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Meet Pamela. She's from Toronto and she's been in Kelowna for 15 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My 18-month-old granddaughter, Ava. It’s fascinating to see her mind and personality develop. I get to experience life with a new perspective, curiosity and fun. Who knew blowing a feather across the floor could erupt into endless hours of belly laughs.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Rosebuds Designer Consignment because Kathy and her staff are personable and love when people find clothes they appreciate. I have received high-quality clothes that are new and gently used. Shopping there is an enjoyable and successful experience.
Describe yourself in one word.
Positive.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I’d go to Vancouver Island whenever my sister is in Victoria. I miss her. She lives in Nanoose Bay, and my Dad and brother are in Victoria. That way I'd get to visit my core family because time is precious. There's nothing like hugging the ones you love and creating memories to cherish forever.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
It would be the same wherever I lived. I love to dance.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
It was when my boss, the CEO of Wiley asked me what university program I’d like to take. I had to admit I didn’t have my GED, as I’d dropped out of high school. Afterwards, she’d tell her VPs, 'If you want to know how to manage your career, talk to Pam.'
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Going on a Soul Story Retreat in Nicaragua last November and the experiences there catapulted me into a new level in my business. When I returned and starting speaking, something that I greatly feared because I’d get stuck in my head, I was naturally speaking from my heart to reach the one person who needed to hear my story. It was no longer about me but the people who are inspired because I chose to show up to serve. I love that I get to inspire others because I had the courage to show up. What I finally understood was that I am here on Earth for two reasons: to return to love and to be of service to others.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
While visiting family in Estevan, Saskatchewan I realized my cousin who is hearing impaired could 'hear' music through the vibration in the floor. She was feeling it, but the connection I made was impactful, especially since my business deals with people’s vibration. Another memory with the same cousins was when we were swinging on their large backyard swing. I wanted to see how high I could get and remember telling them I could swing over the top and around. They believed me. I always chickened out when I could see over the top bar and make the swing set bounce. Going around the top bar earned a 'busted' on Mythbusters.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When my sons were in high school, I volunteered at PAC and CoPAC and managed their teams as hockey parents do. Now, I support, promote and mentor local entrepreneurs. My recent trip to Nicaragua was the first time I’d ever done mission work and I plan to go back next year. We went to the graduation for students whose school was built four years ago. I was deeply impacted by that experience. It made me want to give back in a more meaningful way locally beyond leading daily meditations online. I intend to connect with a women’s group to coach them and help educate them about self-worth.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Eradicate unworthiness. Love and respect our children so they know they matter. I believe the school system lacks real-life skills, such as communication, relationships, money management, self-care and worthiness. Meaningful education creates confidence.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Sparkling Hill. I love their steam rooms. I also love lake views, hikes and writing.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Social services to help our community receive basic necessities regarding food and shelter. In our abundant world, it is especially troubling that we have children who go to school hungry. In order for children to comprehend what they are learning, they need nutrition for their brain and bodies to function properly.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people. We have many people who genuinely care about our community. Kelowna offers amazing experiences like the wineries, the view, the ski hills and golf courses. We are blessed to play and work here, and many people recognize the gifts this affords us.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To create a transformational retreat in Nicaragua in 2019
2. Vacation in Vanuatu which is in the South Pacific Ocean
3. To speak on big stages with my coaches and transformational leaders, Christy Whitman and Chantelle Adams
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I earned my black belt in Shotokan Karate at the age of 29.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Ignite Your Wealth Coaching.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I got laid off in 2011 after 31 years in publishing. Profiling showed I’d be suited to be a realtor or a life coach. I met Christy Whitman and studied to become a Certified Law of Attraction Life Coach through her Quantum Success Coaching Academy.
What is the goal of your business?
I lead women through the emotional stages of loss so they may return to the truth of who they truly are. Extraordinary and unique with a gift that is waiting to be birthed. I believe we are all born extraordinary and conditioned to be ordinary. I coach women to recognize the story beneath the surface that limits them and helps transform it into a victory.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Shifting from being an employee for 40 years to becoming an entrepreneur. The silver lining is that I chose to be a life coach. We get to teach what we most need to learn. Over the past seven years, my journey has taken me deep into learning about human behaviour, healing my broken heart to return to self-love, and connecting to our higher, divine intelligence.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The older I get the more I realize that my experiences are exactly right for me to be who I am today. It’s who we become in the process and our response to our challenges and adversities that are important.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Everything is energy including money. The energy you give to the words you think, speak and write impact your results. You create what you think about, so don’t think about what you don’t want. Think about what you do want and do it with feeling.'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
We are born extraordinary yet we settle for ordinary. We are conditioned to believe we are not worthy and look outside ourselves for love, validation, acceptance and approval. We feel disconnected from the deepest part of us, the part that is love.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Gregg Braden. He has a brilliant mind, and is a unique combination of a scientist and aerospace engineer who has made great discoveries in Quantum Physics, is an expert in the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient mystery schools and the healing powers we naturally possess although have forgotten about. I am fascinated by the field of infinite possibilities and agree that we are born extraordinary with the ability to heal ourselves. We are re-remembering.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We support families in our community when we buy locally. Money is an exchange of energy that requires circulation. When we are grateful for our purchases the person who receives the financial exchange also benefits from the gift of gratitude.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Besides my sons, it has to be my recent victory over vices. I recognize that to help people heal I must be a clear conduit and be connected. I quit drinking. To quote Alan Cohen, "What’s in the way IS the way."
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shawna McCrea from Balance Well-Being. Shawna loves to promote small businesses and does an incredible job featuring storytellers on Storytelling Tuesday and supporting her members with speaking and workshop opportunities.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shawna McCrea.
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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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