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 KamloopsBCNow.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?
Clara Shipp.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I grew up in Clearwater and moved to Kamloops for my second year of University in 2012. I have been here ever since!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I have so many amazing people in my life that I love spending time with! My favorite person to spend time with is my boyfriend. He truly is my best friend and we share the same passion for health, fitness and food. Everyday we spend together is filled with so much laughter. We are both goofy, weird people and I feel most myself when I am with him.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Greece! One of my friends recently went and I was blown away with how beautiful the architecture and scenery is. I am a sucker for crystal clear blue seas and the culture interests me so much. I told my man that’s where I want to go on our honeymoon. He reminded me that we aren’t even engaged yet!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
My favorite local store in Kamloops is definitely Fuel Kamloops! It was the very first supplement store I ever stepped foot in and I had no idea what to get. Supplements can be a very confusing thing for someone just getting into fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. The owners and staff of Fuel are always so friendly and helpful. They know their stuff!
What is your favourite activity?
My favorite activity is just moving my body! I love working out, hiking, golfing, playing volleyball, swimming, any sport! I don’t sit still well. There are so many health benefits to being active, both physical and mental. Not to mention how many different ways there are to get moving!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos all the way! Taco Tuesday is a regular occurrence in our house. I’m the type of girl who makes hard tacos, then eats them over a soft shell… That’s when you get a bonus taco!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I have had so many embarrassing moments in my life. My boyfriend says that I am 'book' smart but not 'life' smart. One of the more recent embarrassing things would be when I decided to go to the gym after a nap. Little did I know half of my filled in eyebrow was left behind on my pillowcase. Didn’t realize I was working out with only one eyebrow on until the end.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was recently given the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the Olympia in Las Vegas with my sponsors, Magnum. I spent the weekend surrounded by bodybuilders that I have looked up to since my journey began! Meeting these people in person and getting to share conversation with them was a dream come true. I came home feeling more inspired than ever to believe in my goals!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was seven years old my Mom, who's a teacher did an exchange to Australia. We packed up and moved across the world for a year and I still vividly remember so much of that trip. I was able to experience so much at such a young age and am so looking forward to getting to go back to Australia and reconnect with all of the people I met that year!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I always give back to programs in Kamloops that support youth activities. I think that it is so important for children to be involved in sports growing up and to be active! I played a huge variety of sports growing up and it taught me so much. The boys and girls club has amazing programs, the city always offers great classes and programs, and there are so many different sport organizations in Kamloops!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love for people to know what it FEELS like to be healthy and confident in their bodies. So many health problems can be solved through being active and fueling our bodies properly. As a personal trainer I experience people change their lives through making their health a priority. We only have one body and I wish people would make their health a priority. Feeling good from the inside out!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I love all that Kamloops has to offer in terms of getting outdoors! We are so lucky to live in a city that is so close to many beautiful mountains and lakes. I love hiking, paddle boarding, getting outside and enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery! Not many people who live in cities have the same luxury. I also love going to the farmers market! Stocking up on seasonal, fresh food is my favorite and it just tastes so much better.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
If I wanted to sneak away in Kamloops to spend some time alone I would go to the gym. I know I am not alone there, but with my headphones in I love just zoning out on my workout. It is the best way to clear my head, relieve any stress, and release endorphins!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I think that downtown Kamloops has so much potential and would love to see it expand and offer more to our citizens! It already has made leaps and bounds and I am looking forward to seeing how it looks in the next couple of years. There are so many incredible local businesses downtown and the events that happen are always great.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I think the fact that Kamloops offers so much to travelers and those who live here! There is literally something here for everyone and it is only getting better. I don’t think it is ever possible to be bored in this town. From outdoor activities to wine tasting to escape rooms to the arts and culture. I love doing new things and exploring our city!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel to Iceland.
2. Workout with Julian Smith, one of my biggest 'fitspirations'
3. Hit up a Blue Jays game in Toronto!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have no idea how to match outfits. Seriously. I’ll dress for the gym in the morning and half of the time my boyfriend needs to help me match my pants to my top to my hat. My fashion game is weak, Which is likely why I always end up resorting to all black.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Clara Shipp Fitness.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I graduated Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management, minoring in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources. I had worked in the Tourism Industry for almost 10 years and felt like I wanted to try something new! I was already helping my friends in their fitness journey’s and one day it just 'clicked'. I decided to combine my business schooling with my passion for fitness and helping others.
What is the goal of your business?
Clara Shipp Fitness is a community designed to help people become the best version of themselves. There is so much confusion in the fitness industry regarding training, diet, and supplementation. I want to help people navigate through this and realize that there is no 'quick fix'. There are many different paths to get you feeling good about yourself, but why not choose one that is sustainable, enjoyable, and healthy? I give my clients the tools they need to feel confident both in and out of the gym. After all, the best project you’ll ever work on is YOU!
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
One hundred percent, finding that work-life balance. It is tough being a young entrepreneur in an industry that is rapidly growing but it keeps me on my toes! I know that the first few years will require a lot of work, but I have a goal in mind of what I want my business to become. I sometimes struggle to try and fit everything into one day. I think it is still very important to maintain relationships with family and friends while still operating and growing my business. That is something I continue to work on everyday.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I try not to look back on life with 'what ifs'. Everything that I have done in my life so far has led me to where I am today and I am grateful for that! The mistakes I have made taught me valuable lessons that I have learned from.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I have made a hashtag for my business…#shippystyle. It is a play on words with my last name and it is slowly catching on. My clients always tag me in their photos using it to show me their post-workout sweaty selfies or delicious meals. I love that I get to communicate with my clients through social media!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is so important to shop and support our local businesses to keep our community alive. Supporting local not only benefits the vendors and business owners, but you! Kamloops is so unique due to the vast array of local businesses. As a local business owner I can tell you that 'big box' stores and competitors don’t create the same quality of goods and services that we do.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Stepping on stage this past summer at the BCABBA Provincials as a Bikini Competitor. If you’d have told me one year ago that I would be doing that I would have laughed in your face. I was always a 'tom boy' growing up and played lots of competitive sports. But stepping on stage in a sparkly bikini and 3 inch heels was never a part of that! It was a huge accomplishment to make it to that point and I am now a Nationally Qualified Competitor. That is why I always tell my clients to never say never!
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
I think that my beautiful friend Gaelyn Bolster deserves a shout out. You can find her at the farmer’s market most Saturday’s selling her beautiful jewelry. She creates absolutely stunning pieces and will even come to your house for a girls night with all of her pieces! Her attention to detail is incredible and I am slightly obsessed.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Be TEASed. A lot of my clients ask me where 'healthy' options are for eating out in Kamloops and their food is absolutely incredible! Always fresh, flavors are fantastic, and a locally owned and operated business. Try their ninja bowl with prawns!
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, Kamloops.
