In Focus | Dan Oig

Meet Dan Oig! Dan is BC born and raised, and exudes happiness! He credits it all to his dedication to yoga, meditation and nutrition!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
BC born and raised! I’ve lived Kelowna for 11 years

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my sister Laura. She recently moved back to Canada after living in Denmark for the last decade. We were inseparable growing up and it’s been so good to reconnect with her as adults.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Hmm...I’d say my fave local store is Wentworth Music. I worked there for about a year and was a customer of theirs for a long time before ever working there. They are a really good group of people and are always ready to help whenever you have questions about gear, instruments, lessons, etc.

Describe yourself in one word.
Hairy.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I wouldn’t go anywhere. Right at this moment, and most moments, I’m quite thrilled just to be alive and breathing. If I didn’t already have a work conference coming up in Puerto Rico I’d probably say I’d wanna go somewhere south and warm. That trip is already booked so right at this moment, I would stay right where I am. Patiently anticipating snowboarding season at Big White!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I can’t pick just one! My top 3 would be:
1. Skateboarding downtown at Stuart Park
2. Rock climbing outdoors or at Beyond The Crux climbing gym
3. Playing music on outdoor stages like Parks Alive or the Bernard Block Party. I drum in 2 bands at the moment and am actively looking for musicians to play in my music project of original blues-rock songs.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Goofing around with my sister Laura, climbing walls in the house, running around outside with no shoes on, living the good old outdoor upbringing. I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by nature and siblings.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I donate blood because I’m O-Negative, which is a universal donor. I also perform at a number of musical charity gigs each year.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
How much sugar is allowed to be put into processed foods.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
One of my favourite viewpoints is on McCullough Rd., heading towards Gallagher’s Canyon. It's a good meditation, thinking spot.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the beautiful scenery, and landscape. We have recreational activities out the ying-yang here. I’m into snowboarding, skateboarding, golf, hiking, hunting, rock climbing... and I can do all of that within a 10-minute drive from my place. It’s pretty rad!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Do Ayahuasca in South America
2. Earn over $200,000 in a year
3. Skydive solo at 10,000 feet

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m really into meditation and yoga. Meditation has changed my life for the better - beyond anything I ever thought possible. Yoga makes me feel incredible. I practice meditation daily and yoga a few times a week. I don’t think there’s any single practice that’s better for improving your general well-being than meditation and yoga.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Find me on Facebook and Instagram - I'm pretty sure I’m the only Dan Oig on there.

What is the name of your business/organization?
I’m a window film salesperson for a great local company called Urban Window Films.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
By nature, I’ve always been very impatient. Meditation has helped me develop more patience than I ever thought possible!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Do not fear death. If you can conquer your fear of death, then you genuinely can’t really fear anything. Living fearlessly is my favourite way to exist.

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

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you buy something local you support the mortgage payment of your neighbour versus increasing a CEO’s bonus who lives in a city likely nowhere near you.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I would say my proudest accomplishment is turning my mental health around from being depressed and full of anxiety to being full of optimism and excitement. I did it through nutrition and meditation.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ash Burnell! This guy recently hired me in may at Urban Window Films and by far he’s the best boss I’ve had. Can’t say enough good things. Thanks for the sweet job, Ash!

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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!