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?
Travis E. Cross.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Red Deer, raised in Calgary, and have been living in Kelowna for two years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a tough question, I’m not sure I can pinpoint one specific person. I am grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life. Each person brings a unique vibrancy to the planet, and I want to acknowledge all of my friends and family for being in my life.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii. I’ve never been and I hear that the land is a healing oasis, similar to the land in Kelowna.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Bean Scene on Bernard. It has a great atmosphere and it’s wonderful to see familiar faces while getting to relax on the patio or work inside.
What is your favourite activity?
Creative thinking and brainstorming.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
My dad makes a great burger, so that would generally be my first pick. Since switching to a primarily vegetarian diet, I would choose black bean tacos.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
In Grade 8 science class the teacher kept pausing to look at me until she finally said, 'Travis, go to the washroom.' The entire class spun around and burst into laughter. The pen I had been chewing exploded, and my hands and face were covered in red ink.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was invited to attend a Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) meeting. I really wanted to join, but I didn’t have the money for the membership. A stranger offered to pay for my membership for a year and that's how I first met Shri Ananda.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
The first time I ever got to go to summer camp was one of my favourite memories. The YWCA put on a subsidized summer camp in Kananaskis Country for low income families. We got to ride on horses, practice archery, make beaded jewellery, sleep in tipis, and play all sorts of games.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give food to those who need a meal and I pick up garbage as I come across it on the street or in the park. I also consider the notTV project I head up a service to the community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would create more space for stillness and more space for play. Basically, accessible spaces for meditation indoors and outdoors and playgrounds for adults.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Yoga at The Hot Box, climbing Knox, or going for a run down Bernard.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More artist involvement in the development of the city. Truly great spaces are inspirational spaces built with creativity. People say form follows function, but form may be just as important as function. I’d also like to see more community gardens.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
I’d want to experience peace on earth. If I got three wishes, I’d also like to travel into space and go to Hawaii.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I went to college without a high school diploma.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I own and operate a video marketing company called Grand Cross Media (GCM), and we have built an online video streaming platform called notTV.
What does your business do?
Grand Cross Media helps people be inspired, informed and happy by helping businesses grow, prosper and share. notTV improves the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants by curating independent and consciously created media around local communities.
Where can people find your business online?
www.grandcrossmedia.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started Grand Cross Media to create positive and inspirational media. I started notTV to make a hub for media that informs, educates and entertains the world in a positive and inspirational way.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of both businesses is to empower future generations to live healthy, happy and peaceful lives in harmony with each other and the planet.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Work-life balance.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If I could go back in time but retain my current knowledge things would definitely be different. I would keep things simple and map out a strong organizational strategy from the beginning.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you shop locally, our community thrives! When you buy imported products, your money leaves our community and will quite possibly never return.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Nuge Bird. Nuge has a dedication and a passion for this community that is inspiring and fun to encounter. I met Nuge at a Filmmaking Workshop for First Nations youth that I ran at the Friendship Centre, and now we get to create meaningful video together.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
I would like to nominate Rawle James because of his dedication to creating meaningful content and his sense of purpose within the community. His poetry and truth are profound and very much needed in the world today.
Other information you would like to share:
A happy and harmonious community is founded on the cooperation and communication of its citizens. I look forward to seeing what Kelowna becomes in the next ten years with the participation of everyone in this city working together for a shared vision of what a true utopia might look like. Also, what I think makes Kelowna great is the ecological diversity of the environment.
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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