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?
Brett Kelly
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Vernon BC and lived in Kelowna for two years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Kailey Kelly. She is my best friend and the mother of my children. There wouldn't be anyone else I would want to spend more time with than her!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would leave to Japan. I love the culture and they have some amazing barbers there.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Man Made Barber & Supply. Dan has an amazing shop and crew. Fully stocked for any mans needs. Huge fan of his barbershop.
What is your favourite activity?
Fencing.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Taco Pizza!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Hard to say, I truly don't get embarrassed that easily.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was feeling lost in a career that I love so much someone stepped in with an amazing offer. Someone took a chance on me to help me open my own shop and that inspiration will push me everyday to do the best I can.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was younger my dad made me and my cousins a giant plastic bubble that we could crawl in and jump around. Every summer he would do this and it was so much fun. I can't wait to do the same for my kids.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We just most recently were involved with the Vernon Heroes Shave It Off event. A great number of people helped to raise money for brain cancer research and awareness. We helped by being the ones to shave all the amazing people who signed up.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would make it so we could have teleportation because travel always takes way to long!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Fencing.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Hotel Zed.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see more change in the downtown area because everyone who works and lives downtown can always benefit from positive change.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Go to Japan
2) Go to Ireland
3) Meet Ogopogo
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm fully greyscale colourblind.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Inside the shop it's a very personal connection. Outside the shop my social media plays a big part.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Gentlemens Shop & Shave Parlour.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I got into barbering over almost seven years ago. I used to be in a rockabilly band and ended up cutting hair on the road. I fell in love with it so after tour, I came back and enrolled into school the next day.
What is the goal of your business?
To take care of the community in the best way that we can.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Overthinking… Seriously, I do it a lot!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing for I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the paths I took. Good or bad, I am who I am today for the life that I have lived, and I wouldn't change one thing!
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Rad' and 'buddy'.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Gary Vaynerchuk because I find everything that man says is inspiring!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally keeps our local economy growing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Above everything, my two beautiful daughters.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Carlos Vargas for he is the hardest working person that I know. He is an amazing father/grandfather and amazing friend. He is someone who will always be there for you if you need help. He deserves the biggest shout out possible!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dan Stewart of Man Made Barber & Supply.
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.
