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Meet Michelle! Michelle is from Vancouver but has lived in Kelowna for 10 years! She enjoys spending time with her kids and exploring Kelowna's culinary scene.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I moved to Kelowna from Vancouver 10 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids entertain me. They're like little apples from my tree and I love to watch them grow. I call them my suns and they bring so much sunshine to my life. I love how imaginative kids are.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I'm a big fan of Stone Fox Clothing, formerly Georgie Girl. Angela Bricker is one of the most inspiring women I know, I look up to her in business for her vision and integrity. It's so much fun to photograph her clothing with stories.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I always want to go to Hawaii. In particular I'd love to be photographing a beautiful and romantic wedding on the island, that would be the best.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I like to hike and explore the culinary scene.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
On the first day of high school, someone threw a pizza down the hallway and it landed on my head! Everyone laughed and it was so embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Healing myself from PTSD and depression after a traumatic stillbirth. It's been a journey and I can feel the tides starting to change, I couldn't be more appreciative of my own efforts and the love of my friends and community. We're always stronger together.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I used to love dressing up my little brother, and my dog, and taking photos of them in different scenarios. I was always attracted to the camera and loved the way we could create different worlds.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer with CMHA Kelowna as a photographer, and I have a postcard series fundraiser in support of Foundry Kelowna. Telus Vancouver made a documentary about my Men's Voices initiative including a coffee table book. You can read more about Men's Voices here: https://okanaganphotography.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Peace, love, and understanding.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love Sparkling Hills Resort and Spa - who doesn't! It feels like a castle in the sky and I do some of my best spiritual work in their beautiful space. It has been a memorable location to capture weddings and portrait session sessions, and showcase art.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
A lot more kindness, and a little less judgment. Growing up in a bigger city I I experienced many perspectives that raised me with an open mind. I'd love to see Kelowna grow into a more open minded city. I feel like it's coming along now which is really exciting.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is this beautiful mix of agriculture and entrepreneurship, I feel so inspired living here. There is a great community of women inspiring each other in business and beyond.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Skydiving, a PhD in therapeutic photography, or (re) joining an incredible music band one day.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I swear by my psychic instincts and dreams. I also love to incorporate Reiki healing with photography. I feel self conscious about sharing my spiritual side with people.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can follow my film photography account on Instagram at @okanaganphotography.ca_
What is the name of your business/organization?
Memorable and Vibrant Okanagan Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been an artist but it took me a while to find my tool. I started this business after finishing three University degrees in philosophy, psychology, and an M.A. in counselling before I realized how much I love romance and art therapy.
What is the goal of your business?
To uplift and inspire people through photography. We offer wedding, family, portrait, and event photography services, and we support mental health and art therapy in the community.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Time management. As a business owner with two kids I'm often juggling and I've learned to keep a good balance, but it's never easy.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change anything that brought me to where I am today. If I made one change then everything would change, so I'm ok with my fate.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Teamwork makes the dream work! I truly love collaboration, it makes me happy to create with a team.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Everything happens for a reason. I know that no one wants to hear that when they're suffering, but if you can create meaning out of suffering you'll have it made.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I always wanted to meet my Grandfathers from South Africa. I didn't have the opportunity to meet either of them and I would love to know them better.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally helps create jobs, community, and serves our environment best.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I can't choose between my children or my business, they are all my babies.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Rhonni Bonn at Bliss Tea Kombucha is such a great friend and fellow mompreneur.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Rhonni Bonn at Bliss Tea Kombucha
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for continuing to feature our diverse community!
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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