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Meet Kaitlyn! Kaitlyn was born in Vancouver but has been living here in the Okanagan for the majority of her life. She enjoys spending time with those who lift her up and sharing her passion for living a "kind-to-the-earth" lifestyle with others.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Vancouver but I've lived in Kelowna for nearly 25 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I don't have one single person but in general, I try to spend my time with people that make me feel happy and that lift me up.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Do restaurants count?
Describe yourself in one word.
Multi-passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali, Indonesia. The food is incredible, the people are amazing, the lifestyle is a dream.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking!!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I always underestimate how well I know an acquaintance and always go in for a hug... after the fact I always think to myself "I actually don't even know them that well at all..."
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Probably all of the amazing and positive feedback that I receive from various people on social media regarding my posts and stories. I am always so shocked when I get a message from a friend or a stranger telling me about a positive change that they've made. It fills my heart up so much.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I don't know if this is a favourite memory or not but I can picture it so clearly and I laugh every time I'm reminded of it. Hiking in Banff, AB with my family when I was two or three years old, we stopped to have a quick lunch at a picnic table. Being the distracted little human I was, I put my peanut butter and jelly sandwich down and looked away. In that split second, a little chipmunk hopped up onto the table and stole my whole sandwich. I wasn't even mad. My whole family had a good laugh.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am part of a team of girls that run The Industry Project in Kelowna. We meet weekly, year-round to plan campaigns and fundraisers for a different cause each year. The bulk of our campaigning runs in various restaurants in the Okanagan in the month of November. Going into our fourth official year running, we have raised just shy of $35,000.00 for different organizations. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More compassion, more open-mindedness, more kindness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Not a huge fan of being alone but I wouldn't complain about a weekend at Sparkling Hill enjoying the saunas.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I am a huge fan of making kind-to-the-earth choices accessible for everyone and I think a roadside composting system would be super helpful. I'd love to see Kelowna ban plastic bags, and for more restaurants to ditch plastic straws or adopt an "honour not offer" program for those that require straws due to accessibility. Huge shoutout to Kelowna for continue to build and grow the local initiatives. The support I see happening in this community is inspiring.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
If you live here, you know the answers. Beautiful lake, stunning mountains, little boutique shops, local restaurants, lots of dogs, and wine.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Hike Mount Rinjani in Indonesia.
2) Write a book (or two).
3) Create a cookbook.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I speak French fluently.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@KaitlynDickie on Instagram is probably the best way. I love getting questions and messages from like-minded people.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I wouldn't call it a business, as my goal is not to make money but more so to spread information. My "brand", if you must, falls under my name.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I saw how much people cared about what I was sharing and discovering myself.
What is the goal of your business?
To help make living a kind-to-the-earth lifestyle easy, accessible, and affordable for everyone.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding balance and finding the right people that keep my energy on a higher vibration.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I just wish I would've been more aware earlier on. I know it's not something I could change because I find you need something to "click" with you or the changes you do end up making, won't be sustainable.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Life happens for you, not to you."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
^ What I said above, or the classic "everything happens for a reason".
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Brit and Tara of Elevate the Globe. I learn so much from their podcasts and their courses. I can only imagine how much I'd learn from them in person.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support the people in our community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting a bibliography published during my undergrad at UBC Okanagan for Oxford Press University.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Michelle Dupuis. She is always so positive and uplifting to everyone around her. She has a heart of gold and she is also hilarious. I'm lucky to know her! If you want to know her too, get your butt to November Project every Wednesday morning.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Michelle Dupuis.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Bio: What lights my fire? Pizza, vegan desserts, puppies, the mountains and the ocean! I love sharing tips and tricks over on my Instagram page on how to live a more kind-to-the-earth lifestyle so that we can enjoy our planet for decades to come. It’s not that hard, I promise!
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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