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Meet Tiffany. She has lived many places across this great continent but has lived in Kelowna for 13 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My teenager Matthew. He has been my inspiration since I first found out I was pregnant with him 14 years ago. I have never met anyone who is so unapologetically himself like my son is.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
All the local thrift stores. With the cost of living increasing by what seems by the day, without them, I know many people would not be able to support their families.
Describe yourself in one word.
Fantabulous.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Quebec. I have many family members there that I would like to reconnect with and many I haven't even met!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I like almost all of them but, if I have to pick on it would be hiking. We live in such a beautiful place.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I caught my son in the window of a lingerie store undressing the mannequins. I couldn't fit where he was and had to get help taking down the backdrop to get him out. Safe to say he had drawn quite the crowd by the time we finally we succeeded. Kids.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was still in high school, we had a day where the boys and girls were split up for the day. Not sure where the boys went but the girls all had to go to Evangel church near KSS. I was asked if I wanted to answer questions that the girls may have about being a young single mom in high school. It was the girls that inspired me that day. I had sung in front of a large audience before but, I had never spoken. I knew that I had a responsibility to give these girls something to think about. If it weren't for them and that opportunity I'm not sure I would have broken out of my shell. I had tried my best to be invisible through that time in high school up until that point. As I spoke, I not only realized the struggle I was going through but, I realized that I wasn't alone. High school sucked a little less after that and I made new friends. If you were there, I want to say thank you. You are all strong women and I hope that you realize that.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
One mother's day when I was young. My dad had been working on a project on the deck outside the master bedroom. He had built bench seating with new railings and lattice. Even little spots where my mom could plant flowers. I will never forget the love he showed to my mother that day. The look in both their eyes that mother's day came to be one of my most cherished memories.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I believe to help the community one can do it in many ways. I choose to do it one person at a time. People will forget what you've done for them but, they will never forget how you made them feel. My thing may seem small but here goes... When I go for lunch in Kelowna, I buy two meals. One for me and one for someone I see that has limited means. Sometimes I just give them the lunch if they seem uncomfortable but, often times we find a spot to eat and talk about whatever. In the natural world, there's no morality system. However, in the world we have crafted, there's a great line of morality that needs to be followed. We are all only human after all.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Capitalism. The best and the worst thing to have been adopted. I have no solution. Maybe having more self-sustaining communities would help?
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Mill Creek hike.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
We are doing pretty good so far. I think keeping the mentality of positive change top of mind will be important moving forward. Let me offer some ways we could all make a positive change:
- Adopt a 'friend'. Write them letters, call them, and visit often.
- Organize a hike or nature walk with friends, and bring bags to collect trash along the trails.
- Grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in an organic garden, and encourage others to do the same.
- Help people paint and repair their homes.
- Volunteer to clean up trash around a neighbourhood.
- Share your skills! Volunteer to teach a class at a community centre
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Watch my son graduate with his friends
2. Go skydiving with my dad
3. Have an actual wedding... I 'got married' in my living room in my PJs and my son was the 'pastor'
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Only my close friends know that I can't touch animal bones. Some of my even closer friends even peel the meat off the chicken wings for me at the pub. Love you guys!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this business to provide a good quality of life for my son. He sees me get up and work hard every day and I think there is value in that for him as well.
What is the goal of your business?
To help as many people as possible make their real estate goals a reality and honest service. I treat my clients the way I would like to be treated. I count my successes by counting how many happy clients I have, not how many houses I've sold.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Well, I see all my 'struggles' as opportunities so I can't offer anything specific there. However, I have been known to ignore my sock colour choices. I just can't seem to prioritize matching my socks in life!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Everything that has happened has brought me to where I am today and I am pretty proud of myself. So I can't say that I would change anything. Everything happens for a reason.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Just breathe, you got this. When someone asks me how business is, I normally say that it's 'unbelievable!' Works both ways!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always wake up believing something wonderful is about to happen. You only have one chance at this life, make it spectacular.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
President Donald Trump. Yes, Trump. I think the conversations we would have would be both interesting and informative for both parties. Maybe exchanging perspectives could help me understand more of what actually going on a greater level. Maybe he would even take some of my advice into consideration... Who knows?
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Our local business owners work their butts off every single day. Most with no days off. They had a dream of providing the service they do and we have a responsibility to keep that dream alive rather than giving it away to big corps.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Apart from raising my son, I would say my proudest accomplishment is the growth that I've seen in myself the last 13-14 years.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I would like to give a special shout-out to the coordinators at the Young Parents Program at Kelowna Secondary School and the Kelowna Women's Shelters for all that they do. Thank you!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jennifer Odirizzi. Managing Broker Coldwell Banker Kelowna.
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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