In Focus | Rebecca Upton

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?
Rebecca Upton.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Calgary but have been living in Kelowna for over seven years!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family! My husband works so hard so I can enjoy my time with my handsome little man, Mason. So when no one is working and we're all spending time with each other is the best thing!

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali, so I could take Jeff and Mason there to experience the culture, food and animals. Or I would revisit Africa and go on a Safari this time!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
That would have to be the farmer's markets, and local fruit stands. Oh, and Granny's Pies in Summerland! Oh my word!

What is your favourite activity?
Going for a walk! Nothing is more rejuvenating. The fresh air, nature sounds. Also wine tasting, I am pretty good at that one!

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I would have a bite of all three please! If I have the tacos then I want the pizza, and after the pizza I want the burger.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I streaked at a wedding that took place at Sparkling Hill and instead of running through the door I splatted into the wall like a flying bird into a window. It takes a lot to be embarrassed but my naked body curled on the floor took the cake.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am so blessed with the experiences I have had in my life. My most inspiring would be doing the New York Marathon and the Athens Marathon to raise money for Rheumatoid arthritis, both times being with my aunt. I also had the opportunity to go to Sierra Leon and volunteer with Enable The Children and an Orphanage, DOVE. Moments I will never forget.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Summer nights where you were gone exploring all day and wouldn't come home till dinner time. I drank from the hose if I was thirsty, and took the 10 cents I had to go to the local corner store to get 1cent candies, how old am I that candies are now 5 cents? Also, my father and I on road trips whistling to Ace of Base.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give back to the community mostly by supporting people less fortunate, by donating clothes and dropping them off directly to Inn From the Cold and sponsoring a couple families over Christmas with everything they will need to make the Holiday stress free. I also donate The Li'l box co. gift certificates so families who don't have the time, or can't afford quality time can do that now without planning or paying for anything. I was raised with nothing and hampers from strangers are what got us by, so my heart makes sure I pay it forward as much as I can.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For parents to never have to worry about providing essential needs for their families. Also, that seniors are taken care of. They can't work 14 hour shifts now because their pension doesn't pay for their rent in this day and age. It's so sad and breaks my heart seeing seniors bent over working so hard because there isn't another option.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Toddler swimming with my little man, and visiting wineries, that is an activity!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
About five minutes away from my house in Peachland there is a creek that I just go and sit with my dog and now my son. It's so peaceful and beautiful and no one is ever there.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The HOV lane actually be in the left lane not the right! It makes no sense it being on the right! Don't get me started.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I truly believe this is the most beautiful place in Canada! The weather, people, wineries, water, hikes, I truly could go on forever.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.) Go to see Andrea Brocelli live
2.) See the Northern Lights
3.) Going to the Monkey Sancuary in Unbud again and putting 100 bananas through holes in a long white shirt and walk into the sanctuary and have moneys go crazy trying to get all the bananas off me!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have rheumatoid arthritis which is a chronic disease where my immune system attacks my joints and muscle. My grandmother passed from RA and every year I raise money to try and find a cure. I will!

What is the name of your business/organization?
The li'l box co.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Adults don't spent quality one-on-one time with children anymore. Through my experience with teaching children as a preschool teacher, and working at the Child Development Association, I can bring fun-filled, themed activities every month!

What is the goal of your business?
We deliver a unique bonding experience and a fun-filled, themed activity day to enjoy with the child in your life!

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing running a business and being the best mom I can be. To make sure my priorities are in check. I am a people-pleaser so it's easy for my son to be second in line, but reflecting and being aware of that makes it easier to manage.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I get tired even thinking of starting all over, I am happy where I am!

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Just because someone else wouldn't do it, doesn't mean you shouldn't.'

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Probably Andrea Bocelli, I would ask him to sing to me while he tickled my back to sleep.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It helps our company and keeps small businesses alive. The owners have put a lot of time and money into their business and we need to support them.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a great wife, mother of soon-to-be two children and starting my own business! Pretty proud of myself.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sharmain Llywelyn, owner of Sabretooth Lifestyle 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. Thank you, Kelowna.