In Focus | Laurie Paxton of The Symmetry Studio

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 KelownaNow.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.

What is your name?
Laurie Paxton

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Manitoba originally but just moved to Kelowna in October 2016 from the lovely Kaslo, BC.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with, and why?
My best friend. She loves to golf, laugh, travel, food, and is my number one cheerleader.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Iceland. There are so many reasons - the scenery, the music, the Game of Thrones sets/areas, geothermal activity, possible elf sighting, Blue Lagoon.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna, and why?
Frakas and Funktional.

What is your favourite activity?
Golfing.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos all the way!!!

What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Float Space, not sure if it is a hidden gem, but it is to me.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once worked in a huge open office and walked through the entire office with my skirt tucked into nylons. Eeeks!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I once had the opportunity to meet a very successful business woman who was seeking an assistant. I applied for the job and I did not get it. I asked her if I could meet with her and she agreed. She told me she did not hire me because the job was not enough for me. I asked her what she meant by that and she said that I had greater things to do in my life and to get doing them. I heeded her advice and went on to do many great things in business and personally. We became great friends and she is and was my greatest mentor. I think of her daily. She truly inspired me.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending every summer at the lake, swimming, water skiing, exploring, bonfires and golfing. Such wonderful memories.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I will be offering free services to women/men who have lost their brows due to illness re; Cancer, thyroid etc. I will be putting up a nomination/referral form on my Facebook site so family and friends can refer their family and/or friends to me. The challenge of recovery is enormous, if you can add a bit of beauty or confidence to someone who is struggling, I think that is important.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
People would put down their phones and have real social interaction with each other.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Golfing and the beach…of course!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Cedar Creek Park with my dog.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna, and why?
I would like to see some solutions put in place to help the homeless and addicted persons. They need shelter, food, safety and care. There is so much talk about what needs to happen but there has to be some action or execution of solutions.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
That I could meet all my favourite bands and musicians!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I would love to be a ballroom dancer.

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Symmetry Studio.

What does your business do?
Permanent Cosmetics. Specializing in Microblading for eyebrows and micropigmentation for eyeliner and beauty marks.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
People connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Google Business

Where can people find your business online?
www.thesymmetrystudio.com

Why did you get into/start this business?
I have been working in mining, construction and the oil sands for the last 10 years. My contract ended in December of 2016 and then the economy sunk like a stone. So I set to work to reinvent myself and be able to have my own business and more importantly be able to be part of a community. Working away 50 per cent of your life or more did not allow or make that possible. The reason I started my business was simply because I loved the results of the permanent make up. So to make people beautiful and happy is a great combination and a wonderful business to be in.

What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to position myself as the “authority” on permanent makeup and create top of mind awareness, so when people are seeking permanent makeup, it is my business they seek.

What has been your biggest struggle, either in work or life?
Time management!!!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The only thing differently I would have done is made myself a social media expert before I launched!!! The struggle is real!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it is extremely important to shop local. Support all the creative, unique and diverse businesses. Keep the money local and keep the jobs local. Keep the local economy strong. We have everything thing here from fabulous produce, wines, artisans, restaurants-all providing exceptional service and quality.

Give someone that you think deserves a shout out, and explain why!
I would love to give a shout out to the Nick and Mitch, and the team over at Get in the Loop. I have partnered with them and they are so creative and supportive. They really go over and above and I am so grateful to them. High five boys!

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Justina LeeStolz, Realtor, Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

Other information you would like to share:
I belong to Babes in Business and just attended the SNL Networking Group which I will be joining, and joining the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce as well. I love being in business in Kelowna. To date, my experiences with businesses has been so positive and supportive.

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!