In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Kim Ansley.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Kelowna born and raised. 42 years of Okanagan living.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I really enjoy spending time with my husband, Darren. We can accomplish anything when we are together. We opened the cafe together almost 20 years ago now. We are an excellent balance to each other and he gives me so much strength and confidence.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Big Island of Hawaii for sure. They have such a great vibe there and there really is so much to do and so relaxing, and the best coconut cream pie… Yum.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I have so many favourite stores right out the cafe doors Georgie Girl, Water Garden, Natural Resources, Posh, Cream Salon. All run by hard working local people. So easy to spend my money there.
What is your favourite activity?
I really love spending time watching my kids excel at their activities. They grow up too fast. I just want to slow down and enjoy every moment.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos. Fun to eat and every bite can be different.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I’m not a person who can really be embarrassed that easily so if I have done it then I will own it.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I find my kids so inspirational. Overcoming their personal obstacles and coming out on top. Just giving them the tools to be the best they can and believing in them. It's so wonderful watching their personal journeys.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I really enjoyed camping with my dad. Climbing in the Jeep with my brother, him and pitching a tent in the sand and playing in the river and climbing on the smooth rocks and swimming in the waterfalls. The Okanagan is the perfect place to grow up.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been on the school PAC for nine years now and the president for three. I coach my daughter's soccer team and have donated my time and Cafe resources to offer breakfast numerous times for the kick off of bike to work week.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I just simply wish people would be more accepting of each other. We would all get along so much better and would struggle less if we have more support from each other.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Camping with my family. The forest renews me.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Beyond wrapture for a mud wrap and massage. Truly a special treat.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see positive change in the public transit system. Please put any type of public transit out by Magic estates and Wilden. My kids have to walk over 45 minutes just to get on a city bus. Crazy. You just can’t give the kids the tools to be independent in a city that has a transit system that doesn’t encourage and allow them to do so.
But I love the fact that you can live, work, play and get a first class education all in one lovely little city like this is great.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I really want to drive across Canada with my kids. I have never done it and think it’s something everyone should do at least once.
2. Swim in the Dead Sea.
3. Visit all the wonders of the world.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When we bought the cafe I didn’t drink coffee. Nothing crazier than owning a coffee shop and not drinking the coffee. I now have a great love for the delicious coffee we serve. Darren works closely with our roaster and our coffee is just so good. It’s easy to enjoy.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
People find me at the Bike Shop Cafe, serving up the delicious coffee and house made soups. We have a website and Facebook. Or you will find me in my lawn chair at the soccer pitch.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Bike Shop Cafe and Catering Co.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Darren and I met in culinary school at the Okanagan College. He was cooking, I had a job serving and he saw an add in the Daily Courier for a cafe for sale and apparently at age 23 with no savings and a whole lot of hard work we made it happen. We bought it back in 1998 and we are still going strong.
What is the goal of your business?
Just to make people feel welcome and happy in our space. It’s a break for people. We have known most of our customers for years and they make my day.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing everything. I wish I could stop and focus on one task more than jumping from work to activity. I know I could do a better job if I slowed down.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have enjoyed my journey so I can’t think of anything I would change.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"We got this!" Always making sure everyone thinks we can pull off the impossible.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
James Corden I think. He just seems like he is having an absolute blast all the time. Would be a fun day of singing in the car and running some sort of crazy antics.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Why would you want to give your hard earned money to someone you don’t know? I like supporting my friends and cafe customers.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My kids. They are truly epic individuals and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Lisa Watson. She gives and volunteers so much of her time and energy to support autism awareness and family support I think she is pretty great.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Lisa Watson.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am so happy to own and operate a business here in Kelowna and have a chance to raise my kids here. Life is full of opportunities if you are willing to put in some hard work.
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, Kelowna.
