Meet Danielle, she has lived in Kelowna for more than 30 years. Danielle owns Designer Fitness, she is a personal trainer promoting health and fitness for Okanagan residents. She was one of the very first boot camps in Kelowna and one of the first Personal Trainers working here over 20 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My hubby, he really is my best friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I try to support small family business and appreciate those that work with me like Okanagan School of Irish Dance and Ideal Weight Loss Clinic.
Describe yourself in one word.
Excitable
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The ocean, I love being in it, on it and close to it. It brings a feeling of peace.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Aside from all the amazing outdoor activities I love to challenge my brain with a group of friends at Exit.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Leading a fitness class with a big rip in the back of my pants… at least I have super colourful underwear on.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I'm inspired every day when I work with my clients and see them get stronger – it is so rewarding… but I'm most inspired by my mother who has been in a wheelchair most of her adult life but still exercises every day.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I had a wonderful childhood with amazing parents. As an only child, I would love having friends come over to swim in our pool. I enjoyed them being over so much that I would try to find ways to get them to stay, this included bribing them with treats and trying to lock them in, perhaps not the best memory but definitely one we laugh about now.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer as a part of the BCRPA counsel which helps to develop fitness instructors and maintain fitness standards for trainers. With such an active community in BC and the Okanagan, we work at keeping people safe as they explore different forms of exercise.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Stop judging a book by its cover.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
A beach pocket
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
As fitness professionals, we are required to rent and pay for public park space. I love bringing my groups out to enjoy nature and fresh air. Over the last few years, it is getting harder and harder to find an appropriate parking space that does not have needles or smoke or other hazards. It would be wonderful to see people respecting our beautiful parks and beaches.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
So many churches and organizations that help others – some people have a real heart for helping.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Learn ASL
- Travel with my family to South America
- Surf in Hawaii
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
After leading fitness for over 22 years, I still get a few butterflies before I start class. This keeps me on my toes and inspires me to be creative.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook and through my website.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Designer Fitness
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was one of the very first boot camps in Kelowna and one of the first Personal trainers here 20 years ago.
What is the goal of your business?
I help people find their fit. We exercise, socialize and always come back for more. The programs that I lead are current, safe, challenging and fun.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
We adopted our beautiful boy 5 years ago. We adopted him from within the foster system when he was 2 years old. The transition to becoming parents to an active and spirited toddler has been my biggest challenge to date and BY FAR the MOST rewarding.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I am so thankful for the blessings and the challenges that have made me who I am and I would not change it.
What do you always find yourself saying?
You can do anything for 10 seconds and remember to breathe.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
No matter who you are, you are loved. Make choices that are good for you because somebody loves you.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would get to know the backstreet boys. I'm a child of the 80's so I grew up with boy bands and they were my favourite. Hopefully, this day would include a concert now that they are back in Vegas.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We need to support one another
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a mother.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Morning Star Bible camp, they are taking excellent care of my son this week.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Steven Klassen and the amazing way he helps people with their finances.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We are so privileged to live here. Thank you for letting me share my passion for fitness and family with you.
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!
