Meet Tina! Tina is originally from Vancouver Island and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for eight years. On her free time, she enjoys hiking the many scenic trails here in Kelowna and spending some quality time with her loved ones.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
From Vancouver Island, lived in Kelowna for 8 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
William Walczak is my favourite person to spend time with. Not only is he incredibly smart, but he is also passionate about life.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Okanagan Lifestyle is an incredible asset for our city, they work diligently to understand their audience and deliver value. They have an awesome business model and I learn a lot from them.
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Picasso Museum, located in Barcelona. It houses the most extensive collections of artwork by Pablo Picasso. The emotion you feel when you read his letters are eerily current, it’s as if he understood the present world today.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Last year I was given an opportunity to speak on the TEDx stage. For the past 10 years I’ve dreamt of this moment but only believed it to be a fantasy. I am forever grateful to Susie Dodge for helping my dream become a reality. Check out the talk here - https://youtu.be/-cYn5LqHrmY
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I remember spending summers days with my mother. We would pack a picnic, along with our painting supplies and head down to our local lagoon. I loved the sound of seagulls as they would glide through the thick beach breeze, it felt magical creating in an environment that took you away from the buzz of electronics and school bells.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Kelowna Women in Business, and through Instagram live every Thursday at 4:00 pm.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Rid the world of plastic.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Pauls Tomb, they have a beautiful swimming spot.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Each day we watch sick and homeless people roam the streets, I'd love for us to come together as a community to help solve the growing epidemic.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people who reside in it.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Walk the pilgrimage journey through Spain.
- Live abroad for 3 months each year.
- Become a top International female brand consultant.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was a Synchronized Swimmer for 9 years.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @Tina.Walczak
What is the name of your business/organization?
Hiilite
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because of the countless opportunities available for individuals within the creative space.
What is the goal of your business?
To help ambitious entrepreneurs get in front of their customers through creative strategy, and support creatives who were told they could never make art and design their career.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Dealing with the pain of constant growth.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same, the struggle was worth it.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Remove yourself emotionally from the situation, then examine the problem in a critical manner.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Treat others how you wish to be treated.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Yes, but I also believe that business owners should look at trends. Only open a store if that's what the market is telling you to do. Most businesses now can be run online.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Delivering my son Max.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
June Nicolay - This woman is a business beast!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
William Walczak (yes I'm biased, but I've never seen anyone hustle and never take any credit for it).
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for the opportunity to be featured! I know Hiilite is a sister company to Csek Creative and KelownaNow, so I appreciate you guys thinking of me!
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!
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