Meet Keith. He's from Crowsnest Pass, Alberta and has been living in Kelowna since 2003.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Mark. He’s my stabilizer. He helps keep me calm and grounded. I always tell people you know you’ve have found your person when you two can just sit and do all your nothings with.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love the Unless Market. Everything is natural and handmade. They have everything from slippers, candles, face products and my favourite bath Epsom salts. I’m a sucker for a bath.
Describe yourself in one word.
Rainbow.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali! I went last April and it stole my heart. The food, people and the beaches are an absolutely magical place to be. OR hanging out with Britney Spears! I've seen her five times in concert. Also magical!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Honestly hitting up some of the best fitness studios Kelowna has to offer. I love to try all things and leave nothing out. Also, there is something to be said for eating some Parlour Ice Cream and going for a walk by the water.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I pretty much embarrass myself on the daily but if I had to narrow it down to one I’d say when I had food poisoning and attempted to teach a spin class in the summer. I threw up all over my bike and the floor in front. Gross and highly embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I get inspired constantly. My job is nothing but inspiring. I get to see all different types of people but what is inspiring about that is they are coming under one roof unified, no matter their issues that day, whether it be family, job, or financials of life. These people are here and showing up every day supporting each other and I get to be apart of their every day; a part of what lights them up. Something that they make time for and need in their life to me, that’s inspiring, seeing their everyday struggles and wins of life and being able to share it with them. You get to really see the nitty gritty when people exercise and that builds relationships for life. TRULY INSPIRING!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Most of my favourite childhood memories are of me eating. But also the day I got my pony for my eighth birthday. Not every boy gets a pony for their birthday. It was better than a dog because I could ride him. He was my angel for 14 years! Something so therapeutic about horses and just being in their surroundings.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
At Oranj, we have our Mats for Metta charity which makes yoga accessible for everyone. We provide instructors, blocks, mats, and straps to organizations in the community. We even have a yearly fundraiser at Oranj which is to have the largest outdoor yoga event every year which is by donation and all proceeds go towards getting all the good yoga vibes to available for all.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Making everyone realize fitness will save them.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Honestly, if you’re going for a run with headphones in, nobody is going to bother you. Best things happen to you when you run!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see more after-school fitness programs available for kids. Not just anything but something that is focused and teaches kids not only to have fun but also to build a strong support system with one another and I feel like fitness provides that for kids. Could anything from a hike or yoga but something where they get to fork healthy and supportive relationships without having to spend money. Making it accessible for all kids or teens.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
It’s honestly the vibes here from the people, stores, and obviously the beauty literally everywhere you look. Kelowna to me is like living in a warm blanket. So good!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To own a donkey and goats
2. To ACTUALLY go on a honeymoon
3. To get on Big Brother
Bonus!
4. To meet Britney Spears!
Bucket lists are hard. I try to make them fun.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I eat a doughnut almost every day.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I make the majority of my connections through my every day with people. I see about 200 faces a day. Been loving doing the Instagram stories talking about my day with people.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Oranj Fitness.
Why did you get into/start this business?
To help people find something that lights them up.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide an amazing fitness experience that is transformational and never takes itself to seriously.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Honestly to not be a workaholic. I bury myself in my job work. It almost becomes addicting.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change a single thing. No regrets.
What do you always find yourself saying?
The words 'sooooooo good' come out of my mouth about 100 times daily.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Never worry about failing, worry about giving up. No matter what goes on, keep your head up. It’s how you survive.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Hands down Oprah or Michelle Obama! They are life forces that I believe can and are changing the world. Strongest beings I know in the world.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because that’s how your community survives. How to make connections and get actual real things that you know who did it, how they did it and you honestly feel good about supporting quality and helping people keep doing what they love.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
The relationships I’ve built with my inner support system.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shauna Nyrose! She is someone that gives the most infectious energy, SHE LIGHTS ME UP!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shauna Nyrose.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I LOVE IN FOCUS!
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!
