Meet Haley! Haley is originally from Calgary and has been living here in Kelowna for three years. She enjoys taking walks alongside Okanagan lake and spending some quality time with her boyfriend and biggest supporter, Dennis.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised in Calgary, but have lived in the Okanagan for 3 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend Dennis, because he never fails to make me laugh and supports everything I do.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
As far as dining and entertainment go, the waterfront cafe is an amazing spot. For shopping, I love local shops like Funktional.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii, I'm a sucker for the beach.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Walking along the lake, or working on projects in a coffee shop.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm not the best with names and have called people by names that were way off. But I'm working on it!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing to happen to me would be seeing myself grow as an artist, as a person. Having personally dealt with struggles such as anxiety and depression I feel like I've come a long way.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Picking snap peas off the vines in my grandparents' backyard.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I use a lot of my work to spread awareness about mental health and I love that my illustrative work has brought people a sense of inclusion and recognition. I would love to find other ways to give back and support my community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The amount of greed.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The rooftop patio at Bean Scene downtown.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see more open and accessible resources for vulnerable people dealing with mental health issues. More programs, more volunteer opportunities.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the weather and the sense of community.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Making a living from my artwork!
2. Travelling more, maybe to Europe or the Bahamas.
3. Change at least one person's life.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm left-handed.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @shopsundae or email: sundaestudios01@gmail.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sundae Studios
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been creative, it's always been my "thing". Its what I love to do every day and turning it into a profitable business seemed like the next step to take.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Teaching myself the ins and outs of running a business.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have probably started sooner!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Keep going.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"You can't pour from an empty cup." meaning, make sure to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing first so that you can better help others.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Sophia Amoruso * CEO/ Girlboss
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally not only fuels the economy but it also supports local makers like me! There's nothing better than knowing something you purchased positively affected a real person!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Putting myself out there this year!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to my parents for being there no matter what.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Nicole young - artist/painter/awesome human
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