Meet Alexa, she was born and raised in Kelowna. She has a passion for all forms of visual expression and works with both digital and traditional media. Alexa has taken on a wide range of projects from logo design, wall murals, tattoo design, illustration, clothing design, jewelry making and commissioned art. She loves to collaborate with other artists and the public and invites anyone to get in touch about bringing their creative vision to life!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I am blessed with incredible friends, an amazing boyfriend a lovely family, and time with any one of them is a treat.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Karmyc Bazaar is such a cool store, filled with unique and beautiful items from local artists.
Describe yourself in one word.
Bubbly.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I was in Costa Rica recently and fell in love with the people and the gorgeous beaches. I would go back to Costa Rica and soak in another amazing beach sunset!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I have recently been learning how to wake surf and I am really enjoying it!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I had the privilege of attending a workshop with Visionary Artists Alex and Allyson Grey in Vancouver last year. It was incredible to hear about their lives as artists, where it has taken them and how they have used it to influence and inspire people all over the world. After the workshop they did a live painting event where there was music and dancing as well, and it was so amazing to see art and music interact in that way. Overall the weekend truly fueled my love for art and showed me how important creative expression is, and all that can be achieved through the pursuit of your passion.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Its hard to pick one, but I have very fond memories of playing with my brother in the orchard we grew up in. We would spend hours immersed in our imaginations, making up games and exploring all day long.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would put an end to the mass production and slaughter of animals for consumption and end the corruption of the food industry.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would pick a mountain and climb to the top!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more support for the homeless.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is full of entrepreneurs, people who not only have cool ideas but have the drive to bring them to fruition. I am endlessly inspired by the talented people of this community.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I would love to swim with dolphins, learn a language and live in a different country.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love video games.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
My art instagram is @alexa.may.designs, and my website is www.alexamaydesigns.com.
I have another account @worldlyrapture that showcases clothing and jewelry mainly.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Alexa May Designs.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started being a vendor at various markets and music festivals about a year ago, where I sold jewelry, clothing and art. I have a passion for creating, and it brings me great joy to be able to share my creations with people.
What is the goal of your business?
I want my creations to inspire and uplift people. I want to encourage people to explore their own creativity so they will begin to use it in their everyday life to bring themselves more balance and joy.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Playing sports was a huge part of my identity growing up. It took 3 knee surgeries for me to realize that I couldn't continue to play at the level I wanted to. It was heartbreaking to have to give that up, and a huge lesson in letting go.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Looking back and knowing what I know now, it's easy to say that I could have done things differently or chosen a more direct path to where I am now, but where would be the fun in that? Life is all about the journey, and there are no short cuts.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I am so grateful.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Follow your joy and do what makes you happy. As children we do this naturally, but as we get older we lose sight of that. Play, explore, create, express!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I greatly admire a painter named Freydoon Rassouli, who doesn't work from photos or locations. Instead he climbs a mountain each day at dawn, watches the sun come up, the flowers open and the sky change. After he observes that creative energy, he rushes to his studio and lets his brush move freely on the canvas, and his work is always breathtaking. I would love to spend the whole day with him and witness this beautiful creative process!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Locally owned businesses build strong and unique communities! It is important to support these businesses to encourage entrepreneurship.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I recently completed the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, crossing an item off my bucket list!
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.
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!
