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?
Cassandra Tompkins
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was actually born in Kelowna but grew up in Penticton. I moved back to Kelowna about 30 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My granddaughter because she’s absolutely adorable and doesn’t talk back to me (yet!)
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy!! It’s the only place I have to go – anywhere else is a bonus.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bella Clothing. They tell me the truth when I look hideous in an outfit and they make me try on things I normally wouldn’t and I usually end up buying them! Plus (and this is a big one) I can send my husband in there and I know Sarah will help him buy me something I actually love. So I guess it’s pretty much his favourite store too.
What is your favourite activity?
Scuba diving.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Definitely pizza….love pizza!
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
I don’t really know of any hidden gems, but I love anywhere there is a body of water.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Unfortunately, that’s not something I can share online – my kids would die of embarrassment.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I guess this is the part where I’m supposed to say “my children” and if they send me more than a text on Mother’s Day that will hold true. If not, the runner up is that I’m inspired every day by amazing women. Women who struggle with all kinds of issues and yet they still show up, put on their runners, and take an hour out of their day to improve their life. I’m lazy by nature, so they help me be accountable.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Christmas was always the best! We always had a lot of family around and there was always loads of laughter – and that was before everybody was drunk!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We do a lot of volunteering in the community, but our charity of choice is CMHA. Candace, Sheila and crew are the most selfless, caring people I’ve met.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Global warming. Is that lame?
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Parks Alive. I love being downtown in the summer listening to live music. Oh yeah, and the frozen yogurt.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Definitely the beach. I love reading a trashy novel and eating chips. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Bike lanes would be up there for me and less big box stores.
If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Health – without it nothing else matters
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to be a smoker. Two packs a day smoker. Quitting was the most horrific thing I’ve ever been through, but the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I got lockjaw from eating so many jellybeans. I also love cookies – wait, everybody already knows that.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Woman’s Place Fitness Centre (TWP Fitness)
What does your business do?
We specialize in women’s health and fitness by providing a beautiful facility, trained and dedicated staff, and lots of support to help women achieve their health and fitness goals. I’d say we have “state-of-the-art” equipment, but we don’t. And what, exactly, does state of the art even mean?? I digress…
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
The Womans Place
@thewomansplace
twpfitness
Where can people find your business online?
www.twpfitness.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
That’s a long story but let’s just say I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just kidding. I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and needed a change from the conveyancing business. After 25 years I was tired. It’s so much more fun to come here every day where everybody is happy and there’s music!
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I think we all have struggles so I don’t like to exaggerate those, but the most challenging was building this new facility. Lots of sleepless nights went into this project. (Did I say I love a good project?)
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think I’d do everything more or less the same, I’d just stop doing things that weren’t working a little bit earlier.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
I’m a huge advocate of small business. I will always choose an independent local shop over a chain or franchise any day. I love to spread the wealth – just not with CEO’s that don’t even live here.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Our manager, Catherine Newton. Without her I am useless. She’s always in a good mood and she genuinely loves talking to people and hearing about their families and their day. She used to be a sports reporter, so she’s nosy by nature. However, if you see her with a gold bag in her hand, walk the other way!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Vern Johnston of Diving Dynamics. They do cool stuff and more people need to know!
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!
