Meet Amber! She's a part of the team that runs, Designated Delivery, where their ultimate goal is to reduce impaired driving.
Photo Credit: Amber
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Originally from Eston, Saskatchewan and I've lived in Kelowna for about 8 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My friend Shane is my go-to human. We used to be neighbours and walked our dogs together every day. He’s also been really helpful and supportive with the launch of Designated Delivery. My ride or die!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Frankie We Salute You for great vegetarian food. Parlour ice cream for dessert. Scandia for some gold old-fashioned fun. There, I’ve just described the perfect date.
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I just spent two weeks in the Philippines and while I had a great time, I have a whole new appreciation for home. Right now, British Columbia is exactly where I want to be.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Drop in dance classes with Hype Dance are my favourite! Hiking and beach time in the summer. I also love to take in live music when I can.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once fell backwards onto hot sauna heater rocks and burned my butt really bad. I went to the hospital and they put this big bandage on the burn which I had to go in every day or so to get changed. I was a server at a restaurant at the time and had to wear pants over this huge bandage. I looked like I was walking around with a diaper on. It was wicked. That is the most embarrassing thing that I am willing to share in this article.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
A couple of years ago my 16 year old deaf and partially blind dog went missing in the night while we were on a camping trip. I had Willow since I was 11 years old and suddenly she was just gone. I was absolutely heartbroken. As I desperately searched for her and shared the details on social media asking for help, I was blown away by the response. My Facebook post was shared over 1000 times and a couple of news outlets (including KelownaNow) wrote articles about Willow. I made the hour and a half drive out to our camping spot once or twice a day to search for her. I’d run into people in the middle of the woods and say “Hey, I’m looking for my dog..” and get responses like, “Willow? I’m looking for her too.” Complete strangers. A man named Ross was out there more than once, and he left me notes at ‘base camp’ of the areas that he’d searched that day. After 5 long days Willow was found and I brought her home. I got to spend another six months with her before she passed away peacefully. The level of kindness I encountered from complete strangers during that difficult time is really inspiring to me. The strength and resilience of that amazing dog inspires me.
Photo Credit: Amber
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I loved growing up with horses. I have so many great memories of 4-H, riding clinics and trail rides. I carried a flag at rodeo grand entrances and rode cattle drives with my dad. I’m really thankful that my parents gave me these opportunities, and I definitely plan to have horses again one day.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I used to foster for a local rescue called Paws it Forward Dog Rescue. That is, until my foster puppy Chica became a permanent family member. I highly recommend Paws it Forward if you’re looking to foster or adopt a dog!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That would be harsher punishment for parole violators. And world peace. To be real; I'd like to end the stigma of mental illness and make therapy accessible to everyone.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I’ve got a nice little spot on Knox mountain near my house where I like to go and practise the fine art of being alone.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
More affordable housing! It's crazy to me that even some people in specialized, professional positions have to struggle with outrageous real estate/rental prices in Kelowna.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I love Kelowna for all of the outdoor opportunities. It's just so damn beautiful! There’s so many amazing wineries and the craft beer scene is bumping. What a great place to be active and outdoorsy and to enjoy some adult beverages.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. North American road trip with the dog, the hula hoop, and the ukulele.
2. Own a tiny house near the ocean.
3. Figure out how to fold a fitted sheet.
Photo Credit: Amber
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was a little kid we used to have these little camp-outs in a tent in the backyard. I also used to sleepwalk really bad and sometimes scare my parents when they couldn’t find me. So when we were ‘camping’ in the yard my dad would tie my big toe to his so that if I started sleep walking in the night he could wake up and stop me.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
My Instagram: @amberbam
DD Instagram: @designated.delivery
DD Facebook: Designated Delivery
DD Website: https://designateddelivery.com/
What is the name of your business/organization?
Designated Delivery.
Why did you get into this business?
I've always been a bit of an entrepreneur with some sort of side hustle going on at all times; from freelance web design to making and selling hula hoops. My brother Sam and cousin Robin approached me with their idea of a cannabis delivery app when Canada was coming up on legalization. I had just finished a season of tree planting and didn't have another job yet, so I dove right in to designing the app and working on the business that is now Designated Delivery!
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to provide a convenient and safe service, but my real passion lies in reducing impaired driving. I want Designated Delivery to be a household name. So that if there is ever a time when someone has had a few drinks and wants more, they don't even think twice about getting behind the wheel. I also love that we're able to help people who can't get to the liquor store. One of our regular customers was in a serious car accident and can't drive. Just because you have a hard time getting around doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to enjoy a cold one!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To be real, the fear of failure is pretty constant and crushing. Running a startup is such a roller coaster of emotions, from extreme stress to exciting growth. It's so hard to put so much time, work, and money into something without knowing if it will ever pay off for you. But if there was a guarantee I guess a lot more people would be doing it. Sometimes I struggle to stay positive. But Sam is so determined and dedicated that it is infectious. I’m really thankful for the team that we have.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
Every single thing in life that seems like an impossible struggle at the time can be looked back on as an accomplishment to be proud of. The only thing I’d change is to be kinder to myself along the way.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I could go for some chocolate.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Anything worth doing is worth doing half-assed. This has brought a lot of peace to my life. It doesn’t mean you should just half-ass everything. It means that if that’s all you can physically manage, that’s better than nothing at all. It’s better to brush your teeth for 5 seconds than to not brush them at all. I always feel like I have a million things I should be doing and nothing is getting enough of my attention. I think that if only I could give it my all then it would be so much more successful. But that’s life. You’re going to be spread too thin at times. Most times. You can only do so much.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Dave Chapelle.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think especially when you start your own business, you see how important it is to support other local or small businesses. One single purchase is a whole lot more meaningful to a small business than it is to a large corporate chain.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I’m very proud to have made the decision to remove alcohol from my own life a little over a year and a half ago. It was something that hindered my own productivity while building a business, and had a really negative impact on my mental health. While it’s not easy, letting go has been a profoundly positive change in my life. In the future I’d love to somehow help other people interested in making that change. Bit of a career change, I know.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I’d like to give a shout out to Tammy and the whole team at our partner liquor store in Kelowna, OK Corral. They embraced our new business and took on some extra work to bring this idea to life. The store employees are always so quick to confirm and pack up orders for our customers. I am so grateful for our partnership with Kelowna’s best liquor store!
Photo Credit: Amber
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Omar D’Souza, owner of Parlour Ice Cream.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for the opportunity to spread some awareness about Designated Delivery in Kelowna!
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!
