In Focus | Donna Mathers

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? Donna Mathers

What is your name?
Donna Mathers.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Alberta but I have lived in Kelowna for the past 38 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my husband because we are two peas in a pod.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite local is Mad Mango. Great food, good prices and awesome staff.

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would like to go to Newfoundland to visit some very dear friends that moved there from here.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
My favourite activity is thrifting. Kelowna has so many great thrift stores and I am always up for a treasure hunt.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nothing comes to mind at the moment. I really don’t embarrass easily.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Retiring from my previous job of 27 years inspired me to develop Hemptation.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time on Gramma and Grandpa’s farm. Playing with the chickens, building forts, using an old washtub for a boat in the pond.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently, I am not doing any regular volunteer work. I will be doing a fun holiday soap making workshop with the after-school program at Green Gables daycare in Glenmore.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
There are so many answers to this question it’s hard to choose just one. The world would be a better place if there was no poverty.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I prefer to be at home to be alone.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see a change in the serious traffic problem that we have in Kelowna.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The sun, the lakes and the mountains make Kelowna a beautiful, great place to live.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Go for a hot air balloon ride
2. Learn to speak Spanish fluently
3. Run a half marathon

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have been tattooed five times.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and email.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Hemptation.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I was at a local artisan market and noticed there was nothing hemp related so that got the wheels spinning. When I retired I had the opportunity to submerge myself in the business.

What is the goal of your business?
My goal with Hemptation is to provide simple, healthy and affordable skin care products.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
It used to be balancing work and raising the girls, quite often by myself because my husband’s work took him on long road trips.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The only thing I would do differently is to have more children.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't be lazy.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Willie Nelson because he is a great example of someone who has never stopped creating and living life to the fullest.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping local creates local employment, supports small business and as a consumer you get to know the people behind the product.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment has to be my two beautiful daughters and watching them become strong, independent young women.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I shout out to Kathy Sawchuk who started the East Kelowna Artisan Community Market. She saw a vision and made it happen.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shannon LeBlanc owner of Lost Together Consignment shop, located in Plaza 33.

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.