In Focus | Rio Carson

Kayla Verigin | February 22, 2019 in In Focus

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Meet Rio! Rio had originally lived in Kelowna for 6 years, moved to Vancouver, and is now back here living in the beautiful Okanagan. She enjoys touring the local breweries and exploring the valley with her friends. 


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
6 years originally, but I have just moved back from Vancouver this summer.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
@mindgoeslight because anything we end up doing ends with a spectacular view, great tunes and a tasty beverage.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Funktional; it is a great little shop with local and handmade items. It celebrates local creativity and beauty in all the best ways. A definite place to check out if you haven’t already.

Describe yourself in one word.
Adventurous; I love a good adventure whether it be around the Okanagan or anywhere else in the world.


If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Edinburgh, Scotland. Most of my family lives there and I miss them. Plus I have a small obsession with highland cows, history and castle ruins.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
How could anyone choose just one? I would have to choose brewery tours and exploring the valley and its beauty.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably tripping on my roller blades during a Penticton parade while being the only child from the skating club dressed in a figure skating dress, sequins and all.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I would have to say being raised by my hard-working, compassionate mum. She is truly the strongest, bravest person I have ever met in so many ways and she continues to inspire me daily.


Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
For those that know me well, know I have a small obsession with dogs and by small I mean huge. My favorite childhood memory was being surprised after day-care with an adorable, tiny, black and white fluff ball waiting for me. Laddie was the best gift I have ever received.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More acceptance even in the absence of understanding.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere with some fresh air, silence and a view of the valley.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see Kelowna continue to grow and create a community of cleaner, greener environmental living.


What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The diversity and accessibility of activities all year round.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Road trip along the Oregon Coast
2. Visit Iceland
3. Take a cooking class/ learn how to make a traditional meal in every country I visit

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a first generation Canadian.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@riocarson on Instagram.


What is the name of your business/organization?
I am a Registered Massage Therapist loving my work at Pro Motion Clinic in the beautiful Pandosy area.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I have always had a passion for sports, health care and helping the community become healthier and happier. Being an RMT allows me to work with various community members getting them back to enjoying their full lives.

What is the goal of your business?
Help create a healthier, more active Okanagan. I love working with every profession in the clinic to provide a well rounded, multi-disciplinary approach to the patients' needs. It is an approach that clinics have been needing for a long time.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Definitely finding a balance between my passion for my work and finding free time to enjoy my other passions.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think that most regrets in life turn into lessons, and I am thankful for the lessons I have been given. So I hope that things wouldn't change too much.


What do you always find yourself saying?

"I could do with a good cuppa tea"

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"A good cup of tea can change your entire day for the better."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would want to spend the whole day with JK Rowling just to pick her brain on her life and the entire world she created with her books.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I believe that we get what we give into the community around us. Shopping locally promotes that positive circle.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Two professions by 25; both my nursing and my RMT (registered massage therapy)


Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
@mindgoeslight for his uncanny ability to capture the world around him and everyone's/anyone's real self.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
@mindgoeslight


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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