Meet Kory Bourque! She has lived in the Okanagan area for 20 years. 

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My mom. She's a business owner and helpful in all aspects.

What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
White Lioness Metaphysics. Very informative staff and amazing products.

Describe yourself in one word.
Friendly.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
New Zealand. Some place that has always interested me, I can get lost in photos; I'd have such an incredible time there and enjoy every second.

What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Community Celebrations such as Street Markets/ Parties.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Stuttering and having no words come out when talking to someone attractive.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?

Owning a business and having people come to me and say how much of an inspiration I have been to them through my art and photography, and/ or other creations.
I went through a bad breakup and felt lost, I started to paint my heart and how broken it felt, bleeding, torn and broken. Then I started fixing it with stitches and bandaids; later I put that piece of art in a local store, it sold and the buyer told me she was going on a trip around the world and she has to take it with her.
A year later she comes back to me and says she is still in love with my art and has it up in the house where all of her guests can see; then her friends and family say they all want a copy, a sticker, a magnet; something where they can have one themselves. 
So, I created some stickers and her friends love them but the new owner of the art piece says she loves it so much she wants my blessing to get it as a tattoo.

This amazed me so incredibly much, healing my own heart, making it into art and then having so many people love it. It helped me through my healing and makes me so happy every time I think about it.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Not caring about what other people think and being silly, having fun and playing in mud puddles with friends and family.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
SOWINS is one I help with a lot but there is tons.

If a business needs a photographer for a night, I will be there.
If a Non-Profit Association is in need, I volunteer.

I am a very giving person. I ordered food and it came with ingredients I am allergic to so I gave it to a homeless.
I help out where I can.
Big or small.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Anger.. Too many wars and fights made just through anger.

Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Japanese Gardens.

Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
The Community market more spread out on the downtown main street. Up to and passed the 400 block. It's too squished and crowded how it is now. 

What do you think makes Penticton great?
The beaches.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
New Zealand. Japan (Studio Ghibli Museum), Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm very afraid of what's to come in the future.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? 
Facebook and Gmail koryscreations@gmail.com

What is the name of your business/organization?
Kory'sCreations.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been such a creative person, making jewellery, painting and photography. Ever since I was little, I don't remember a time where I was not being creative; so I decided to make something out of it and create a business.

What is the goal of your business?
To not worry about money and to have a real studio.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I am always so worried about not having enough funds.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not start all over again. Everything has happened for a reason and has made me into who I am today.

What do you always find yourself saying?
You can do this.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ed Sheeran. I have always loved his music and he seems like such a kind, beautiful human being. I would like to get to know him, him as a person; not as a celebrity. 

When you get press and media in the picture, things seem to become different and false.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?

I find a lot of local shops are a consignment style, so when you are buying locally, you are supporting families.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being in Women in Business Meetings and Breakfast of Champions and getting to see people grow and seeing myself grow.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jennifer Innes. My mother. Store owner of White Lioness Metaphysics.

My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Photography.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for being here to support businesses such as mine.