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?
Erin Fowler.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m from a small town north of Toronto called Stouffville. I’ve lived in Kelowna for 3 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite person to spend time with is my boyfriend, Jack. He’s my best friend and we always find fun in anything we do.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
If I could go anywhere right now, I would probably go to the French Polynesian to surf and just hang out.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
One of my favourite local stores in Kelowna is Pulp Fiction. The vibe is so unique and different, and I honestly believe that they make the BEST milkshakes.
What is your favourite activity?
My favourite activity is definitely barre! It’s super fun and a killer work out. Aside from barre, there is little I love more than a rewarding surf session.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
This might be the hardest question I’ve ever been asked. Is pizza topped with tacos and mini burgers a suitable answer?
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
One time when I was working as a server, I accidentally poured an entire jug of ice water down the back of a customer. I’m certainly not the most coordinated person!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In 2011, I spent a month in Costa Rica living in a small village with a billet family. The group I was with focused on ecological conservation. The experience was undoubtedly eye-opening and taught me the importance of giving back to people and the earth.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
House-boating on Shuswap Lake with my entire family. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins… all of my favorite people stuck on a boat together!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When I am back in Ontario I volunteer with the Down Syndrome Association and a special needs organization called Able Network. I am currently looking into volunteering with JDRF, a charitable organization focusing on juveniles with Type 1 Diabetes.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world, I would want everyone to exercise more compassion. Replace hate with empathy and understanding.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Barreroom, duh! Along with a sweat session at our neighbors, Spinco!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Mill Creek Park is always a go-to for me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Due to the unfortunate flooding that kicked off our famous Kelowna summers, I think our beaches and tourist areas have been negatively affected. I would love to see positive change in our efforts to keep our community clean and enjoyable for everyone!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We are a city that thrives off community involvement and I think that is so great. Local companies always jump at the opportunity to help other local companies. We are a city that acts like one big family and it makes getting involved so much more fun and easy.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Ski and surf in the same day.
Hot air balloon ride.
Dive in the Great Barrier Reef.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am Type 1 Diabetic!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
On Instagram @efoww !!! #followme
What is the name of your business/organization?
Although it is not my company personally, I am honoured to represent Barreroom as a barre instructor.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I grew up dancing at a highly competitive level and was very passionate in the area of ballet. A lot of my training was done at the barre and so it has always been a symbol of my passion, and a familiarity to me. When I discovered barre as a fitness class, it was something I instantly gravitated toward. The classes are fun and challenging and I knew I needed to be a part of it.
What is the goal of your business?
As an instructor at Barreroom, I strive to inspire and encourage others to challenge themselves every day. I want Barreroom to be a place of personal growth where people can come to push themselves past their mental boundaries and discovery all of the amazing things their bodies are capable of. Barre can be a humbling experience, as the exercises can be challenging, and the body uses its muscles in a way we aren’t necessarily used to. As an instructor, I want to be a part of my guest’s journey of personal growth, and discovery of the strength they may not have known they had. On top of that, I want my classes to be a place where people go to have fun and take a break from the demands of life.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest struggle thus far would be my later-in-life diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of 20. It was a huge life-adjustment, and a very big learning experience. It definitely highlighted the importance of good health and the act of being health-conscious. I am grateful to be happy and healthy, but I still have a lot of learning to do.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason (cliché, I know). I believe that mistakes and failures are learning lessons, and that life always has a way of working itself out. I always look back at life and not once do I wish I had changed something.
What do you always find yourself saying?
It will all work out in the end.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Michelle Obama! She is a natural leader, a powerhouse, and an amazing woman. I would love to sit down with her and listen to any of her brilliant ideas she may have.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping local is so important because it gives us the opportunity to support like-minded people who are brave, go-getters. I think supporting local businesses is necessary because we are helping others fulfill dreams of theirs. Not only that, but we’re almost guaranteed to receive quality product made with love!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving across the country on my own at 17! I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to be independent.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Kayla Gabelhouse, former 'In Focus' local. She is an inspiring, young, go-getter with a killer business and the kindest heart. Such a beautiful person, inside and out. Her jewelry is as beautiful as she is. She is so determined and already tremendously successful.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Julian Helman, owner of Karat Chocolate Boutique. Julian is a local chocolatier who makes AMAZING products, and supports other local businesses by using local products in many of his creations. He is warm and kind, and his chocolates are a reflection of his wonderful self.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Kelly Marcolin rocks.
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.
