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Meet Martin. Martin has lived in Kelowna for 2 years and owns Vegilante Plant Based Foods. He is passionate about veganism and tempeh.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
2 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My gf Victoria, Emma my dog and the group of friends we've built up.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I know it's not a store, but the Kelowna Farmer's Market has been amazing for us.
Describe yourself in one word.
Evolving.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Indonesia, when the storms are over, to experience traditional tempeh making.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Farmer's market. So many cool/interesting people making rad products.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was onstage for a high school show. Spotlight gets on me for my guitar solo, but the sound doesn't come on. I left the volume off on my pedal. Didn't do that mistake twice!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Committing myself to following my gut feelings instead of deciding with my head. I feel like I'm cheating the system, like I'm swimming in abundance. I'm not saying that things are easy and that my life is stable - but I've committed to things that feel right to me and opportunities keep showing up. I used to be a manager in Ottawa climbing the corporate ladder and now I own a tempeh business, I work part time in kombucha, I'm growing my beard and I powerlift regularly. I am the luckiest man alive.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We would camp every summer when I was a child. There's something kinda primal about having spent the whole day outside being a kid and then hanging out by the fire. I love being by the fire.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Since being in Kelowna Victoria and I have made some sandwiches and given them out to the people hanging out by the homeless shelter, we've done some work during election time for a political party and we've given a little bit of time for a local powerlifting meet. I want to do more when it lines up with the schedule, especially with my business!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Nothing. I think we can derive lessons from everything - it's important to look at the message, not the messenger.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
River that splits the Bear Creek trail or the trails behind Wilden/Glenmore.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see a shift in how we view/treat homelessness. It's a complicated/sensitive topic for many valid reasons and I don't have a concrete answer to solve it. But on a fundamental level, they're just humans on different path than yours. And more pet friendly housing alongside reasonable rental. But that's not just in Kelowna.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Still haven't fully figured it out. The constant view of the mountains, the people, the business community, the food, the weather... It's all amazing.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Open a mental health retreat centre. Live such a great life that Joe Rogan wants me on his podcast. Attain and maintain financial freedom.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My first language is french.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Vegilante Plant Based Foods
Why did you get into/start this business?
I committed to veganism and was looking into high protein plant based foods to recover from my workouts. I would often see tempeh mentioned, but couldn't find any. I tried making some myself and now I accidentally own a tempeh business.
What is the goal of your business?
Make eating plants simple, healthy and accessible.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Accepting that there are things that are simply out of my control.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Exactly the same. I love my life and I consider myself the product of the cumulation of my experiences.
What do you always find yourself saying?
''Hello! Are you familiar with tempeh?''
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Stay connected to the source and do your work everyday.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I've learned a lot from lectures given by Ram Dass, I think being around him for a day could be interesting.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because you vote with your money. High tides raise all ships. If you contribute to the success of a local business they will directly or indirectly help you in some way.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Keeping it somewhat together through the start up phase of my business.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Allisha and Rochelle from Motherlove Ferments. Amazing duo, their mentorship has been huge for me.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kim Fargo and her bird rescue.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Looking forward to seeing what the future looks like!
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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