extremely hard transition because I knew before I left that I likely wasn't to return. Now, five years later with a love, a home, a dog, and a career, I can say I'm here to stay & it feels pretty damn good!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'm giving a shout out to stay at home parents! It's an incredibly hard job that is not defined by 40 hrs a week, 9 - 5, or shift work! They are on ALL the time, and the list of job duties is ENDLESS! Not many could keep up if they tried, including me!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shawna McCrea
Some general comments I would like to share are:
This was a lot of FUN!
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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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