Meet Amanda! She's a born a raised Kelowna gal and is passionate about excellence in hospitality!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Kelowna and have lived here my entire life.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I would have to say my Mom. We travel so well together and always seem to have interesting topics to chat about. She's very insightful and helps me a lot with my business.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Natures Fare! They have it all! Food, health, beauty and the best vegan kale caesar salad!
Describe yourself in one word.
Persistant.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece. Its stunning! I want to wake up hillside, overlooking the Ocean in Santorini.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love Modo Yoga. LOVE.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Walking through Orchard Park Mall with the zipper on the back of my hot pink pencil skirt completely undone. It was wide open and left nothing to the imagination. Thank you to the woman who told me! Sorry to all of the people who saw....
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Turning 30, having my world turned upside down and needing to start everything over again, from scratch.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping across the lake in Peachland, with my family.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Abuse. There are so many things that fit under this category, mental, emotional, physical, drug and towards humans and animals.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The top of Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
The downtown core and the problems we are having with drug abuse and homelessness.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Opportunity.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To build "How to Host" with unlimited success.
2. Jump out of a plane!
3. To travel through Europe and experience my background in culture.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have an amazon based business called bronxandmama that I created to turn into a charitable organization, as a legacy for my disabled dog, Bronx.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @how.to.host
Facebook: Amanda Van Der Lee
Linded In: Amanda Van Der Lee
What is the name of your business/organization?
How to Host
Why did you get into this business?
I LOVE running my Airbnb and I love creating spaces. I needed change and I wanted my career to be something that excited me, every single day. So, i'm in the process of building exactly that.
What is the goal of your business?
I want to show people how they can succeed! Maybe take a step back from their 9-5 and have more freedom to live a little! You can create a substantial second income that is self sufficient and easy to manage. I can show you how.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Boredom. I'm always moving and its almost to a fault. I can't sit still, I love change.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think we always wonder, what if? I'm happy with where I am and know that I am exactly where i'm supposed to be.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Wild.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
To follow through on your word, not only to other people but to yourself. Make promises, set goals and keep them. Push for them.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Wim Hof.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
FIrst off, we have the best products locally! Farmers markets, craft markets, our downtown core. Its so important to sustain our own community before we hit the big box stores. They don't need our support. Kelowna is seasonal and local businesses struggle year after year. We have the power to change that and if not completely, at least substantially.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a yoga instructor. I was terrified! I had immense stage fright issues and while in my training, I said it was for lifestyle purposes and I would never teach. Right out of the gate, I had an opportunity that I couldn't turn down and it opened a lot of doors for me. It helped me see past weaknesses and build strength from them. It was something I had always said I wouldn't do and I broke that pattern.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Hannah Michie! She is an incredible person, a best friend, a hard worker. I worked with her for years in insurance and this is where we became incredibly close friends. She is also a fitness instructor, step Mom of two and continually pushes herself to become the best version of her. She is supportive, inspirational and always there for me when I need her.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Hannah Michie.
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