Meet Laurel, she moved from Burnaby to Vernon 10 years ago. Her passion for the arts and pottery has led her to opening her own pottery company in Vernon. When she isn't busy getting clay on her hands on the kiln, she volunteers with the Creative Chaos Society.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids, husband and my mom; they recently moved to Vernon.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love all the funky downtown stores and don't get enough time to peruse them. I also love Ritchcraft Gallery out on Lakeshore. It's a fun, happy gallery.
Describe yourself in one word.
Artsy.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ireland. We haven't travelled since we had kids a dozen years ago. I miss Europe. It's magical.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love the lake and beaches. They fill my bucket.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ever? I could tell you but I'd have to kill you….kidding – no way am I telling!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I think moving to the Okanagan after so many years of graphic design in Vancouver. I love design but it's a very different kind of creativity because it's manufactured and for a sole purpose. The Okanagan has given me a slower lifestyle and allowed me to follow my pottery dreams again.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have many great childhood memories. I loved swimming in my uncle and aunts pool in Kamloops when we visited (I think I was born with fins for feet). I remember when we first brought home our dog. The talks he and I had were so great and totally one-sided of course. I remember tobogganing down the hill in the neighbour's backyard, I was standing on the toboggan and my mom was yelling at me from the kitchen window as she watched in horror. I was thrilled of course, and oddly, never took up snowboarding as an adult!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer at a number of art market/sales locally and try to donate my time with graphic design for their posters and advertising. I also teach pottery at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. I remember taking pottery classes on Wednesdays in Burnaby when we lived there. It was a hobby then and brought me such happiness. Now I get to help others see the joy in MUD!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More patience… my patience runs short too often.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love wandering around Opus Art Supplies. And if not a commercial spot then definitely a beach.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Seeing as I live in Vernon, I'm not over in Kelowna as much as I'd like and can't really offer much comment on how Kelowna needs to change. I do find the traffic maddening, but having lived in Vancouver for years I get that cities grow and people drive… I would say more transit. Also I really think the cities of the Okanagan should encourage more high-rises. Land is expensive and it's running short. We need to not gobble it up with single family homes. High-rises allow for more population in less square footage. Keep the orchards people!!! It's part of what makes our area amazing.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The sun, sand, lakes, orchards and people who LOVE to live here.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Visit the redwood forests in California.
- Travel to India and Asia.
- Finish my home studio!!!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm shy. I don't come off as shy but there's still a bit of me that's nervous.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, Instagram and my website!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Laurel's Boutique. I do pottery but also paint and make some jewellery. I'm also interested in a couple other artsy fields and hope time allows for me to get into those too.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have loved pottery since I was young. I took pottery classes for 10 years when we lived in Burnaby as a creative outlet while I worked full time as a graphic designer. Moving to Vernon gave me the opportunity to grow the pottery!
What is the goal of your business?
Everyone needs a handmade mug. Everyone. Coffee and tea (or whatever you choose!) tastes best in a handmade mug. Donate all those mugs you have from China and go find a potter. You won't regret it!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing life. Kids and a husband need plenty of love and care and that sometimes makes getting into the studio difficult. I'd like more time in my day please…
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same. Life has many lessons. I have no regrets.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Um well, I have a line of mugs that have swearing phrases. Mostly because I use many of them. WTF is an example! LOL
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Be happy for you. No one can do it for you and you can't do it for anyone else. Choose happy.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
There is a potter I follow on Instagram and I'd love to take one of his courses. His name is Tortus and he's from Copenhagen. He teaches in the US sometimes too. I have a couple celebrity crushes (who doesn't) but I suspect the real thing would lack compared to the person you imagine and likely we'd have little in common.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Every dollar counts. Buy from artists. We're working day and night at our gig to show it to the world.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My kids. Love them both to the moon.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I just finished the Art on the Avenue and would like to thank them all for a very well organized event. Next year I will bring better battery operated lighting! Shopping for pottery in the dark isn't ideal!
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!
