In Focus | Vanessa Roque

Meet Vanessa! She's all about travelling and loves photography, which is why she owns a portable photo booth!



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Montreal! I moved to Kelowna in 2017.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
I love spending time with my fiancé! He is so much fun to spend time with and knows how to keep me laughing all day long!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Moolix! I am a huge ice cream fan and they have the best cones! They also opened up a second location dangerously close to my house!

Describe yourself in one word.
Caring :)

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Greece because let's face it, I could use some sun! I've always wanted to go to Greece! It just looks so beautiful!



What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love to go hiking! I was never able to do that before moving here so I definitely take advantage of it now! I love the fresh air and the incredible views!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm lucky! I haven't had anything horribly embarrassing happen to me that I can remember! Just your average trips, falls, dropping things, and overall clumsiness.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Last year I went on a 2 month long trip to Africa that really opened my eyes. I decided I needed to make a change in my life and try something new, which is why I have just started a new job. So far my life plan is going great! We really do need to appreciate what we have more often. I hope to travel again soon because it really was a special experience!

I also discovered dance! I did hip hop when I was younger and fell in love with the whole thing. When I moved to Kelowna I joined Army of Sass, which has really helped me grow. I love performing on stage! There's just something about dancing that makes me feel great!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I used to go for sleepovers on my grandmothers sailboat in Montreal! She would de-spider the whole boat just for me! I remember loving sleeping on the boat while it was rocking back and forth. When sailing she would give me important tasks, which would make me feel so grown-up!



Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
I have the opportunity to volunteer around the most wonderful time of the year to help answer some special letters. I can't say much more because it's top-secret work! But I can say that my French language skills definitely come in handy!
Also, working for the YMCA has given me the opportunity to help kids grow! I love building relationships with the children and supporting them the best way that I can. I love being able to be such a big role model in their lives! The YMCA is such a great place to be a part of!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd wish for everyone to be more appreciative of what they have; life is so much easier when you're happy!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I typically will go for a hike or drive around town and crank the music! Anywhere near the water has always calmed me.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
The city needs to start taking substance abuse and mental health issues seriously as it has started to spill-over and affect everyday people. The way the programs and facilities are being operated now are clearly not working.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people! Everyone is so friendly! The scenery is incredible!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I would love to see the Northern Lights; we spent one of our anniversaries in Whitehorse to achieve this, but we missed them!
2. I also want to become fluent in Spanish, and
3. I would like to live abroad for at least a year!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Some may find this hard to believe but growing up I was always the super shy and quiet kid. I also used to draw a treble clef on my ankle with a sharpie every day for a year until I was old enough to get it tattooed, which I did!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can reach Nessa's Photo Booth through:
Facebook: Nessa's Photobooth
Instagram: @nessasphotobooth
Website: https://vanessaroque.com/

My personal Instagram is: @earthtovannie

What is the name of your business/organization?
Nessa's Photo Booth

Why did you get into/start this business?
My dad has is own DJ/Photo Booth company back in Montreal (Elite Sound Waves) so I was able to see first-hand how much fun the "job" really is! I love working at weddings and seeing the different cultures and traditions! The Photo Booth is truly so much fun, and we have some really fun and unique props which make it that much better!



What is the goal of your business?
To help make everyone's event whether that be a Birthday Party, an Anniversary, a Corporate Event, or Christmas Party fun and memorable! I like to help everyone break out of their shell and take full advantage of the party!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding the balance between work and life. It's not always easy to leave work behind when you go home but it's important to try.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change anything; you learn from your mistakes and move on!

What do you always find yourself saying?
I'm hungry!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live in the moment and don't worry about tomorrow because life is too short!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you shop local, you're making personal investments in your neighbourhood and community. Small businesses put more effort in and have that special touch so we need to support them!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend it with my favourite band The Cat Empire and bring my fiancé Ryan along. They are such a great fun band so I could only hope they would be great company!



What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving to Kelowna was a big deal for me! I dropped everything to come over here. I have grown so much and have become a different person!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ryan for always being so supportive and loving! Sean Q from Laugh Catchers for the business support! My parents for always helping me out and having my back! Ryan's family (especially Tracey, Corey, and Nikki) and all new friends I've met since I've moved here for making the move to Kelowna so easy!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Leia Schierbeck, Lavish Beauty Lounge!

Some general comments I'd like to make are:
If you see me or my Photo Booth around town, don't be a stranger, come say "Hi" and take a few pictures! Thank you KelownaNow for the profile :)

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!