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?
Christine DeLong
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m from the wonderfully small town and tight-knit community of Castlegar, BC in the West Kootenays. I have lived in Kelowna for seven years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Right now it would have to be my 3-year-old niece, Everleigh. She’s at that age where she’s curious about everything. It’s really cute watching her process the world.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Amalfi Coast. The warm heat, culture, food, wine and architecture!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Farmers' Market on Saturday. It’s a short bike ride from my house, I love waking up early grabbing a Canoe coffee and browsing the aisles for local goodies.
What is your favourite activity?
Outside my day job I love painting. It’s my therapy after a long day, when I can’t sleep or feel stressed out. I love creating for people and seeing their reactions when the piece is complete. I was fortunate enough to be nominated for Best of Kelowna 2017 among other talented artists!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos. Always tacos.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was flying back from Toronto on a red eye flight a couple years back. I was woken up to the lady sitting next to me screaming and pointing at me. She had called a flight attendant to come help. I was a little disorientated but looked down and saw blood all on my shirt! I reached up and touched my face and discovered I had a severe nose bleed from the dry air. The woman beside me was terrified and probably thought I was transmitting an airborne virus to everyone on board.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was fortunate enough to be featured in Jessica Balfour’s Expressions of an Artist Blog. She came to my home studio and photographed me as I painted. The article she wrote about my painting process and the images that were taken were absolutely stunning. She had me in tears! It was the first time I felt like I was being recognized as a true artist and has since inspired me to create more.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I remember one summer we drove from the small town of Elkford, BC, where we lived at the time, down through the states visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument, Four Corners Monument, Arches National Park, Moab National Park, Hells Gate, Durango and Mesa Verde National Park. Our end stop was Las Vegas. It was such an amazing trip with my family.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
The great thing about my job is how much our team gives back to the community. We currently teamed up with the Okanagan Charity Classic and donated five hours of my time as an interior designer with Sticks and Stones Design Group.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That everyone would have a roof over their head and food to eat for every meal. Give more, waste less. There’s more than enough food and shelter for every human being on this earth.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Riding our bikes downtown and meeting up with good friends over food and drinks. Train Station Pub, Fernando’s, Central and of course BNA, are favourites.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My home studio! Any time I need some quiet space to think and create I head downstairs and paint.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
People just in general giving back to their community. These little acts of love can trigger more positivity towards our local community. Support a charity, donate time at a homeless shelter or even giving your recyclables to someone more in need of that extra cash than yourself. 'Tell them Chrissy sent you.'
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
You can’t beat Kelowna in the summer time. The lakes, boating, beaches, patio bar hopping and laid-back atmosphere. We’re close to Vancouver and Banff area for those that want a quick weekend getaway.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I actually wrote a bucket list with my former roommate, Katie Field, during the first week of our new place when we moved to Kelowna together in 2009. We wrote out 100 things to do each and I’ve been crossing them off along the way! A few that I have yet to do are: Drink a pint of beer in a pub in Ireland, sit in an authentic Le Corbusier lounge chair and watch all my best friends get married. I get to cross the last one off when I stand beside Katie as she gets married in September! Talk about a Serendipitous question!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m left-handed.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Instagram and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sticks & Stones Design Group.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was always a very creative person, but didn’t know how to channel that into something sustaining as a long term career. I knew in Grade 9 that I wanted to attend Ryerson University for my Bachelor’s in Interior Design. My parents were very concerned when I refused to apply anywhere else my high school year. Everything worked out and I made my own dreams a reality.
What is the goal of your business?
I joined Sticks and Stones recently in a Senior Designer position. My goal right now is to learn the ropes, get inspired from the other talented people in the office and help the company complete some amazing residential and commercial spaces.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I struggle when people call me a decorator instead of an interior designer. Interior design and interior decorating are two very different things. Interior designers are professionally trained to identify, research and creatively resolve spatial solutions. We have an in-depth knowledge of products, finishes and materials. We prepare CAD construction documents for bidding and permitting as well as supervise the construction of a project. We handle acoustics, lighting, plumbing, 3D modelling and more. Interior decorators are known for furnishing a space with items like drapery, pillows, furniture and accessories. In practice, interior designers may also decorate, but interior decorators do not design.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Career-wise no, although lately I’ve had the urge to get more into event planning/design.
What do you always find yourself saying?
At work I’m almost always telling clients 'it’s all about finding that balance.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Andrew. We’ve known each other since we were 12-years-old and started dating almost three years ago. He popped the question very recently on a mountain top just short of an amazing fishing spot. We always have the best of times together whether it’s travelling, hanging out with family and friends or couch surfing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s crucial to the growth and expansion of Kelowna. One-of-a-kind shops and restaurants are part of what makes Kelowna such a great place to live.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Just a couple weeks ago I was flown to Vegas with a client to select the entire finishes and countertops for their high-end, custom home. We had planned to arrive in the morning, meet with our suppliers and head out early the next morning. Our flight ended up being delayed five hours! Which meant by the time we arrived the showroom was closed. We had to re-book our flight the following afternoon only giving me 2.5 hours to design their entire house before getting to the airport. It was insane pressure to select everything for a 5,000 square foot home, but I did it! I nearly passed out afterwards, but I did it!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Makeup artist, Jenny McKinney. I was blown away by her artistry the moment she did my first headshot with Darren Hull. I’ve been following her work ever since. Her talent to make every single woman feel beautiful is such a special gift. She’s a sincere, genuine and caring human being. The realness of her choice to share her story of her dad’s passing with the world was heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you Jenny xo!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Christine Bay from Eternal Timber and Design
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I’m excited to continue to design in the Okanagan area and be part of the growth for the future!
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.
