Meet Alexa Bowser! Alexa is from Williams Lake but has lived in Kamloops for close to 20 years. She is a positive woman who loves scenic drives and yoga!
Photo Credit: Alexa Bowser
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born in Williams Lake but I have been in Kamloops for 17 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Probably my mom. She's been places, met people, seen things. She has some really good things to say and she'll always tell you the truth – even if it isn't what you want to hear.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Barnacle Records. It's a young family that owns and runs it and I'm happy every single time I go there. It gives people a chance to take in real music and album cover art while temporarily escaping the outside world – maybe that's just me.
Describe yourself in one word.
Positive.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Indonesia. I would love to immerse myself in their culture and bring my mind back to simplicity. Meditate every morning on the beach to the sound of the ocean. Reset.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I've really been loving all of the downtown events where everyone comes together. Brewloops is such a cool way to support the local breweries and create something different that people want to experience.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm sure deep down there's something much worse but all I can think of is the time when I pulled my mom's pants down in the video store as a joke. All she did was continue to walk around with her pants down. 10-year-old me never got over it.
Photo Credit: Alexa Bowser
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Probably my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Leilani Reid that I took over this past summer. It was a highly intense program of physical and self-study and I was given the opportunity to fall in love with myself and my body in more ways than I knew I was open to. It opened my heart, mind, and spirit and it's an experience I will hold close to me forever.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Well, I actually had a really cool childhood with really cool parents so there's a couple. 1: My dad was a forestry firefighter so I got to hang out at their base a lot. When he had things to get done he would call one of the pilots down to take me for helicopter rides – ultra-cool. 2: My mom was (is) a pretty down to earth hippie kind of lady so we went to some cool barn parties from time to time. I always got to hang out with the strangest kids and meet the most interesting people. I think that allowed me to be really open-minded and accepting of growing up.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I recently opened a small Yoga Studio in Juniper Ridge and the feedback from the community has been amazing. We have beginners quite often simply because they want to branch out and try something new because it's available to them in their community. We aim to appeal to all bodies and it feels so amazing to be immersed in this community with so many lovely people! I also volunteer at Pine Grove Care Centre every week and teach a seniors yoga class. We always end up having a wonderful group, of about 10-15 students, and I truly look forward to my afternoon classes with those students!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Peoples' perception of beauty. If we saw kindness and integrity instead of faces and clothes maybe this world could flourish. Plain and simple.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I like scenic drives by myself on golden sunny afternoons. Roche Lake, Whispering Pines, Paul lake, McConnel Lake, etc. So many good ones.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I've seen a few local businesses take steps to bring awareness to their single-use waste and it's had a small ripple effect through the city. I hope that more businesses can catch on so that we can set an example for surrounding cities.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops has a great sense of community. People are kind to each other and come together when someone/something is in need. It's actually quite beautiful to watch sometimes.
Photo Credit: Alexa Bowser
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I'd like to float in the Mediterranean Sea with my mom. I spent a lot of time in the ocean while I was in Greece by myself but to be with my mom and just float on our backs as we look up at that part of the sky – that would be a magical moment. I'd love to be able to travel and teach yoga. Somewhere like Indonesia, Thailand or even through Europe. Leave for a few months at a time to be able to teach yoga on a beach – what a dream. I'd like to swim with whales in the ocean. Gosh, I love whales.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I would sell part of my soul to be able to see David Bowie and Freddie Mercury play a live show. I'm a bit of a dreamer.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook or Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Yoga Den.
Why did you get into/start this business?
To create a space within a community that can be shared with like-minded people. Instructors, students, etc.
What is the goal of your business?
To create a space with a sense of community. A place where people can come and know they won't be judged or criticized for their race, religion, appearance, etc. We accept everyone with no judgment. Yoga is for everybody.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The fear of failing. Nobody wants to hit the ground but sometimes picking yourself back up is the best way to learn.
Photo Credit: Alexa Bowser
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Fake it till you make it."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't allow others to define your happiness. "Let your smile change the world but don't let the world change your smile."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Well seeing as Freddie and Bowie aren't with us anymore, probably Brian May and Roger Taylor. Maybe Mick Jagger or Iggy Pop strictly for the outrageous stories. In a generation that has been (in my opinion) robbed of these types of legendary artists, I would love to listen to all the wild stories that are behind the art of their music. You could throw Stevie Nicks, Elton John and Paul McCartney in there too and I wouldn't be upset about it. Is that too many? Haha.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support small families or peoples' dreams. Billionaires don't need more money in their pockets but our neighbors might!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Growing up to be kind to me and others. There's no certificate for those kinds of things but that's something I know my mom is proud of me for.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Nicole McCurdy for being a badass! She's a nurse AND runs her own photography business!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Amanda Somerville.
Photo Credit: Alexa Bowser
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Be your own sunshine.
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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!
