In Focus | Kristie Hutchison

Meet Kristie! Kristie is originally from Vancouver but has been living here in Kelowna for the majority of her life. She enjoys running the many scenic trails here in the Okanagan with her pups, and spending some quality time with her loved ones.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in Vancouver but raised here in Kelowna. It's been 25 years now.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daddio, Gord Hutch! He has the best dad jokes with the worst execution and comes prepared for anything with "emergency" everything!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Shannon Lake Convenience store .. (best candy shop in town)

Describe yourself in one word.
Energy

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Yacht Week, Croatia Ultra Route. Watch the YouTube video on it & you'll know why ;)


What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Trail running with my pups.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Blowing a nose bubble in class while laughing...

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being lucky enough to be apart of someone's life-changing body & mind transformation NEVER gets old. I am continuously blown away with how much of an impact my clients successes have on my personal health and fitness achievements. Their success is my inspiration...day in and day out!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
“Raddles” – surfing down our neighourhood hill (Hartman) to RES in my dad's old converted handicap bus.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am a proud member of the board for Dress For Success Kelowna! Our mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the developmental tools to help women thrive in work and in life!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Currency...I wish we could live and pay our way through life by trading furs & whisky again.


Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Pulp Fiction coffee shop. My girls and I used to study there and we shared some stressful, yet wonderful times.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would LOVE to see a couple dog friendly patio restaurants, pubs, coffee shops... ANYTHING! Oh, and if all our beaches could be off-leash that would be great too...in the perfect Okanagan dog mom world of course ;) Lastly... the roads... traffic is crazy… our HOV lane is hilarious, haha.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
That is simple... our lifestyle --- shout out to #Okanaganlifestyle

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
One big long adventurous trip to Central America
WIN Amazing Race Canada with Mike Boyle
Build a home along side Mike for a deserving family with Habitat for Humanity

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am addicted to sour candy, legitimately.


How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@empoweredcwp @kristiehutch.ecwp

What is the name of your business/organization?
Empowered Corporate Wellness Partner

Why did you get into/start this business?
I recognized the gap and need for this type of service, so I went for it. Now, people that don't have the time or energy before/after work to look after their health don't have to suffer any longer, I come to you!

What is the goal of your business?
ECWP's mission is to work with employers who value their employees and understand that a healthy workforce can help you achieve your business objectives. As your wellness partner, I design, implement and manage effective wellness programs!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Juggling my obsession with candy, cocktails & exercise! I am the perfect example that B A L A N C E does exist, its just not always the easiest talent or skill.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have branched out on my own and started ECWP years ago. I have always been happy working hands on with clients but NOW I have the best of both worlds being able to provide my services hybrid style, spreading my energy to so many more faces at once!


What do you always find yourself saying?
I'm never drinking again...

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Show yourself INTEGRITY with your words...When you say you are going to do something, do it. When you say you are going to go somewhere, go there. When you make a commitment to yourself, keep it. Be stronger than your excuses."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
That's easy, I would have to say, my mom, Kelly Hutch...because she'll probably be the first person, next to the editor, that reads this. Nah, she's the most inspiring hard working woman I know. Tough as nails but I'm honestly waiting for my heart to explode with confetti the next time she cuddles a goat...such a kind soul.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The success of our community will always have an indirect impact on our fellow kelownians, including ourselves :)

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating UBCO with my Human Kinetics Degree and the success it has brought me within the health industry and of course, the launch of ECWP.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Gord Hutchison. I know, how cliche...but for real, hear me out. He has owned a small local business "Hutch Renovations" and physically worked in our community here in Kelowna for over 25 years on a referral basis only! He hasn't needed ads! He's that good.


My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Gord Hutchison

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you KelownaNow!

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