Meet Amber Archibald! Amber has lived in Kamloops for seven years. She is a likable woman who enjoys empowering others through pole fitness!
Photo Credit: Amber Archibald
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from the Horsefly area- I have been in Kamloops for 7 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My partner Keiran- He makes me laugh and feel unique and loved.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Red Beards – awesome food, great atmosphere and an excellent supply of craft beer! They also have helped to change the culture of the Northshore and support other small businesses.
Describe yourself in one word.
Likable.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ethiopia, Africa- My parents went there on a short-term relief trip before I was born, and I have always had a desire to go. I would like to go hiking in the high lands and I would also like to help out with a community development project.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
One of my favourite activities in Kamloops is the hiking and of course, my favorite hobby is pole and aerial arts.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I wore a see-through sarong once in Samoa and didn’t realize it for an entire day! My friends didn’t even say anything.
Photo Credit: Amber Archibald
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that has happened to me was going to Samoa and working in the maternity ward. The women there were giving birth without any pain medication and would barely make a noise! They were amazingly brave and stoic.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
sitting on the hale bales under the stars, with my best friend talking about our futures.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer at the YMCA as a group fitness instructor teaching a variety of classes including Group RX and Pole.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world it would be to help end the world’s food insecurity by supporting small family-run farms in developing nations around the world.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Cooney Bay where I could sit and read in peace and watch the sunset over Lake Kamloops.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I live on the Northshore and would like to see continued revitalization of the Tranquille corridor. It is great to see so many diverse businesses, places to eat, and shop within walking distance.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The Thompson River and the River’s Trail brings fantastic views and a little bit of nature into all of our neighborhoods.
Photo Credit: Amber Archibald
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Competing in a pole fitness competition, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and cycling through the south of France.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I grew up on a ranch in the middle of nowhere and was homeschooled until University.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram at Unity 253, or by email at unity253.info@gmail.com.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Unity 253.
Why did you get into/start this business?
A fitness mentor introduced me to the pole and I immediately fell in love with it. I opened this business so that others could enjoy the same feeling of empowerment that pole fitness inspires.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to help others to be who they are in a fun and unique way while improving their physical health and forming a safe space for creativity and self-expression.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has been juggling work, school, opening a new business, while maintaining a healthy relationship with my partner.
Photo Credit: Amber Archibald
What do you always find yourself saying?
“I can do this. I can do this. I can do this?”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
“Never give up, but always take time to reevaluate your goals and change your plans when you need to.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Hands down, Sir David Attenborough. We’d do a whole show on porcupines. They are my favourite Canadian wild animals and are super cute and cranky!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It helps to provide economic sustainability in our community and you know where the products are coming from and what’s in them.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was completing my degree in nursing. It was really a big change in my life moving to Kamloops to attend TRU and it was extremely demanding, but it has opened a lot of opportunities for me.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Bianca Liberatore at NXL Athletics. Bianca is an excellent trainer and was one of the first to congratulated me on my business. She has also coached me in my fitness goals in the past and is now supporting me in my new business adventure.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
NXL Athletics.
Photo Credit: Amber Archibald
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. Thank you, Kamloops.
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!
