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?
Lexy Parks.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Ontario and have lived in Kelowna for 4 lovely years :)
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I would have to say my husband. He is my travel partner, fellow adventurer, model, shutter release, gear holder, sounding board, and best friend. He makes me a better version of myself, and who wouldn't want that in a partner?
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Central America. I love it there. The people are so nice and the scenery doesn't hurt either. I enjoy Latin cuisine and find their culture so interesting.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love Frock! I prefer gently used clothing over new. Better for the environment and my conscience :) Plus everything in there is so cute!
What is your favourite activity?
I love backpacking because it encompasses so many of my favourite things. Adventure, hiking, camping, and photography.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos! C'mon now, is this really a question? Tacos can literally be anything you want them to be.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
This summer I tripped over my own tripod while taking wedding portraits for the beautiful couple and much of the wedding was watching from the sidelines. My stumble produced lots of laughter I'm sure.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
That's a hard one. I have inspiring moments constantly. From heartfelt client messages, to catching fleeting memories as they happen right before my lens. But I would have to say moving to BC, in general, has been the most inspiring. It's changed my life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I think all of my memories at my family's cottage in Muskoka, Ontario would be my favourite. I learned how to connect to nature, not a screen. I had free reign to kayak, canoe, swim, hike, or just hang out on the water.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Sometimes a client story really strikes me, and I decide to take them on pro bono. Photography is such an important part of our lives, and everyone deserves to have their memories documented.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The environment. Climate change should be on the forefront of everyone's mind. I try my best to reduce my electrical and gas needs, I do my best to live a plant-based diet seeing as animal agriculture accounts for 18% of human-caused emissions, and I try to buy used and local as much as possible.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love to hike, rock climb, and obviously take photos!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love Kuiper's Peak as the sun sets. Perfect place for reflection over the city lights.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see Kelowna on the forefront of sustainability. As a medium sized settlement, I think we can be the perfect example for smaller and bigger cities and towns in BC.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I would love to have the means to travel more. I think seeing other cultures and lifestyles adds to my perspective about my own life and can only help me succeed.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Lexy Parks Photography.
What does your business do?
Wedding, Intimate lifestyle, Portrait, and Family Photography.
How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
Instagram
Where can people find your business online?
lexyparksphotography.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been an artist and, through photography, I felt like I could finally achieve my vision.
What is the goal of your business?
To make people feel beautiful.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Confidence. I think many of us struggle to find it, and it affects both my work and my home life. The amazing connections I've made here and across the globe have definitely helped to build me into the person I am now.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The butterfly effect makes me believe I'm best to keep things how they are! I love my life and feel like if I alter how I got here, I may not end up in the same place.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Spending money locally keeps money local. That means a better community for everyone!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to all my clients that invite me to be a part of the most important moments of their life!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Clayton Arnall. He is an incredible videographer doing amazing work in the Okanagan.
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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