In Focus | Ria Schnell

Meet Ria! She's been in Kelowna for 2 years and loves motorcycling around the Okanagan!



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up all over B.C. Mostly Vernon. Spent 2 years in Kelowna.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
That would have to be my other half, Joe. He is so supportive of my work and is incredibly helpful. He will finish work and then come help me in the shop. Since I am a one-woman show he will come and pick up the slack by packaging for shipment, helping run stuff to the powder coaters, or even just bring me a coffee. He is my biggest supporter. He loves what I do and that helps make my work quite enjoyable.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
FTW Motorcycles in West Kelowna. They are really great people to work with. They have the skill and want to help you with your motorcycle. Plus they throw one h*** of a party!

Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Joshua Tree, California. The scenery is so beautiful and relaxing. The roads for riding are absolutely out of this world. Plus I can't really bring my newborn to Las Vegas... Haha.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Mindlessly riding cruiser bikes around in the summertime with good friends.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Haha. I can't say. Too inappropriate.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having someone come up and recognize me from my work. Nothing inspires me more than someone loving my work as much as I do.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Camping with my family.



Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
I donate a lot of sissybars to bike rally raffles for different charities.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd make people stop killing people.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I'd ride Glenmore to Carrs Landing to Predator Ridge and back. Riding anywhere on my bike is my real alone time.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd like to see a cap on rentals. When I was renting it was hard to make things work. Rentals are getting out of control expensive.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Okanagan Lake of course!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Own a successful business working for myself. Ride all 50 states. Ride as many roller coasters as I can, vomiting as little as possible haha.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a die-hard Tom Green fan.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Website: riathewelder.com
Instagram: @ria.the.welder
Email: riathewelder@gmail.com

What is the name of your business/organization?
Ria The Welder



Why did you get into/start this business?
I went to welding school with a 5 year goal: To build my own custom motorcycle parts. I wanted to make my contribution to motorcycles and making them beautiful.

What is the goal of your business?
To have custom sissybars on the back of as many motorcycles as I can! Every one is custom. I have not made 2 identical sissybars yet!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I would have to say working for the man. I have always been very fortunate with my coworkers and past employers. My welding bosses have always been amazingly supportive of me working on building my own business. I have always danced to the beat of my own drum so following rules hasn't always been my strongest ability haha.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would probably do it the same. Working in multiple shops before I started my own business really helped me learn and gain more skills. I've learned so much from my co workers in the past. Especially Roy from my first welding job in Kelowna. Roy if you're reading this thank you for everything. I cherish our memories and many laughs. You made my first welding job absolutley unforgettable.



Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If you want something. Go and get it. Don't pussyfoot around, don't make excuses. It's your life, so make the best of it.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tom Green

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Remember what I said about working for the man? Big corporations are not out to make you successful. When you support a small local business, you're helping support a local becoming successful and living their dream. Wouldn't you want the same for yourself?

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
1 year ago I would have said the 300+ sissybars I have out there in the world. Today I would have to say my beautiful 3 month old son, Bowie.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Matt Newman. From Renagade Canada. I've never met such a dude with a positive attitude and a want for success. He is a local who has also started his own business making clothing.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Matt Newman.

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!