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Meet Sarah! Sarah is originally from Calgary and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for seven years now. She enjoys paddleboarding out on the lake, practising yoga, and spending some quality time with her son, Wyn and her husband, Chris.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from Calgary and moved to Kelowna in 2012 to open the studio.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My 2-year-old son, Wyn (and my husband & business partner, Chris of course)....and my mom.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love our neighbours at Earls and the new tenant below us Pacific Poke!
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To our little Tofino surf shack.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Stand up Paddleboarding (and yoga of course!).
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I got all dolled up to go on a date downtown on Bernard Ave. We were walking across the street in my wooden platform heels & I took the biggest bail right in the middle of Bernard Ave clear view for all the summer crowds! Note-to-self: Stick to barefeet!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
After my first yoga teacher training (Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga) I was moved to take on and share yoga through making it my life and career! Now after 10 + years of teaching I am blessed with a lifestyle of yoga surrounded and inspired by some of the best teachers in the world. I continue to share my inspiration through the inspiration I have received from all the teachers in my life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite memory is all things soccer. I loved the game all the way to the college level. My dad was at every game. Soccer was my childhood all the way up to 21 years of age.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We give back to the community by hosting bi-weekly by donation Karma classes and donate to charity. I also volunteer at the local community centre.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would bring back Barack Obama as president.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Always Tofino. It's my special place.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more off leash dog parks and cleaner beaches. I would also like to see more originality amongst local entrepreneurs especially in the fitness industry.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The Ogopogo of course.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Launch our teacher training by 2020
Hang 10 on my surfboard
Open a 4th studio in Tofino
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was a complete Tomboy when I was a young girl.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@thehotboxyoga www.facebook.com/thehotboxyogakelowna
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Hot Box Yoga - 3 locations - Downtown Kelowna, West Kelowna & Vancouver
Why did you get into/start this business?
My love of yoga.
What is the goal of your business?
To empower our students to live vibrantly in the most full and whole way.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Overcoming anorexia nervosa (yoga was a huge factor in my healing!).
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Milky-Bilko - My son's words for milk, please!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Love always wins!"
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My son Wyn of course, and I do every day. As an entrepreneur, my goal was to work as hard as possible for 5 years to put myself in a position where I have the time to do things I love. I'm now at a point that I can spend every waking hour with my son and I would not give that up for anything. Having the time to spend everyday with him for the early years of his life is worth more than anything you could ever put a price on.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
For obvious reasons plus Kelowna has so many rad shops it's hard not to!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
3 successful yoga studios and of course my son Wyn.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Colin Basran. The guy takes a lot of heat but does a great job.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tara Greer
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Congratulations Kelowna Now. We have watched you grow alongside us and we are so very proud of what you do!
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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