Meet Emily-May, she was born in Nanaimo and has lived in Kamloops for the last six years. Emily owns her own business as a photographer. Her portrait-style varies from family to weddings, and she is currently working on a boudoir project as well.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Most days my 1.5-year-old daughter is my favourite person to spend time with. She's a hoot. And on those other days, I like to hang out on my own. (Mamas, you know what I mean!)
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Lavender Lingerie! I've been working on building up my client closet and every time I go in there I leave with something beautiful.
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Vancouver Island! We always go in the spring but I miss the ocean in the summer.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I'm a pretty big homebody but I enjoy exploring all the parks in Kamloops! No matter what area of town you are in there is somewhere beautiful to visit.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh, yikes. I was a theatre kid growing up and I wanted to design my own clothes – sans a sewing machine. I remember one rehearsal where my dress/piece of fabric I was wearing came right off. I hid in the washroom for 20 minutes.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
That's a tricky one. I find inspiration everywhere. You can learn something from every single person you meet. I think when my mom passed away in 2013 that was the most life-changing thing that happened to me. It caused an entire shift in my mindset and in my life. I am forever changed by her and forever inspired to keep going.
Tellus your favourite childhood memory.
Summer days in Nanaimo! I was very lucky to grow up in the house right next to my cousins. We played in a creek, jumped on the trampoline, swam in the pool, found a pet snake – all the things I want my kids to be able to do!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I recently held a fundraiser for the Kamloops Elizabeth Frye Society in honour of my mom. A lot of women and families supported by this program are in similar circumstances as she was. A portion of my Mama and Me mini sales went to supporting this cause.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The stigma around mental illness and drug dependency.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The Art We Are! If I have an hour to myself, that's where you'll find me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Revitalizing the North Shore. So much attention seems to be paid to the downtown core and I think there is so much potential on this side of the bridge.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
It's a big city with a small town feel! If you're out and about, chances are you'll still see somebody you know.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Travel alone internationally (I have a list of places I NEED to photograph)
- Open a studio
- Go to Disneyland as a family
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Hmm, I'm pretty open. But most people have forgotten that I was a singer before I was an actor and an actor before a photographer.
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?
Emily-May Photography
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was in the Theatre Program at TRU, I had a camera and they needed photos of a show. I continued in this business because I love being able to show someone their beauty and how the world sees them.
What is the goal of your business?
To make you see the you that the world sees.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing motherhood with running a business is a big struggle, but asking for help has always been my biggest struggle.
What do you always find yourself saying?
The word "scooch."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
This is a really tricky question! A day alone with my fianceé Kyle would be great. Summer is my busiest time and it would be nice to have a baby-free day together. It's crazy that the one person I want to spend my day with, sleeps under the same roof as me every night.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's hard when you can pick something up at Walmart for half the price but supporting those in your community is so important. And local places are the first to donate back to the community when they can.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Returning to my business after having Ella. I sold all my gear so that we as a family could be in the best possible place to raise her. Coming back had its challenges but I'm so glad I did it. I did it for myself but I did it for her too.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
A shout out to Randi Trach – because without her I wouldn't have had the courage to come back to photography.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Little Bird – Christa Romeo
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.
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!
