Meet Frances! She's a part of the Kelowna Farmers Market team, and co-owns a business called 2 Ladies Soupin it Up!
Photo Credit: Frances Callaghan
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born & raised in Greenfield Park Quebec. I have live throughout the Okanagan Valley for 20 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Husband Daniel. It's always been an adventure in our relationship since we met 40 years ago. We say there's never been a dull moment in our lives! Some people say we need to write a book on all the crazy things we have done together.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Handmade Shoppe. Full of local creations done by so many talented people from the Okanagan. Such a friendly place to shop.
Describe yourself in one word.
Caring.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Horseback riding through the Rockies. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. Now I have a grand daughter who has the same love of horses that I do. It would be a priceless gift to do with her one day.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Sightseeing. I love to drive around Kelowna and see the beauty this city has to offer. I love taking photos of Kelowna's nature that surrounds us.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Forgetting people's names that I've met…
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being apart of the Kelowna Farmers & Crafters Market Family.
Photo Credit: Frances Callaghan
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
It's always been Christmas with my siblings. Waking up and sitting around the tree with them. My Dad decorating the house inside and out, and his plum pudding with rum sauce.
Where do you volunteer or give back to the community?
I love to help the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank whenever possible. Another place close to my heart is the Hospice House.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To teach people to try to get along no matter what their differences are. There is too much negativity today world among everyone. Just a simple "Hello" or "Thank you" is so rare to hear, without people thinking you want something from them
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Somewhere quiet. Walk along a trail or out in the countryside.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
We need to support the local small business trying to survive, while there is so much construction going around the downtown core. When streets are closed off, businesses suffer from a lack of traffic. Shoppers go elsewhere, business close and the community suffers.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It's a place where there's something for everyone to do every season. Surrounded by mountains, water and nature.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To go back & visit Scotland & Wales. 2. To go through the Rockies on Horse Back. 3. To always be happy
Photo Credit: Frances Callaghan
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
That I am short… Just kidding. I love photography!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @2LadiesSoupinItUp
Facebook: 2 Ladies Soupin' It Up
What is the name of your business/organization?
2 Ladies Soupin It Up.
Why did you get into this business?
I started the business with my daughter-in-law, Bri, 7 years ago to get to know who was dating my son (they have since gotten married). Ever since then my husband and son have joined the business. The kids now are in Alberta where they have moved and continue the business as well there. I have always loved soups and enjoyed cooking. Having 2 diabetic granddaughters I had to learn a lot about nutrition and what was in the food they ate. Our habits had to change to a healthy way of eating.
What is the goal of your business?
To continue building the company and be able to dehydrate more of the products we use in our mixes from local farmers. To pride ourselves on being a locally made company with ingredients from the Okanagan Valley.
Photo Credit: Frances Callaghan
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To balance work and family life. To take time to oneself and enjoy life and all the good it has to offer.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. It has made who I am. I have learnt to be strong, have a voice and to be loved by my Family & Friends
What do you always find yourself saying?
No worries…
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live as if there might be no tomorrow. Always say I love you when you say goodbye as it may be the last words that person will hear from you..
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My siblings, as we live in different places. It would be so nice just to have one day with all of us enjoying a moment being kids again.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keeping your money in the community, supporting small businesses and knowing where your products come from. Connecting with the community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Watching my 2 boys become fathers…
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jodie Gillman One of the strongest women I know. She has raised 2 girls with diabetes. Jodie is an advocate to bring awareness for people to learn about the disease while looking after the rest of the family, never once thinking of herself.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dawn Larden
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!
