In Focus | Karalyn Lockhart of Tall Cloud Productions

Karalyn Lockhart is a trained birth doula who is very passionate about providing positive birth experiences for women. She seeks to dispel the negativity that our culture associates with childbirth, giving women a choice. It is fitting then, that she has been so instrumental in the birth of Kelowna Christmas Show. Her company Tall Cloud Productions is putting on the inaugural show running this weekend at Prospera Place. On Nov. 23 and 24 people are invited to come down to Kelowna's largest holiday themed craft/artisan show for a fun and fresh holiday event .Kelowna residents can shop for local handmade items, while having fun and enjoying quality entertainment. Karalyn has put all her positive energy into the show and expects it to be a great time for all. Today Karalyn, Kelowna Christmas Show and Tall Cloud Productions are In Focus.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Stressing and worrying about a situation does nothing except make you feel stressed out and worried.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It sounds pretty stereotypical, but probably Oprah. She really is the most influential women in the world; I can’t even imagine how many amazing stories she’d have to share. I admire her success and the way she owns it, and the way she truly is grateful

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
To be honest, awards aren’t really my thing. My son told be once that I’m the best mommy, that’s better than any award.

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Princess Diana. Despite all of her struggles, she always seemed to handle every situation with such grace. I really admire the way she went against the traditional norm and raised her royal children like any regular mother.

Who inspires you?
Denise Duffeld – she’s written a series of books called “ Lucky Bitch”. It’s a guide for women to manifest abundance in every area of your life. It’s a very motivating book, and it has really changed my outlook on life.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Buy a beach house in Australia, learn to knit, and deliver a baby

Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
I watched a short Documentary called "The Overview Effect". It really changed my outlook on the world.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
That’s a tough one. I really don’t know. I think I have a few years before that happens, so I have some time to think about it.

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I don’t think I’d like to. I try really hard to live in the moment.

What are you passionate about?
I am a trained birth doula as well, and am very passionate about positive birth experiences for women. Our culture focuses so much negativity around childbirth; many women enter that stage of their life filled with fear, and not in control of their bodies or their babies. Despite the type of birth you have (natural or cesarean, hospital or homebirth) I believe every woman should have freedom of choice, access to accurate information, and feel in control, powerful and respected at all times. We are lucky to have some amazing groups and caregivers in Kelowna who are supportive of this.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
Every day that I've travelled, every day I've ever been on vacation, and of course my wedding day and the birth of my son.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Getting my event business off the ground has been a huge accomplishment for me

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Probably the Bohemian Cafe for breakfast on Sundays. Whenever I go there I am usually meeting friends, so it is always a good time.

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
My family had a great time this year at all of the Halloween events – McMillan Pumpkin Patch, the Corn Maze, Gelatly Nut Farm Spooktacular Pumpkin Walk. Halloween is so much fun, especially with kids. I also enjoy going to Keloha and Winefest events each

What is the name of your business/organization?
Tall Cloud Productions

What does your business/organization do?
Produces the Kelowna Christmas Show held at Prospera Place

Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.kelownachristmasshow.com

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
http://www.facebook.com/KelownaChristmasShow

What is your Twitter account?
@KelownaXmasShow

What is your mission?
We aim at producing a fun and fresh holiday event for Kelowna residents to shop for local handmade items, while having fun and enjoying quality entertainment. We also aim at providing crafters with a well organized and well attended show.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To run a fun and anticipated annual event that friends and family look forward to attending year after year.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
Just bigger and better. More vendors, more entertainment. I want the Kelowna Christmas Show to be a well know and highly anticipated annual event.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Everyone. We have some amazing craft fairs in the community. Not all are alike, but as long attendees have a great time, and you have quality vendors, it’s a good event in my books.

What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
- Organization
- Work Ethic
- Enthusiasm

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
THANK YOU! No seriously, thank you. What would I do without you?

How does your business/organization impact the community?
We support local talent, and encourage the community to shop local.

What makes you successful? Tell us about it.
Guts I suppose. I've taken a lot of risks, and so far they've paid off. I also use positive visualization a LOT. I focus on the outcome I want, and think about it non-stop. In addition, I am also very fortunate to have a lot of support from local businesses. There are certain individuals who have really guided me and helped me make good business choices.

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I guess I'd want them to be experts in the Event Industry. I don't think I'd have a lot to say to them, investors aren't really my crowd.

If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
The driving, and we really need a large conference center.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The landscape. Kelowna is so beautiful.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Christina Jenion from Classic Creations Floral Design, and Katie Nugent of Katie Nugent Photography

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. 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!