In Focus | Harley Smith

Meet Harley! He's a loving father to his daughter and is proud to call the Okanagan home!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Langley but have lived in Kelowna for a quarter of a century.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Easy, my six-year-old daughter Pyper. She’s the light of my life!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
To be honest, it was MotoVida. Now that it’s no longer in business the riding community has a bit of a void to fill.

Describe yourself in one word.
Versatile.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali. I’m sick of winter now.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Riding bicycles in the Summer with the homies.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Sheesh, that’s a tough one! I don’t embarrass easily.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Co-parenting a kid in a world that’s so much more informed and connected than ever before. Seeing her investigate and question why things are the way they are has allowed me to view the world through her eyes. It’s been exhilarating.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Hiking and camping with my family all over the province and the Pacific North West of the United States. Learning how to love and respect Mother Nature has been something I continue to explore and prioritize to this day.




If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would like to see the world focus less on war and more on conservation.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any trail up the hill to Chute Lake.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
The issues regarding Kelownas homeless and unhealthy population needs to be addressed. The crime and pollution that comes along with it have been snowballing for quite a few years now.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our incredible location is nothing to take for granted. The lifestyle that it allows us makes people generally happy I think.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Attend a live Super Bowl game (preferably including my Denver Broncos).
2. Attend the Isle of Man TT.
3. Travel somewhere tropical for a dive vacation.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m a cat guy.



How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I’ve never had Facebook. I rock a Snapchat account but it’s kinda falling off. If you want to see what I’m up to you can find me on Instagram: @snarles

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Valens Company.

Why did you get into this business?
I feel that cannabis is headed for some good things regarding our provincial economy. It’s exciting to be part of a growing industry where things are happening as fast as the regulations can keep up.



What is the goal of your business?
To provide quality cannabis products to Canada and the rest of the world.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Oh man, I would love to be able to save more money.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think I’d pay a little more attention to things that are giving me grief nowadays. I didn’t quite take as much seriously as I could have back when I was young and reckless.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Thank you."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don’t take it all so seriously. And we are all in this together. Be kind.

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

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Not only can you keep your finger on the pulse of the town's trends and social buzz, but spending money at small businesses promotes Kelownas culture and encourages our future.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to adapt to life’s twists and turns while maintaining a smile and some stellar people to call my family and friends.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Man, I want to shout out Pypers Mom, Ashleigh. She busts her little butt at a tough job while juggling the needs of a toddler as well as me. She’s a fantastic mother and each day I thank my lucky stars for what she and I work so hard for. If you need your ears lowered, she’s one heck of a stylist at The Beauty and Shave Parlour in Glenmore. Their Instagram is: @beautyandshave

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Andrew Murphy. His Instagram is: @murphdre

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.

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!