Meet Laura! She was born and raised in Rossland B.C! She finished her Undergrad in Human Kinetics at UBCO. She's moved around and lived in the Yukon and Calgary before making a move back to Kelowna!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Is it too cheesy to say, my boyfriend? He's the most hilarious person you will ever meet, he never stresses and is always positive. He also has a pretty sweet Bronco.. so if I'm sitting shotgun, listening to country & driving to a patio, I'm one happy clam.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Public Liquor! If you haven't been there, you NEED to check it out. They have the coolest selection of local wine, BC craft beer, and cider. I'll head there just to look at all the cool labels, and I never leave empty-handed. They support local businesses too.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy. I've been when I was little, but I would love to go back now that I understand and appreciate the history… and food a bit more! I have many relatives over there, and I would love to explore more where I came from!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking, Biking, Boating, running.. anything outdoors!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The smallest gestures can make a huge impact. The one thing my parents made emphasis on when I was growing up… is to be a good person. I never fully understood what that meant until my Dad showed me. I was about 10 years old, and we were in the line at a grocery store when an elderly man in front of us dropped a $10 bill. He was halfway out the building before we realized that he must have dropped it. My Dad had a bad knee and still ran all the way out of the store just to give his $10 back. It was only $10, but my dad was just such a good person. I've been inspired, from that moment on, to be a good person just like him.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up on a little hobby farm where we raised cows and chickens. I was lucky enough to spend the majority of my childhood outdoors. All of my favorite memories are of me, and my dad just doing stuff outside. We would walk the fence line, feed the animals and torch some huge fire ant nests. My dad had so many sweet old vehicles that we would drive around the property. Since I was too young and short to drive, I'd sit on my dad's lap and steer as he's drive old trucks, bulldozers, snowmobiles, and tractors. I love the smell of grease and gasoline, and to this day it brings back the best memories.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to help out wherever I can. I have a huge passion for teaching group fitness! Every year I teach at "Spin for Kids" put on by Goodlife Fitness- teaching spin classes to raise money to support kids in living fit and healthy lives! The Canadian Cancer Society has played a huge role in my family's lives' over the years, so I am looking forward to volunteering at the Kelowna location. I also donate blood whenever I can!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I'd go for a run to somewhere secluded and with great views of Paul's Tomb or around the lakes in Wilden!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
To make downtown ever more walkable! It would be great to see more free parking up from downtown. It might prevent the condensed traffic right downtown! There is never any parking, so it would be great to see people parking on the outskirts of downtown, and walking or biking down! Kelowna…stop driving everywhere, get out on your bike/feet/blades to get places! Gas prices are high anyway.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna has everything you could need while still being a smaller sized city. It's got trails and mountains, wineries, beaches and a lake. All the local events, festivals, marathons, and shows that happen all year round!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.Complete a Grandfondo bike relay
2. Travel to Greece and Italy
3. Skydive
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a Spin Instructor, and I bake cakes in my spare time!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram, Wildfirefoodco
What is the name of your business/organization?
Wildfirefood.co
Why did you get into/start this business?
My business partner Keith Brewster and I met through our interest of health and fitness. We are both adventurists who spend a lot of time outdoors. So we decided to combine our love for adventure and health into foods we can eat on the way!
What is the goal of your business?
We create eco-friendly, healthy alternatives to freeze-dried camping foods! It's nutrient-packed food for adventure packed lifestyles! We're a small local company selling in a few stores and online at WildFire Food Co!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Definitely starting your own business! My expertise is in health science, not business, so it been a challenge trying to start a business with only passion to drive it. I've learned a lot on the way and am excited to keep learning!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Oh, there is so much I think I would do differently, but everything that has happened has got me to where I am now… so I wouldn't change a thing!
What do you always find yourself saying?
K, SO cool. OMG amazing. Mhmm
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
I am definitely a firm believer of "Hard work pays off."
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's all about community and supporting one another. If you support local, they will also support you. Kelowna is booming for small business owners, and it is so great to see like-minded individuals pursuing their passions.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
When I finished my first Triathlon and actually placed! I am not a swimmer, and nearly drowned- It felt do good to actually accomplish something that I had little confidence in!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My business partner Keith Brewster! He is the most driven guy I know and will do anything he sets his mind to. I look up to him and strive to have the work ethic as he does. He is not only a friend and adventure buddy- but a true mentor as well
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Organic Tan Kelowna's Annie Page!
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!
