In Focus | Krysten Janzen

Meet Krysten. She has lived in Kelowna for a year and a half. She is a fitness coach and is also a social media diva!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Prince George and have lived in Kelowna for about a year and a half. My fiancee and I moved here after years of vacationing here and hoping to call this place home.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My fiancee Kyle Janzen. We have been together for 12 years and just love exploring, travelling and enjoying life.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Parlour Ice Cream. I love ice cream! They have amazing flavours and I love how community focused the owners are.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Probably Italy. My grandparents are from Italy and it would be amazing to see where they grew up.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking. There are so many amazing spots to hike and the views are breathtaking.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I went to exchange a present I received from a friend. It was a Lululemon top that didn't fit. After trying to exchange it with the sales associate for 10 minutes (she couldn't find the item in her system) I realized the tag said Le Chateau. Oops, lol.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I try to be very transparent on my social media platforms. And I remember making a YouTube video discussing How To Overcome Gym Intimidation. I had maybe 2-3 women randomly come up to me in the gym and tell me that video really helped them face their fears. It was an amazing feeling to know that video helped people from afar.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I would say going on Basketball tournaments with my team every weekend. I loved playing basketball so much and would have so much fun with the team. We were from a small town and our team wasn't very good. But we always played our hearts out and enjoyed the game regardless.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I spent many years volunteering at the SPCA and love to give back to such an amazing organization.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To eliminate gym intimidation. I think a lot of women are afraid of the weight room and don't realize the long term benefits that lifting weights has.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would have to say Paul's Tomb. It's such an amazing place to just get lots in your thoughts. And that view never gets old.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
The growing homeless problem. It would be great to come together as a community to build long-term supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The positive vibes. Everyone is so active and there's always something exciting to do.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Host classes to teach young girls how to properly use equipment and perform compound movement exercises in the gym.
2. Go backpacking in Europe
3. Volunteer one year for the Sea Shepherd Cove Guardians in Japan

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I grew up playing guitar and writing songs. I have close to 15 original songs

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

What is the name of your business/organization?
THENATTYHOUR

Why did you get into/start this business?
I used to be afraid of the gym. But once I got over that fear, I never felt as confident as I do now. I wanted to help other women get over this fear and feel the same way.

What is the goal of your business?
To help women overcome their fear in the gym and maintain their fat loss goals forever.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Teaching people to be patient and to respect the journey. There are no quick fixes that last forever.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing. There are a lot of things I wish went differently. But I strongly believe I wouldn't be where I am today without those experiences.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Your failure is not really your failure."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Those who think we have no time for our health, will sooner or later have to find time for our illness -- make the time now.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would have to say Kobe Bryant. He was definitely my hero as a kid. As an adult, I truly respect his discipline, mindset and love for the game. He always strived for more and never became complacent.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I love the uniqueness it brings to the products. It also helps build the community and local economy.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I would have to say moving to Kelowna. Kyle and I packed everything up, sold our assets and took a lot of risks to move here. It was the scariest thing we've done, as Kyle was starting a new career here in Real Estate, but it was so worth it.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Definitely my fiancee Kyle Janzen. He is the hardest working person I know and might love Kelowna just a little bit more than me.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Kyle Janzen

Some general comments I would like to share are:
We are all so blessed to live in such an amazing place. Love you Kelowna <3

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!