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?
Linda Povarchook
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Princeton, but have lived all over the province. I have lived in Kelowna for 17 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My new grandson, Serge. He lives in Vancouver and sometimes Facetime just doesn't cut it. I need those cuddles.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
In the Lake District in England. Actually, anywhere in the English, French or Italian countryside would be perfect.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mosaic Books. It's where I go to treat myself to a new cooking or design magazine.
What is your favourite activity?
Cooking and baking. I love spending the day in the kitchen preparing for guests.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Oh that's tough, but I would have to say burgers.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Playing a change machine in Blackpool, much to my husband's amusement. When he tells the story, his embellishments make it even more humourous.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being my mom's daughter. She was strong both mentally and physically and although she has been gone for almost 12 years, she continues to inspire me on a daily basis. XO
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Spending hot summer afternoons riding my bike, as fast as I could, through the spray of an irrigation sprinkler in the Logan's hay field. My neighbourhood friends and I would literally spend hours completing the circular route through the neighbourhood and down past the field. The sound of the sprinkler was mesmerizing and when I hear it today in orchards or vineyards, I'm right back on my bicycle, heading down that hill.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Every year at work, we choose a non-profit organization and try and come up with a new way to raise funds for them. Last year, we collected donations to the food bank and matched the final tally. Because we are a female owned business, we often focus on women's issues as well.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
A world with no bullying would be close to the top of the list. A compliment or kind word takes nothing to give but can make a huge difference in someone's day/life.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
My friend, Shelley, and I walk five mornings a week and it's a great way to start the day and enjoy our city. We have discovered all kinds of parks, neighbourhoods, walkways and ponds we had no idea existed.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My backyard.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think I'm already seeing it. More downtown living = more downtown activity. So many tourists have commented in the past two years how much livelier and inviting the downtown core has become.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Landscape and climate. No question.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Do a home exchange.
2) Rent a beach house in Hawaii for my entire family.
3) Visit Scotland with my sister to see where our family originated.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to stutter badly as a child. My mom would calmly tell me to slow down and take my time. It worked
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
olive & elle
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have a background in fine arts and design, so it was a natural path for me to take. By age 13, I was rearranging the furniture in our house. My first dollhouse and my Barbie dollhouse still rank as two of my most favourite childhood toys.
What is the goal of your business?
To offer beautiful and useful goods conducive to keeping a peaceful, easy feeling home.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Learning that I don't have to 'do it all.' The best advice I've ever received was being told that it is okay to say no. It's hard, but I can now say it.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Hmmm. I would definitely work harder in school.
What do you always find yourself saying?
In our office at o&e we have this written on our white board: 'Everyone is dealing with something you know nothing about. Be kind.' We refer to this often.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
This is so difficult to answer. Queen Elizabeth would be amazing because of all she has witnessed and done. I watched the documentary, 'Becoming Warren Buffet', and was blown away by the man's brilliance and generosity but, having said that, I would like to spend a day with the film director, producer and screen write Nancy Myers (or someone from her team). That would be amazing. It's often said that the unspoken third star of her movies, such as Something's Gotta Give, It's Complicated, The Holiday, is the film's interiors.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally promotes a sense of community. I love that we all promote one another's business and, in a sense, look out for each other.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising two daughters who have become strong, independent and kind women.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Max Sloan, owner of Pulp Fiction. Max works seven days a week, runs a great business and is a wonderful addition to our neighbourhood.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Wendy and Emily from Europa Spa.
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.
