Meet Aja, she is from Toronto but has lived in B.C. for 13 years now. Aja spent 10 years on Vancouver Island and has lived in Kelowna for the past three years. 



Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?

My fiancé, Will. We're best friends and have been together for 12 years. We both LOVE adventures, our animals and making art together.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
There are SO many amazing stores in Kelowna but I'd have to say Opus. The staff are so helpful and the art supplies selection is amazing!

Describe yourself in one word.
Artsy.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Thailand for sure! I've always wanted to visit Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary where you get to stay on site and help take care of the elephants.



What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking is my favourite activity in Kelowna. Having two dogs, hiking is perfect for our family.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh man, there are so many haha! I'd have to say the time that I let my fiancé draw (5-year-old style) on a napkin what he thought would be a nice hairstyle for me. The stylist took it very literally and I looked like I escaped from an insane asylum!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that has happened to me was more of a realization. I used to be very critical of my artwork, so much so that I would stop creating for long periods of time. I would compare myself to others and judge myself unfairly. I remember the day I woke up with the thought that I don't have to be perfect, I just have to be me, and who cares who likes my art and who doesn't! As long as making art is what brings joy to your life, keep doing it! That gave me all the inspiration I needed to start creating and I haven't stopped since!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory would have to be a road trip I took with my Mom when I was about 10 years old. We drove from Toronto to Arizona and back just the two of us. I will never forget Arizona. The colours, unique rock formations and whether there is unlike anything I've ever seen. If you ever have a chance to go there, you won't regret it!



Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Between my day job, painting and my family, I don't have nearly as much free time to volunteer as I'd like to. I have been offering free painting sessions when I can for people who have been wanting to explore Fluid Acrylic Pouring so that they are able to take the knowledge home with them and continue exploring this magical art form.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could only change one thing, I would remove hate from our world. If we broke free from hate, only love would remain and from there we could start healing ourselves and our planet.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love anywhere out in the wilderness! I live in Rutland so my go-to is Mission Creek. It's an amazing place to re-charge and ground.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I just wish people would be more careful during fire season. This is the first place I've lived where it's a problem and I can't believe people don't have more common sense regarding it. Don't throw cigarettes out your window, don't have campfires when they're banned. It's so sad when there are preventable fires caused by people.



What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The first thing that made me fall in love with Kelowna is the family feel of it here. Everyone here takes care of their own and it's so lovely.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
My bucket list is all the places I want to travel to. 
Costa Rica for the incredible vegetation and animals, Jamaica for the beautiful beaches and culture and Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm a HUGE animal lover and have been vegetarian for about 11 years.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can find me on Facebook and Instagram. 



What is the name of your business/organization?
Aja Grace Art

Why did you get into/start this business?
I have loved painting since I could hold a brush but just got into the business side recently. My dream is to pursue painting full-time and have a home-based studio to work from. I love making people happy through art!

What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to bring colour and joy to people's lives through art.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has definitely been to not judge myself based on others.



If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If I could start all over, I'd do everything the same. My mistakes and misfortunes made me who I am today and I'm proud of that.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Don't look back, you're not going that way.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Stay present, if you get stuck in the past or future you'll miss out on the beautiful now.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Definitely the Dalai Lama. I get chills just thinking about what I could learn and how I could grow as a person having a whole day with him!



Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it's very important to support local when possible. I love visiting our markets and events that show off the local talent.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment would have to be setting up my first art studio. It's small and in my house, but it's one step closer to my dream!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I have to give a shout out to my girl Lu. She's an esthetician at Amora Day Spa, where I work as the spa coordinator, and she's such a magical human being. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She cares so genuinely about helping people.

 

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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!