In Focus | Alysha McNair

Meet Alysha McNair. Alysha is an Alberta raised, motivated woman who has lived in the beautiful Okanagan for just over two years. She enjoys spending time with family and working at her fitness goals!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Alberta. I’ve lived here for 2.5 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with would be my sister, there is never a dull moment with us. I know regardless if we are just cuddling talking about life, or going on some insane adventure. We just love spending time together.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The bean scene, it’s beautifully calming. Zen.

Describe yourself in one word.
Motivated.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece, it looks so peaceful and pure.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking, and going to lookouts. I cannot believe how beautiful the Okanagan is.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was 10 my mom and I went to the movies, I had gone to the bathroom and it was just like a movie. There was toilet paper stuck to the bottom of my shoe like a trail. I was wondering why those cute boys were laughing at me. It was so hilarious.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I learned to love myself, and through loving myself I was able to love and help others. I realized I made all my dreams come true now I need to find new dreams. I used to be 373 pounds, I’ve lost 185 pounds and gained 30 pounds of muscle in the process. I had a dream from 14-18 to move myself to Kelowna. When I turned 18 I packed up my little car and moved out into what has been a life-changing experience, now I’m 20, almost 21, it’s insane. I had dream jobs growing up they were become a server at least once (my mom was one when she was younger) become a model, and work at a gym. All of those dreams have come true. I didn’t want a boring retail job anymore or desk job. I wanted something fun and different. Now I want a career and I will get there. It’s amazing how when you truly dedicate yourself. Where you will go in life. The mind is a powerful thing. When I was 320 pounds, I had always told myself and all my coworkers and friends that I was going to climb a mountain one day. No one really believed me, I kinda didn’t believe in myself. So I finally had enough, one morning at 3 am I drove myself to the bottom of Spin mountain in Lake country, parked my car at the Tim Hortons and hiked all the way into the woods up to the top or what I at least thought was the top! After that, I knew that I could do whatever I set my mind to. Since then I really have accomplished most of my dreams.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time with my mom, playing cards, making crafts and going on road trips.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That humans would be kinder to one another and that no one ever is in poverty again.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Up high in the mountains, looking over a gorgeous view.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see a change in the homeless community, more housing and jobs. A lot of people don’t really realize not everyone who is homeless put themselves there and even if they did, who are you to judge. Things happen, bad situations come upon us. Some are stronger than others but it doesn’t make anyone ever less of person just because they don’t have a home.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Everything about it when it comes to living. Growing up in Alberta, I never once thought a place like this was real. It’s so beautiful here, so many calming cute cafés and beaches with beautiful artwork all over the city.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Help others love themselves and become more confident in themselves, travel the world as a motivational speaker, and become a fitness model.
2. Help world hunger.
3. Bodybuilding competitions.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have been homeless before.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Through Instagram is usually the best way, my Instagram is Goldcorosefitness.

What is the name of your business/organization?
I promote fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Because when I was 373 pounds at the age of 16, I wanted more in life. I didn’t want to die from health problems. I wanted to be the best version of myself.

What is the goal of your business?
To help others live their best lives.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
How people view me, I’m always instantly judged on my size.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I keep them the same because otherwise, it wouldn’t make me who I am today.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Smile, you’re worth it.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
No matter what just never give up, yes you will fall, but if you never give up eventually you will get there. Think of it by climbing up a hill, I have two options to be stuck in the middle by quitting, or you can climb to the top.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would choose someone I had never met, who had different life views then I would get a different perspective on how someone else other than people I know view the world.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because we should love and support our community, it’s better for us to put money back into our city vs giving it to billion dollar companies.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Losing 185 pounds and working at the gym I did it in.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mom, she was a single mom my whole life and she never gave up. She has always supported me and I appreciate that beyond belief. She showed me strength.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Never give up on your hopes and dreams no matter how ridiculously big they may be. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are our futures, with every little life discussion towards your path becomes a step towards those hopes and dreams of becoming your reality.