Meet Ashley, she and her family are in the midst of moving back to the beautiful Okanagan. They currently live in Alberta, her husband was born and raised in Kelowna. Ashley love to adventure with her daughter, she owns a small business enabling her to work from home and continue to explore B.C. and Alberta.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My daughter, my husband works away from home so she has become my little travel partner. She turned 1 this past June.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna Lavender Farm, it’s a beautiful spot with a view and great products!
Describe yourself in one word.
Laidback
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
This is a hard one, Portugal or Thailand. Both have beautiful waters and scenic views. I love hiking and exploring, but also love a good lazy day on the beach. There’s so much to see and so much culture to experience!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Definitely hiking, my most recent hike was Carrot Mountain.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Running up and down escalators in a mall in the opposite direction, I fell at the top and split my knee open. My knee bled so badly through my white pants but we weren’t done shopping, so I had to walk around the mall like that for a good hour or so!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Hands down the birth of my daughter. After being with my husband for 8 years and spending a majority of that time in agreement that we didn’t want children, one day we decided we did! Now here we are a year later, and couldn’t imagine life without her. You see life in a new light, priories change and you realize a whole new level of love. She has taught me so much already and I truly feel I am living a much fuller life sharing it with her!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I always loved going on our annual family and friends kayaking trips! Camping (real camping, the kind with tents and eating off a campfire and fishing, getting muddy, diving off cliffs and rocks. It was always a blast!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I currently work for a non-profit geared towards children and parents, I help with organizing parties and fundraising so they can continue to run.
I also tend to pick up trash when using parks or going for walks with my daughter, every little bit helps! I stay connected with my community through social media when there is a need, I do what I can to reach out.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would want to see wars end and for every country to be able to run smoothly so that no one lives in fear.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Kalamalka Lake or Carrot Mountain!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I find Kelowna to be a very caring city, especially for its size. I would love to see continued care for the homeless population. Helping those that need care for mental illness, get it, and those that are able to work, find it and keep it.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the views. Every time I arrive back in town, it never fails to put a smile on my face!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Specific to the Kelowna area: Hike to Crawford Falls. Kayak and hike more of Kalamalka Lake.
In general: Cuba, Portugal and Utah
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My mom spelled my middle name wrong on my birth certificate.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @heycallmesmash is where I post a lot of my adventures and places I visit.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Chaos & Coffee.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to do something that involved my artistic side and allowed me a flexible schedule with the ability to work from home.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide custom and pre-made original products to people. Includes vinyl decals, wood signs, and coffee mugs!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Watching my father and brother struggle with severe drug addictions, even homelessness and mental illness. My brother is now sober and living a successful life!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do everything the same! Maybe have had my daughter a couple years sooner, but otherwise, I’m happy to do it all over the same!
What do you always find yourself saying?
I say “right on” way too much. Even when it’s not the right response haha.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Listen to your parents, and always consider their advice. I wish I would have known this sooner, my mom is so wise but I never gave her credit until I was grown and gone.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I am really bad about keeping up with who’s who in the world but give me to anyone who can show me some amazing views and hikes and I’m a happy camper!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
People put their hearts into their small local businesses, it’s their passion. I love seeing local shops flourish! It’s always a bummer to see the little shops shut down by the big brands.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a mother and not letting it stop me from my passion for adventure. It’s been so amazing to share it all with my daughter and hoping she too learns to love exploring and nature.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
@kitkaphoto she has some amazing work on her profile, she’s a local photographer.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
@emmamelana_
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Life is short, enjoy every day and make the most of it. See places, meet people, be kind and humble.
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!
