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Meet Paige! Paige is originally from Red Deer, Alberta and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for five years now. She enjoys taking advantage of the countless outdoor activities that Kelowna has to offer and hanging out with her pup, Merlot.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Red Deer, AB originally! I moved to Kelowna in 2014.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Does my dog count??! I just got a Cane Corso puppy in January, and I literally cannot get enough of her. She's my little (big) bestie.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite store is Lakehouse downtown. I seriously cannot get enough of it. Oh and Alchemy..! The cutest little stores ever..!
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Belize. My family had a little condo there overlooking the ocean for years and it was my total happy place. Grabbing a paddleboard and going for a quick ocean paddle in the am, yoga on the dock, the cute little gym in the condo, it was my favourite!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love snowboarding at Big White in the winter and hiking all over the map with Merlot (my pup). Anything outside here is amazing! So much to do!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Is it believable to say I blocked this out of my memory??
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Last year I did a business mastermind with a ton of blooming & successful entrepreneurs. We did a meet up in LA at the end of September and it was absolute magic. Not only did I learn a ton of great info biz wise, but the work I did on my mindset and outlook on life was truly life-changing. I realized how important it is to live for yourself at the moment and to not focus on what the "norms" should be for you. The world is changing and there is so much opportunity to do whatever you want in this life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Road trips to BC! My family used to go to Radium every year and play mini golf, go hiking, ride horses, go swimming etc. It was always so much fun and I always just couldn't wait till the week we went!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently, I volunteer at Spinco, one of my favourite places to get a workout in. I also am getting involved in some community garbage cleanup days with the girls who are starting up Summit Yoga BC (an amazing new business to check out..!)
Other ways I like to give back is simply trying to shop local first! I get my produce/proteins from the markets in the summer, dog food from a local business here in Kelowna, coffee from local shops etc. Being a business owner - I like to cycle the energy through other small businesses as much as I can!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Exactly what I'm doing now. Helping women see they don't have to put their bodies through harmful extremes to love themselves and be healthy and happy.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The trees lol. I like to drive out to any hiking trail and get lost in the trees for a couple of hours now and then.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd love to see more small businesses and activity come to the west side! There is so much potential in the downtown so I would love to see that become more happenin'!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Everything there is to do here!! You literally cannot be bored here, there is always something fun (and healthy) to do here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
To visit Croatia
To visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Spend some extended time in Venice (where I was in Sept and I fell in love)
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I spent 2 months straight backpacking/living in Utahs National Monuments.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @paige_vandy Website: www.paigevandy.com Facebook: Paige Vandy Fitness
What is the name of your business/organization?
Paige Vandy Fitness
Why did you get into/start this business?
To teach people about their health and fitness!! There is SO much harmful (and wrong) information out there these days and I want to teach women about their health so they don't find themselves falling into the diet culture trap!!
What is the goal of your business?
To educate and empower women on creating an everyday healthy lifestyle that they can sustain on their own for the rest of their life!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Sometimes spreading myself to thin. I have a tendency to take on a lot until it can be too much..! I'm working on it.. lol!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Hmm, tricky..! I think some things would be the same but of course, there are things in life I wish I could have changed.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Everything happens for a reason.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Life is full of chapters. Just because one chapter is ending, doesn't mean a new, great chapter isn't beginning. Always just be yourself and trust the journey."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My Dad. Now that we live far away from each other (he's still in AB), I always cherish our time together and he always makes me happy. (Unless he's being a pain in my butt HA)
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support!! As a business owner, I know the work that goes into a business and the risk you take on by doing it. Business comes from passion, and I'm all for supporting anyone working their butt off to grow their passion.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting my business! It is quite literally my baby.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My Dad! He is the most supportive and loving person out there and is such a rock in my life.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Vika Bradford
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.
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