Meet Brittany, she grew up in Lilloet B.C., and moved to Kelowna more than five years ago. Brittany is a new business owner whose passion for art and animals comes to life within her business goals. She has opened up a studio in Downtown Kelowna teaching Art and Craft lessons to the public and donating the proceeds to the BCSPCA, Bee Research and local pet rescues.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My dog Harbour! He is such a sweetheart and he is always ready for an adventure.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
That is a hard one but I would have to say Parlour Ice Cream, their ice cream is to die for.
Describe yourself in one word.
Willing
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
There are too many places to pick! I want to see it all. At this very moment, I would say New Orleans because I love their culture and would get some great exploring in.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Exploring the outdoors- I love to hike, rock climb and checking out a winery on the way back is such a treat.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I have absolutely had my dress tucked into my underwear at a high-school dance. I have done embarrassing things since but I find the older we get the easier it is to come back from something embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In general, it has been watching people close to me follow their dreams no matter how hard they might be.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was in my early teens there was an art class that would happen once a week, my best friend and I were both enrolled in it and we loved going to learn how to paint. We really thought we were amazing at it, we were so proud that it didn't even matter if it looked goofy. Our parents still have some of our paintings as well!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When I was going to University at UBCO I was a Peer Mentor and Create Leader for 4 years! And now, with the new business I have opened, I am giving part of the proceeds to the BCSPCA and Bee Research as well as selling handmade dog bandannas to give 50% proceeds to local pet rescues.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That we had all of the answers to global warming and that everyone lived greener lifestyles.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I am a large fan of Kalamoir dog beach/park. If you go at the right time it is very peaceful.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love for our community to be more involved with how many local businesses we have. There are so many places that are full of chains and have no real drive or passion anymore (not all of course). But the Okanagan is a fabulous place that has a dominant local feel to the downtown area and with more support from the locals, it would help other entrepreneurs open more local shops here as well.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people and our surroundings.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Go to Mardi gras in New Orleans
- Travel to each continent
- Run a successful art business
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a sucker for fall, Halloween is my all-time favourite thing.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and Instagram!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Craft In Hand
Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to use my degree in a way that was hands-on and could be a really fun atmosphere. I also wanted to be a teacher so now I am doing the best of both. Plus because of my dog Harbour, I get to help out his little friends by giving donations to other animals!
What is the goal of your business?
To give the community an affordable creative experience. To help people learn new techniques and have fun.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
It is absolutely scary putting all your eggs in one basket, but it is for a good cause!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Everything happens for a reason.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Let's go outside and have some fun!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You never know until you try.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mom! She has taught me so much about art and life. A day spent with her is a good day spent.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because you are shopping for someone who has passion and probably put a huge amount of effort into building their shop and being part of the community. Without locals, these shops would not exist.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment would be starting something from the ground up, it isn't in full go yet, but I hope for it to be.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All of my friends who have supported me throughout this entire journey and my parents!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Please check out my new Business Craft In Hand! It revolves around art lessons, art sales and donates to the BCSPCA, Bee Research and local pet rescues.
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!
