In Focus | Travis Schley

Meet Travis, he was raised in Kelowna, moved to Vancouver in 2008 and just recently returned with my family. Welcome back Travis!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with, and why?
My 4-year old daughter, Rosemary. I love watching her progress and find her own interests. We share a love for music. She says so many hilarious, insightful, and interesting things, I just can’t get enough of her!

If you could go anywhere in the world right now at this moment, where would you go and why?
I would go to Nelson, BC to visit my Great Aunt Kate who is turning 95 this year. She has great stories, a powerful spirit, and her positive attitude is contagious.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Nature’s Fare! I get a smoothie and salad from there almost every day. I’m actually eating a bowl of their soup right now! They share my passion for local and organic food.

What is your favourite activity?
I like to make music and videos, I ride and work on old motorcycles, and of course I love to hang out with my family – my wife, my 1-yr old and my 4-yr old.

If you had to choose pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I’d have to say a burger is the most satisfying out of those three. Ketchup, mustard, cheese and pickles. Simple. But the bun has to be soft.

What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you?
As a teenager, I crashed my bmx bike into a lamp post because I was distracted by a group of pretty girls who were crossing Rutland Road. They laughed at me. It was a classic National Lampoon scene.

What is the most inspiring thing that’s happened to you?
Participating in the homebirth of my two girls was a very powerful experience. Also, I’ve been lucky to do a lot of travelling. All of these experiences have inspired me to focus on what’s real and important and to not worry so much about the little things.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory?
Learning the guitar, jamming and skateboarding with my friend, Dave.

Where do you volunteer or give back to the community?
I’d like to get involved with the Food Bank here in Kelowna. I think wholesome food should be accessible to everyone and I love their simple, grassroots approach to making that a reality.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
There is so much hate in the headlines these days. I wonder what humans could achieve together, if we weren’t so distracted with made-up reasons to fight and bring each other down.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Visiting the farmer’s market, fruit stands and kids festivals.

Where would you like to sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Paul’s Tomb for a swim!

Where would you like to see positive changes in Kelowna and why?
It’s exciting to see the positive changes that have already taken place in the 10 years, since I’ve been away. Seems like Kelowna is getting back into the mindset of supporting each other and the appetite for shopping locally continues to grow. I love seeing small businesses succeed! They are what make our community vibrant and exciting. It’s cool to see these busy little hubs in the North End, Pandosy Village, etc.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people make Kelowna great!

What are three things on your bucket list?
Travel to Rome with my girls
Ride my motorbike on the salt flats
Release an album

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you?
I have a goofy sense of humour.

How do people connect with you? Personally, through social media?
Mostly in person, email, or through Instagram.

What is the name of your business/organization?
TLS Painting and Cabinet Refinishing

Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this business so I could be independent. I love being my own boss and leading my own success. Also, it’s incredibly satisfying to me, to see a tired or unfinished space become beautiful and to see how happy my clients feel once the work is done.

What is the goal of your business?
To continue to build great relationships with my existing and new clients, by providing excellent service and results.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or in life?
I think most small business owners would agree that it can be challenging to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or different?
I don’t have any regrets, because all experiences have led me to the happy place where I am today. But I would tell my younger self to be more confident with music and art and not to be afraid to put more energy into those interests.

What do you always find yourself saying?
“I wonder if they’ll notice.” I get so stoked to make a room look perfect, I’ll do little extra things at no charge. Those small details make a big difference and make the paint job even more satisfying to complete, so I’m really doing it for my own satisfaction, but hopefully the client appreciates it too.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My friend Warren. I’d love to spend a day with him making music in the studio on his farm in rural Manitoba. He inspires me!

Why do you think it’s important to shop locally?
Because that money spent continues to support our community beyond the initial purchase. I like to think that when I shop at local business, my hard-earned dollars are maybe helping to pay for the owner’s kids to take ballet lessons at the local rec centre. Most importantly they are not going into the bulging bank accounts of huge corporations who probably don’t share my values.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being independent.

Give someone who you think deserves a shoutout and explain why.
Local musician, Extra T. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be making music.

My choice for the Kelowna Now In Focus spotlight is.
Adam and Danielle at AB Farm in Oyama. Their fruit and vegetable stand and farm has been in their family for three generations. My family went there last weekend to visit the new baby cows, the chickens and the rabbits. Danielle and Adam gave us a tour of the farm and we got some super good eggs and asparagus. “Know your farmer!”

Some general comments I would like to share are.
While painting houses and refinishing cabinets are my core business areas, I also repair and texture ceilings.

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!