Meet Alexandra! Alexandra is originally from Germany and made her move to the beautiful Okanagan 25 years ago. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and skiing up at Big White in the winter months.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Krieger
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Germany and I have lived in the beautiful Okanagan for 25 years; we came to Vernon at first, and then moved to Kelowna 16 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and my 8-year old daughter. Family time is what creates balance in my life and I treasure the little and big moments we get to spend together.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Illichmann’s! They carry all our German favourites (and definitely have the best meatloaf in town.)
Describe yourself in one word.
German (straight-forward-precise-sometimes-stubborn-but-really-a-nice-person)
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Las Vegas – it’s my favourite getaway city!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
In the winter – definitely skiing at Big White! We love spending time on the mountain as a family and meet friends to ski together.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Krieger
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Many years ago, I spoke on marketing during a large presentation to business owners during a conference on a cruise ship… and I froze. Really, nothing intelligent came out of my mouth. It was a very embarrassing moment, but it also became my defining moment which was the turnaround from being deathly afraid of public speaking to becoming confident when presenting and now helping entrepreneurs and speakers to build their confidence and grow their own speaking business.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The birth of my daughter; I fell in love so deeply and want to be a model for her to teach her that she can achieve anything in life.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending time during the summer with my grandmother in Vienna and exploring the city including the museums, castles, beautiful gardens and the Prater amusement park.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer at my daughter’s school PTL (Parent Teacher League).
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Get people to see we are all much better when we work together.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love swimming laps at H2O to spend time alone. It’s my time to clear my head and think while gliding through the water.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Improvements in public transit. Making the choice to use public transit is made by car owners only when it’s more convenient and faster than using their car. I lived in Munich, Germany before coming to Canada and mid-day there was no question what the more effective choice was – public transport there runs on tight intervals and efficient routes.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Krieger
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Visit Iceland
Take our daughter to Paris
… and (don’t laugh)… visit the West Edmonton Mall (I read a beautiful article about it in a German magazine many years ago when I was growing up and since then always dreamed about visiting). In our 25 years living in Canada, we never made it; this may change this summer!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love reading German mystery novels.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
IG: @profitfromspeaking FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.krieger LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrakrieger/
What is the name of your business/organization?
MAKBIZ Ventures Inc. is our coaching and business growth firm and we have just launched Profit From Speaking, an online program helping entrepreneurs and speakers to increase their revenue through speaking.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love helping entrepreneurs to be successful.
What is the goal of your business?
Many entrepreneurs are great at what they do, but they’re not great at business growth strategy and marketing their companies; that’s the gap we help them fill.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Krieger
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Remembering that I can’t help everyone.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change a thing – I am grateful for the life I have! When I look back at what’s not gone well – those experiences turned out to be the great learning opportunities along the way that made me who I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Common sense isn’t all that common.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Never give up; we have one life, it’s up to each of us to make it our best life.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I just had the opportunity to live one of those really special days a few months ago going to an event with Tony Robbins! There were 7,500 people in the audience and I was fortunate enough to be right in the middle by the stage in the first row!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving to Canada.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Krieger
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ward Willison at All Body Care. He has had an incredibly positive impact on my health over the past years!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Local Artist Shannon Wilson
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!
