In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Ashley Godin.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born in Manitoba, lived in Kelowna for over 20 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and two kids, I love them more than anything.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Utah, its a photographers playground. I can't wait to plan a trip there its stunning
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Green and Bear it, I love everything in that store, and the staff is always so friendly and helpful
What is your favourite activity?
Hiking, were so lucky to have so many amazing hiking spots here in Kelowna
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Thats a tough one, I'd have to go with burger.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I do embarrassing things all the time. It would have to be a tie between tripping at the majority of my photoshoots and blurting out weird turkey gobble noises when bees come around me.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My kids inspire me everyday, they are such amazing little people. They also think I have the coolest job. They love to see my work which is fun for me
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Traveling, my mom always tried to take us on a new trip once a year growing up, including missions trips. We plan to do that with ours, I think its so important to see the world in a tourist and non-tourist way.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I do giveaways a few times a year as I feel like everyone deserves to have beautiful pictures of their family. I also volunteer my photography for charities. We are planning on going on a missions trip next year where I will also bring my camera.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More love less hate, there's room for everyone to grow and genuinely support each other. Also, deep fried pickles in every restaurant.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking, of course.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I wish the cost of living would go down, making it easier for families to afford living here.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The views, the small shops and local yummy eats.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel at least twice a year
2) Buy a horse
3) Meet photographers in the U.S that I look up to.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was little I collected ants, I would make them little beds out of tissue under my bed and feed them raisin bran, they got out of control… It ended with my poor mom having to call the exterminator (sorry mom).
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook and Instagram are my fave.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Ashley Godin Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always loved photography and had different ideas in my head so I finally decided to pursue it and now I'm in love.
What is the goal of your business?
I would love to travel a lot with my business.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Not putting myself first when I should have.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would change some things, however everything I've learnt from the hard parts has made me a stronger person.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Eh'… So Canadian, I know.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Denzel Washington.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting families is much more important to me.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
How fast my business took off, I never imagined I would be this busy in my first year of photography, I appreciate everyone hiring me more than they know.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Sarah Gertzen, she is a graphic designer who owns mad fifth, she's so talented I love her and her work!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Bloom and Ivy Floral.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
So grateful for everyone who trusts in me and my photography eye, I'm so thankful for everyone I get to meet. I can't imagine doing anything else so thank you for making that possible.
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, Kelowna.
