Meet Brandie Elfstrom! Brandie has lived in Penticton her entire life!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, he can always make me smile and laugh and is always up for an adventure. He keeps me young and my mind healthy! He always takes me back out into nature and reminds me how to stay connected.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
Beadz is my favourite store. I love the selection of crystals and beads and how it gets the creativity flowing. The staff are familiar and friendly. It’s such a relaxing and positive space.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece! I can’t help it – ever since I watched Mama Mia it’s become that place for me!!! I’ve never travelled outside of North America and it seems like the perfect place to start.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Fishing… Something I had never done until I met my husband. So many places to explore and a fantastic way to bond with your family.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Hmmm… not sure if any of them are shareable on PentictonNow! Haha!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a mother and a partner. Nothing has motivated me more to become the best version of myself. My family has supported me through battling post pardum, PTSD, depression and anxiety. They have held me up so I can tackle my hurdles head first so that I can enjoy every minute of this beautiful life and be immersed in the present and all the blessings we have.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up with horses since the age of three. Horses were a huge part of my childhood and I remember going on rides with my dad in great detail. Especially exploring Campbell Mountain and watching those incredible Okanagan Sunsets.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
This past year we volunteered and offered our hair and makeup services to the “Fairy Grad-Mother Program”. We were able to provide 4 Penticton grads with free hair and makeup for Prom. It meant the world to us and we had such a blast. It’s so rewarding to be able to give back with your business.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Unplug! Bye bye social media. Back to the good old days of meeting face to face, mingling, word of mouth, trade and barter! I like the old fashioned way!
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Creek Park in Naramata. It’s such a beautiful and tranquil spot through all of the seasons.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
Locals supporting locals. If you love a business – recommend it! If your friend makes something – try it out! Support our local farms, markets and vendors! Make connections within our area to keep feeding business back to each other. We have such an incredible and diverse community of skilled people.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The wine!!!! Haha
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Own a small homestead, garden, horses, animals – the whole shebang!
Travel all over the world with my kids so they can experience education through different cultures and communities!
Create a tiny home community where we all pitch in to grow and raise food. Support each other and live the good life!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I worked in finance and banking for 10 years.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
I still like to travel out to meet and connect with people in person, but also through my website, Instagram and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Brandie Elfstrom Mobile Hair and Makeup Artistry.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Makeup and hair have been a passion of mine since I was a young adult.
What is the goal of your business?
To make a good living doing something that I’m passionate about and that makes me happy. Supporting other passionate and talented artists is a huge bonus.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Social Media. I find it a huge distraction and I also find it so sad the way people shame and judge one another. Social media has been a big learning curve for me!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do them the same. There were a few major road bumps but they turned me into a smart and dedicated business woman. Without the dark parts, I would not have found my way.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I’m so tired. Haha chasing after two toddlers and tackling weddings every weekend from April-October gets a little exhausting!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be vulnerable. Ask for help. Support the ones you love. Use failure to make you great. Be gentle on yourself!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My husband. No one makes me happier. I don’t think it’s possible for us not to have fun. The time we get alone without kids is very short. We just laugh and play – it’s the best. And so important to spend that time and reconnect because let’s face it, life be crazy!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Pay it forward! It’s so important to support your community. It helps local families and helps us all follow our dreams. And it comes full circle.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Quitting my job in banking to start my own business. That or birthing two GIANT babies haha.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Autumn Kingston! We started doing weddings together two years ago. She is so incredibly talented and I’ve learned so much from her. Her hair styling is featured in so much of my work. I wouldn’t be where I am without her talent and her wisdom!
My choice for the PentictonNow In Focus spotlight is:
Life and Love Photography
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Life and Love Photography basically created my portfolio! I am lucky enough to work on many projects with them as well as use the studio to meet with my clients. They are SO talented and empowering to all women! THANK YOU, ladies, for all you do.
And lastly…. yes you CAN! Do what you love. Take the leap. It’s not going to be easy. You will fail from time to time and it gets messy… but the reward, in the end, is validation for your soul and your passion!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing InFocus@PentictonNow.com. 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, Penticton!
