In Focus | Tana Hammett

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?
Tana Hammett.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised Kelowna girl!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daughter Ellah. She is the light in my life.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I have always dreamed about going scuba diving on the coral reef, and one day I will!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Any thrift store! I love deals!

What is your favourite activity?
Boating and swimming.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza! That means I don’t have to cook!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
It had to be when I was breastfeeding, I went out shopping and did not notice the massive milk stains pouring through to my shirt. I was horrified when I saw myself after I got home. I’ll never forget it.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
You know, I’ve been thinking about this question for a couple of days, and everything starts with one amazing event; becoming a mother. Life for me kind of fell into place after that. Having Ellah inspired me to be the best I can be. I started up Kelowna Mom’s group and made a lot of awesome friends for us. Then came my photography business and then our administrative team established Helping Hands. Seeing first-hand the positive impact I helped create has given me so much drive to keep at it! No matter how many other bajillion things I have on the go already.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Hands down, I would have to say boating. My parents had one and we went all the time. We practically lived on the water! My cousin Amanda and I had the best time pretending to be mermaids and, of course, the Spice girls!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Kelowna Mom’s Helping Hands. We have many fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for the Hamper program!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
There are so many things that need to change in the world, but I guess I would have to say poverty

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Boating!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Alone time? What’s that?

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I was bummed to hear that homeless housing shut down due to funding. It would be great to have somewhere that they could count on. Also, fix the potholes! It's crazy, and the litter situation I have noticed getting worse all the time.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The community for sure!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Own a home
2) More children
3) Travel

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m very shy, but in my line of work I really have to put myself out there with confidence and grace. It’s a struggle sometimes, but I’m working on it everyday!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Montana Rae Photography
Kelowna Mom’s
Kelowna Mom’s Helping Hands
I also clean houses and sell AVON, I am a busy bee!

What is the goal of your business?
For Montana Rae Photography, I want to capture the most treasured moments, for families to cherish for years to come. My involvement in Kelowna Mom’s is to meet friends, get advice, share stories and to learn amongst other moms! Finally, with Kelowna Mom’s Helping Hands I want to help people in our community

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Never enough time!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If I had to start all over again, it would probably be different, because chances are I forgot how I did it the first time! In all seriousness, I have no regrets. Mistakes are made and accomplishments are met. It’s all about how you apply life lessons.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Potty time!', mom-life at its finest…

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
This is a tough one, I would love to hang out with Ana Brandt. She is an amazing photographer! I would love to learn from her and pick her brain!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally not only strengthens our local economy, but supports members of our community. You can count on great quality and personal experience. A lot of local establishments generally give back to the community in some way as well. Support local!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I would have to say starting and excelling in my dream career. I seriously have the best job ever! I get to meet families and kids of all ages, and of course my favourite sessions are newborns. Let’s just say I have baby fever all year long!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Any one of the Kelowna Mom’s administrative team are amazing choices. They all have huge hearts and work their butts off to give back to the community. Not to mention they are wonderful mothers to precious children! They are Rock Stars! I want to give a shout out to Shannon Erben, Dawn Fisher, Rebecca Rossi and Katie McChesney. Love you ladies!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Anyone on the Kelowna Mom’s administrative team is an amazing choice.

Some general comments I would like to share are
I wanted to submit this to shed some light on Kelowna Mom’s Helping Hands in the hopes of raising awareness about the fabulous things we do. We are holding several charity events and fundraisers to raise money for the program and I encourage everyone to take some time and follow our page to get involved! 'Each one of us can make a difference, but together we can make change.'

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.