In Focus | Linda Lovisa

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Linda Lovisa.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
My father was in the armed forces and we lived in several places in Canada. I was born in Hull, Quebec during a terrible snow storm but I have lived in Kelowna for 11 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a difficult question! My family all wrapped up in one. We enjoy all kinds of activities together. They make me smile,laugh and I'm so proud of all of them.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
We have so much to explore right at home here in British Columbia. I would love to explore Haida Gwaii because I love the old growth forests.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Off the Dock in West Kelowna. They have a nice selection of casual wear clothing, they are so helpful and reasonably priced. I like to support local small businesses.

What is your favourite activity?
Being outdoors! Hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking. We are blessed in the Okanagan to have so many trails so close to home.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza from Murray's Pizza and Pasta on the Westside!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Many years ago I was a waitress at a resort. My son had called a few times to ask about sleeping over at a friends. While speaking to him on the staff kitchen landline, I had said 'no' to him and he hung up. The phone started ringing right after and in a panicked hurry, I answered 'what do you want!' and all I hear on the other end of the phone is 'Can I order room service please?'.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to my grandparents cottage. Fishing, swimming, gardening, bird watching and getting up at 5:00 am to have tea with my grandpa before he headed to work.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered in the school system and senior homes. As well as given to many community fundraising events such as the Kelowna Community Food bank, Rotary Club, Red Cross, Canadian Cancer Society and BC Fire Relief Fund.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Communication. I wish I could change how leaders and people of different countries communicate with each other. Bad communication results in terror for citizens, starvation, war and bombings. I wish it would all end and that people could respect others beliefs.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I enjoying discovering new places to wine and dine in Kelowna.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love hiking with my dog on local trails. It's my place to put things in perspective.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna needs more housing for lower income families. I often hear of people having difficulty finding lodging.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Everything about Kelowna is great. It is the prettiest city in Canada and I love how it has agriculture mixed within city limits. It is unique in its own way!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Painting in Newfoundland.
2. Painting in the Yukon.
3. Staying active so I can keep exploring!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am bilingual in French. In 1981, I represented North Western Ontario in the Miss Canada Pageant!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook and Instagram.

What is the name of your business/organization?
New Moon Gallery.

Why did you get into/start this business?
My passion for art and teaching.

What is the goal of your business?
My goal is to help promote art in the community. Offering space for artists to display and teach painting to all ages.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Running a small business has many ups and downs. So staying the course is sometimes a struggle.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same. The decisions you made in the past is what makes you who you are in the present.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Use more paint'

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
David Suzuki, I think a day with him would be an incredible experience. A day would be too short!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I shop locally because I believe you should work, shop and play in the community you live. It's a big circle where everyone benefits.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising two wonderful young men of whom I'm very proud of.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Melissa who works at Blenz in West Kelowna. She is always working hard and promoting artisans in the Okanagan. Her customer service and cheerful disposition is refreshing. Melissa is a community player and is open to new ideas. Hats off to you for all you do!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
King Spa and Pools West Kelowna.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I would like to thank Kelowna Now for this opportunity to share a few things and thoughts about myself. I love sharing my knowledge as an artist and instructor the community I live in. The coffee pot is always on for those who want to visit the gallery and chat about art in general. Say Hi to our dog greeter Holly she's a dalmatian, border collie, and blue heeler cross. She loves her job as greeter.

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. Thank you, Kelowna.