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In Focus | Barb Vermassen of Yoga for You

Barb Vermassen left her corporate career of 20 years last December to follow her heart. She has not looked back since and her business Yoga for You is growing daily. She specialize in Yoga for Golf, bringing innovation to the yoga industry by going to the golf courses to offer her classes. It gives golfers a convenient chance to participate in a class and has the potential to spread wellness throughout the golf venues in the valley. Barb is well-travelled and has had the opportunity to see and do many amazing things in trips abroad, including visiting the birthplace of yoga. Today Barb and Yoga for You are In Focus.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I wish I had more time! And then I tell myself I need to start telling myself I have all the time that I need!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
BKS Iyengar

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
This award may not exist but I'd like to receive the "Most Improved Patience" Award

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Mother Teresa or Einstein; I could use a lot of what they had!

Who inspires you?
My husband, Grant Plunkie.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To take my husband to Nepal to hike in the Himalayas
2. Return to India and travel in the North
3. Hike and do yoga in the mountains of the world

Please tell us about a defining moment in your life:
My visit with a therapist in 2005. He impacted my life so profoundly and I am grateful for the shift in direction my life has taken as a result.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
I'm not really the yacht type but I'd call it "Namaste"

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
The day I turn 100 - should be a great party :)

What are you passionate about?
Yoga-practicing and teaching
Travel
Hiking and camping in the mountains
Food & Wine
Gardening

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
I've been fortunate to experience some truly amazing places and things in my life including, in no particular order:
Paragliding in Java, Indonesia
Hiking the Everest base camp and Annanpurna treks in Nepal
Visiting the birthplace of yoga in Mysore, India
Getting engaged on Chesterman beach, Tofino
Marrying my best friend on a beach in Byron Bay, Australia
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey
Travelling to nearly 50 countries
....and one Saturday this summer I attended my favourite teacher's yoga class, visited the farmer's market, hit the beach with a friend, did headstands on a paddleboard then shared an amazing BBQ dinner with my husband on our deck - that was a GREAT day!!!!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Balancing in a handstand in the middle of the room was pretty rewarding but actually, leaving a 20 year corporate career last December to follow my heart and teach yoga has been a very proud achievement and I have not looked back!

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
After home; The Rotten Grape

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
There are so many- hiking on Dilworth & Knox Mountains, swimming in the lake, going to the Farmer's market, working in my garden, wine touring, outdoor yoga

What is the name of your business/organization?
Yoga for You

What does your business/organization do?
My primary focus is teaching yoga classes customized for golfers; Yoga for Golf! I also teach privately, at Mt. Boucherie winery and at studios in Kelowna.

Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.yogaforyou.ca

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-for-You/184420895049978

What is your mission?
To bring yoga to as many people as I can!

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To be a respected and inspiring yoga instructor.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
I would love to see Yoga for Golf established at several venues with regular attendees at each location.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
I have been inspired by so many amazing teachers and feel I've learned from all of them.

What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
1. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle
2. Professionalism
3. Fun!

How does your business/organization impact the community?
By offering yoga at golf venues rather than yoga studios, I'm hoping to attract a unique and wider audience to yoga and help them live healthier!

What makes you successful? Tell us about it.
I have often been described as intense and passionate and I believe my passionate personality has helped make me a success. When I get an idea in my head, I'm hard to stop! I have an intense love of yoga, a determined attitude and a strong belief in my vision; a formula that gratefully seems to be working!

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I am always fascinated to hear how successful people came to be where they are, regardless of which field they're in. I would be keen to hear their stories and take any advice they would offer :)

If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
The valley cloud in winter. Otherwise, it's the most amazing home! And there's always Big White for blue sky in the winter!

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
1. The people
2. The lake
3. The mountains and hiking trails
4. The golf courses and wineries
5. The yoga community
6. The weather

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Lisa and David from Urban Harvest or Lisa from the Fixx Cafe

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I feel so privileged and fortunate to call Kelowna home. I moved here from Ontario in 1998, met the love of my life and discovered the wonders of the mountains. Yoga came into my life in 2005 and has truly transformed me; it is a practice I will continue for the rest of my life. Leaving a long time career last December and starting Yoga for You has been an exciting adventure for me! Yoga for You is allowing me to share my passion for yoga with others and is such a joy. Following my husband's suggestion of offering yoga to golfers, Yoga for Golf was born and I am so grateful to the golfers of Kelowna who are attending my classes. Namaste ~

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they 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. Thank you, Kelowna!



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