Meet Franki Beaney. She is from the UK and has been in Kelowna for nine years!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Willow, my yellow lab, she brings so much joy to my life every day!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakeview Market! Beautiful bakery, butchers are awesome and they supply our local farmers produce.

Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Turquoise Bay Resort, Roatán. To scuba dive. It's so relaxing and the dive centre staff are amazing!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Falling over a step whilst in high heels, in front of all my work colleagues. Mortified!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Both my babies were born prematurely. Watching them take each little step in early life was truly inspiring.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I love to give back! I do it through my artwork and sewing! I have painted and donated several pieces of artwork for different charities, mostly animal or mental health charities. I also sew little tiny smocks for the premature babies in neonatal intensive care units and dog bandanas to raise funds for our smaller animal rescue centres.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That's really hard. We have to change so much! I think the first thing that comes to my mind is not everyone has easy access to fresh drinking water, I would like that to change.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Myra Canyon, I sneak there most days with Willow and hike. It's definitely one of my happy places!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Every left turn needs a light, please and thank you.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people, the scenery, and the climate!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To buy a piece of land and build a little cabin, this will be my sanctuary!
2. To grow as much of my own food as possible so I know what I'm eating!
3. To scuba dive all the oceans and explore them!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to be obsessed with cleaning my house, trust me, my friends will be amazed when they read this!

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?
FrankiBeaneyArt.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Five years ago, I discovered my artistic side.

What is the goal of your business?
At the moment I am focused on painting Mandalas with tiny dots. My goal is to have some Mandalas displayed in local businesses, then I'll see where I head from there!

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle is time or the lack of it. I cram as much as possible into my life!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Probably the same!

What do you always find yourself saying?
Lovely!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Let the small stuff go. Accept that your children's bedrooms are always going to be a mess. Giving is much better than receiving.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Only one? Elspeth McLean based on Salt Spring Island, she is an incredible mandala artist!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Support small businesses.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving to Canada! It was hard but so worth it. I feel privileged to live here!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Laura Vigar, owner of Watsons Hound Lounge. Her doggy daycare is amazing! My Willow drags me up the steps to get in, the staff are wonderful and it's clean!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Laura Vigar.

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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!