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?
Tamara Stone.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Edmonton and moved to Kelowna when I was 2 -years-old. I am grateful to my parents for that decision and haven’t lived anywhere else!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My two daughters because they are so full of life and are fun! They are teenagers and I have been warned these are the hard years, so I just appreciate them every day and take a cuddle whenever they will give one to me.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Paris! I have been there before and absolutely love all things French
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Sassy Shoes. I have a bit of a shoe addiction and Bonnie has incredible selection and choices
What is your favourite activity?
Being outside! In the summer it doesn’t get better than an early morning swim at Gyro beach, there’s an 800 metre loop that’s well marked, safe and it’s a beautiful way to start your day.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers all the way! My family calls me Jughead (from the Archie comics). I aim to eat a burger or two every week, often times more!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I love using the voice to text app on my phone and sometimes in my haste I don’t check before hitting send. I recently sent a very inappropriate text to a brand new client. She laughed about it later, but at the time I was absolutely mortified.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have learned the most in my life from people who have the least. When I slow down and spend time with someone to understand where they have been I learn so much.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My dad took me fishing for an overnight trip when I was 12-years-old. It was very special as it was just the two of us and he treated me like an adult. I was terrified when I caught one (I think my dad was too quite frankly) and I didn’t want to gut it, but we did it! We made a good team and I got to know him as a person, not just my dad.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We support Brain Trust to help people with acquired brain injuries – we are the key sponsors of a new event this October called Octoberfest! We also help the Women’s Shelter and Community Futures.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Without sounding like a cliché I wish people could take a moment to understand other peoples' perspective. There’s always more going on than meets the eye and if we worked to judge less and understand more I believe the world would be a kinder place.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Cyling the back roads of South East Kelowna, perusing the aisles at the Farmers' Market on a busy Saturday, enjoying a glass of wine and people watching at the Eldorado boardwalk.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I have a favourite bench at Rotary Beach – it’s under a tree, overlooking the lake and it’s my quiet place to reflect.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think we need to work on solutions to deal with traffic better. So many people are moving to Kelowna and I don’t feel that our infrastructure is well equipped to handle the growing needs.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people! They are friendly (generally speaking), healthy and happy to live in such a beautiful place.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I want to speak to a crowd of thousands, I want to spend a night in an old English castle and I want to visit Tahiti.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I absolutely thrive on public speaking and when I grow up that’s what I want to do with my life
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
Stone Sisters Group at REMAX.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Real estate was in my blood as I grew up with both parent’s selling here in Kelowna and we learned negotiating around the dinner table.
What is the goal of your business?
To be the top real estate team in Kelowna that offers exceptional personal service!
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Learning how to say no and not pleasing everyone. I am a people pleaser
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Pretty much the exact same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Carpe Diem! Seize the day!'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk would be fascinating.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kelowna used to have a reputation for not having great shopping but that’s really changed. There are some unique finds here in town that you cannot get anywhere else, plus given that so many people move to Kelowna and become entrepreneurs I believe it’s imperative that we support those businesses so that they continue to exist.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising such incredible and kind daughters.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
My incredible real estate team (my sister Shannon and everyone else) for understanding my crazy determination and drive and allowing me to run like a racehorse without overdoing it.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Martin Bell of Urban Systems. He is a fantastic leader of a national company plus he is very involved locally with some great charities.
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.
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