In Focus | Laurence Rich

Meet Laurence! Laurence is originally from Montreal and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for five years now. She enjoys sampling wine at the local wineries, treating herself to a spa treatment at the Spa at The Delta, and spending some quality time with her daughter.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I moved from Montreal, 5 years ago.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I'm going to be the cheesy new mom and say that my favourite person to spend time with is my 4-month old daughter, Alaiya. She changes so much, every day, I feel like I fall in love with her all over again. Seeing her grow and learn is the best thing.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Just one? Okay, Karat Chocolate. Because if you haven't eaten one of Julian's delicacy, you should. If you haven't, you are missing out!

Describe yourself in one word.
Transparent.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Montreal, just to be with my mom.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine tasting.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
My wig fell off during a co-ed ultimate frisbee game. Crickets!!!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing snakes and ladders with my mom.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Mamas for Mamas and the Central Okanagan Food Bank are both organizations I support on a regular basis. I was raised by a single mother who always made sure we had all the basic necessities. I never felt like I missed out on anything because she had organizations like those two to help her. I will always be grateful.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Capitalism.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The Spa at The Delta

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think the people who are ''running'' this city are disregarding 3 things. Infrastructure, creating paying jobs and supporting small businesses. I am loving the change and growth I have witnessed in the past 5 years, but it's hard to ignore the areas that are lacking attention.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people and of course, the beautiful 4 seasons.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Attend a Stevie Wonder or Diana Ross concert.
2. Visit New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras.
3. Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I sing.

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

What is the name of your business/organization?
FleuRich Creations

Why did you get into/start this business?
To be creative! As simple as that.

What is the goal of your business?
Kelowna floral and event design for weddings and elopements.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing being a stay-at-home mom, a supporting wife and a woman with ambitions.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't live life with regrets. I would have done things the same because I embrace who I am today.

What do you always find yourself saying?
No Bueno.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be authentic. You have one life to live, when it comes to an end, you want to be proud of who you are and you what you have done with your life."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah. Just to be in the presence of such a stoic and driven person. Against all odds, she has built an empire. I would love to have a conversation with Oprah.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support our economy.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting and growing a business. I surprise myself every day.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ellen Geber from Peak Flowers! She is the sweetest person. She helped me throughout the summer as I was balancing weddings and motherhood. She always shows up with a smile on her face, I just love being around her!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ellen Geber

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!