In Focus | Katie Hale

Meet Katie! Katie enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends! She's originally from Edmonton, Alberta.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Edmonton Alberta, 2.5 years in Kelowna

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I couldn't just choose one person. I have an amazing close group of friends I have made in Kelowna and they all have a special place in my heart and I love spending as much time as I can with all of them.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
One of my favorite store in Kelowna is Funktional. I love the atmosphere and love the little trinkets and local goodies.

Describe yourself in one word.
Compassionate

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Croatia. I was recently there and fell in love with the Island of Hvar and would go back in a heartbeat.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Beaching in the summer time. I love spending my time near or in the water. Water calms me and I love getting all set up and reading a good book on the beach.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I went on a night out with a few girlfriends a while back and wore some slippery shoes out... Ended up face planting in the middle of the dance floor with my drink spilled all over me!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
This past year, I have undergone some major personal and physical transformations. I discovered a book called "The Magic" and that changed a lot of things for me in changing my perspective on life, and situations that cannot be changed. It's been something that I can go back and continue to practice throughout my day to day to keep creating a positive perspective!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I wouldn't be able to choose one as an all time favourite, but one at the top of my list would be meeting my oldest friend, who I am lucky enough to still be friends with today. My family had just moved into a new house and I was about 5 and she was around 3. I remember walking around our new neighbourhood, scouting out the place and walking past her house 3 doors down from mine and her adorable little head sticking out the front window and shouting "HI, I'M TORI" . I called back "Hi, I'm Katie". We were inseparable after that and have been lucky enough now to have been friends for just over 20 years!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to see more freedom for travel to different countries. I have a major passion for travel and it would be amazing to have more opportunities to do so!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love going to Pauls Tomb. I discovered it last year and always feel calm and serene when I am there with my own thoughts.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
As someone who works and lives close to the downtown core, I would love to see some movement in the homeless community. It is getting to that time of year where it gets colder and it is unfortunate to see so many people without proper shelter and means to stay warm in the winter!

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The amount of local businesses within the community working together to build each other up and promote each other for success! And the beaches... I love the beaches.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Spend a weekend in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
Live in another country at one point or another.
Sky dive in Switzerland.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled to 16 different countries.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I have been working on building an Instagram platform. I have a business page for my work with The Extensionist and my Hair career @kt.annhair_, as well as a personal/travel Instagram that is new but I am keen to get it started! @kt.annhale

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Extensionist Consultancy

Why did you get into/start this business?
I was always told that I had a natural nack for hair when I was younger and was given my first opportunity by a friend in the industry, and from there, I went to school, kept taking courses and eventually landed myself a position with this amazing company

What is the goal of your business?
The goal of our business moving forward is to empower women and to give them back their confidence, As well as introducing new men's hair replacement services to give everyone back their confidence and motivation to shine!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I struggle to let go of things that I cannot control. Whether it be in my personal life or work. I like to have plans and see them through.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
There are moments in time that I wish I could go back and change certain things, but as they play out I know they were meant to happen. I am a true believer in "things happen for a reason" and can appreciate the journey, including all the ups and downs.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Trust that the universe has your back.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Some of the best and happiest things in life can happen when you feel the most uncomfortable. Embrace the uneasiness of life and don't confuse comfortable with happy.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally supports the community to grow as well as connects us with our own. I love supporting people who have taken risks to open their own businesses and share with us something that makes them passionate enough to share with the rest of us!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My Career with the Extensionist. I started off as a stylist and have moved up rapidly through the company and am proud of the stylist and business woman I have become with all the learning curves I have faced in the last 3.5 years.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I think my amazing staff Shannon, Cortni and Chantal deserve the biggest shout out. I have the most incredible team by my side that really are the backbone of our shop as well as create the atmosphere for our clients to come in and feel welcomed!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Brandi Jollimore

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!