Meet Rochelle! Rochelle is originally from Alberta but has been living in BC for the majority of her life. She enjoys hiking the many scenic trails in the area, snowboarding up at Big White in the winter, and spending some quality time with her husband & best friend, Takumi.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in Alberta but raised in beautiful British Columbia.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My hubby and bff Takumi because he's funny and keeps life interesting.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bean Scene because good caffeine and wifi are a must.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resourceful
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go on a fermented foods taste tour through South America.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything that takes me outdoors - hiking, cycling, snowboarding and water sports.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I threw up over the Great Wall of China because I got food poisoning but didn't want to miss out on the experience.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The personal growth and reflection that having kids has had on me. My kids are a mirror and keep me accountable. They believe anything is possible and remind me that there is magic in the simple things.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every year we'd have a family reunion in Alberta where we'd camp at my grandparents' house on the lake. They had this super steep hill on the property that we could toboggan down in the summer and someone always got run over. There were always great memories with my big, crazy family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I coach indoor and outdoor track with the Okanagan Athletics Club.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Less waste. We have everything we need and to shift our focus on where we can have a positive impact instead of what we can consume shifts personal happiness and helps others
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Alone time? I was going to say going to a yoga class at One Yoga or Modo but that's not really alone time is it? With a business and two small kids alone time is a foreign concept.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I love that Kelowna values supporting local and is increasing in diversity. More of that, please!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The mountains, water and weather.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Be a super-ager
2. Bike from Hokkaido to Okinawa
3. Learn another language
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can speak Japanese.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
MotherLove Ferments on Facebook and @motherlovekombucha on Insta.
What is the name of your business/organization?
MotherLove Ferments
Why did you get into/start this business?
A passion for fermenting that I want to share with the community.
What is the goal of your business?
To make fermented foods accessible and taste as good as they are for you.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a good rhythm as a mom and entrepreneur.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I trust that everything that happens is supposed to happen.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Have you tried kombucha before?"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"You can do hard things."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jonathan Van Ness
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We can access the freshest and healthiest stuff while minimizing our impact on the environment. It's a win-win.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Competing at World Youth Championships and Junior Pan Ams.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Chloe Popove because she makes magic happen and Martin Rivard of Vegilante for being the man.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Maddie Devlin of Gaia Smiles
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Check out MotherLove's website for more info on ferments, to sign up for the newsletter and be the first to know about workshops, new flavours and more.
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.
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