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 KamloopsBCNow.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?
September Kuromi.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I'm originally from Ontario, but Kamloops is my chosen home now for over 20 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Honestly, my husband. He always has great insight.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To one of the Caribbean islands hammered by the hurricanes. They have so much rebuilding to do.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
The Art We Are. It has good coffee, great atmostphere, I can lose hours in there.
What is your favourite activity?
Horseback riding, great conversation, and getting lost in nature.
If you had to choose, would it be: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos. So much variety!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Tons of little ones. I like to laugh at myself and am perfectly happy as the butt of joke. I can't think of a big one that sticks out, although the balloon popping game at last weekend's Oktoberfest was pretty embarrassing for everyone involved!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When NRI cut me a cheque to put on the first Timeraiser. I was floored that Pete, the owner, believed it was worth investing in and that I would be able to make it happen.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Exploring the rural countryside of Ontario on horseback as child. I would spend hours chasing whitetail deer, exploring forests and crossing streams. After that, probably at our first 'September 'n Mike' party, Mike proposed to me. I guess I wasn't a kid, but it's definitely a favorite.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
The Timeraiser. I volunteer my time to organize it and it benefits the community in so many way. Through the artists, the agencies and the participants.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Cure addiction. I love the current movement that the opposite of addiction is connection, if everyone could find their 'tribe' it might cure some of society's challenges.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Horseback riding or skiing at Sun Peaks.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Endless grasslands, like Lac du Bois park, skiing at Sun Peaks, riding my horse through the trails in Barnhartvale, and coffee at Motive or The Art We Are.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Our focus on ending homelessness is a really great initiative and I'm proud of our community leaders for making it a priority. Seeing people living on the streets is heartbreaking, and honestly, it's expensive. By getting people who have had a bad stretch into their home it helps makes everyone healthier and more prosperous.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Vibrant arts community, a healthy appreciation of sports and lifestyle, and amazing volunteer base.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Safari in Africa
2. Ride a horse across Canada or Ireland
3. Kayak in Haida Gwaii and Heli Skiing at Wiegele, sorry that's 4!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I will always say yes to an adventure, a trip, a weird job and a fun challenge, to name a few. I was a rickshaw 'driver' outside the Skydome one summer for a summer job, I sailed to Bermuda with a friend's family, 135km canoe trip through the Churchill River in Winnipeg, digging a school out of landslide in Guatelmala and having three kids.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Social Fire.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to create a career that used my strengths and let me be flexible. I love computer programming, organizing events and being an artist and it's hard to find all that in one job.
What is the goal of your business?
To create wealth and improve society.
What is your preferred method of social media? (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc)
Facebook or LinkedIn.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I am a people pleaser. I love to make people happy. When I have to challenge a situation or watch someone be disappointed it breaks my heart. When people are sad or angry, I feel their pain. I am really good at commiserating and helping people find solutions but sometimes it drags me down.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I never regret anything and my path made me who I am. It would be fun to take a different path, but only for the sake of a different adventure.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Donald Trump. What I see in the media is horrifying, but I am dying to know what he would be like in person
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Being involved with your community in every way is important. Talking to your neighbours, walking in the parks, volunteering and shopping in town. It takes all of this to make a community great and without the 'shop local' piece, our local businesses will close down.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely my three healthy and amazing kids.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Tara Holmes. She helps so many cause with her voice and ideas.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Marianna Abutalipova. She is one of my favorite Timeraiser artists.
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, Kamloops.
