Meet Kayla! Kayla is fairly new to the Okanagan and is originally from Grande Prairie, Alberta. She enjoys visting the local Farmer's Market, sneaking out to a quiet beach by the lake and spending some quality time with her nephews.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from Grande Prairie, Alberta. Kelowna has been home for 10 months now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I'd probably have to say my 3 nephews. They're so full of energy and there's never a dull moment!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Funktional on Bernard! It has so many unique handmade gift ideas. It's inspiring to go in there and see how talented and creative people are!
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
There are so many places I'd love to go to but I'd have to say Norway. My family has deep Norwegian roots and it looks like such a picturesque country.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Markets!! I'm obsessed with the Kelowna farmers market.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh my....There's too many to name, I'm so clumsy!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I taught Ballet in China for almost 2 years. Working and living in a country with very different customs and culture than I was used to was so fulfilling. I learned so much about what I thought I knew about the world and myself. It inspired me to want to learn more about the world!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to be kinder and more tolerant. We need a bit more empathy and patience in this world.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any quiet beach looking out at the lake!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is such a beautiful city. Everywhere you look there's a postcard type view!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1-Visit every continent
2-Learn Photography
3-Become fluent in a second language
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Village Dance Academy
Why did you get into/start this business?
I am a ballet instructor at The Village Dance Academy. I lived in China for 2 years and was looking for work back in Canada. I came across this position in Kelowna. My family would often visit the Okanagan in the summer when I was a kid and I always loved it.
What is the goal of your business?
I teach Ballet to students from ages 3 to 18. The goal is that they have fun and develop new skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
As a child, I was extremely shy. Working to overcome social anxiety was not an easy task.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. Of course, in hindsight, there are things I would do differently, but I'm grateful for the path I've taken that has lead me to experience things and meet amazing people that I wouldn't have otherwise.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Stretch your feet! I teach Ballet :)
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always keep learning!"
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I'd love to sit down with Ellen Degeneres! She seems like the coolest, kindest person that I can think of and I just love to laugh!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting small and local businesses helps support the community. I also think it's so important to know where the things you are buying come from.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating from the Teacher Training Program at Canada's National Ballet School.
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