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?
Lisa Alentejano Gaetz.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Burnaby and have lived in Kelowna for 5 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I don't have just one. It would have to be my twin sister and my two boys.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Thailand.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bia Boro is one of my favorite clothing stores. Beautiful and unique selection of items.
What is your favourite activity?
Yoga.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
After my marriage ended I decided I was ready to embark into the online dating world. I created my profile and waited. Voila! Messages started to come in, but from women… I realized I had chosen interested in women instead of men.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Co-authoring a book that went best seller on Amazon! I was writing with 17 other amazing women and the opportunity to hear their stories and get to know them personally. It was an amazing chance to share that experience.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favorite childhood memory would be the motorhome trips we took as a family. We travelled everywhere. One trip took us to Disneyland and other parts of California. We made many memories together along the way.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I don't belong to one organization. I am typically the person that when someone needs me, I go. For example, when we had our flooding issues this year there were so many people that needed help sand-bagging, so I stepped and helped in where I could.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
World peace. That no one would ever be in fear of where they live and where they raise their families. That everyone would love one another regardless of race or religion.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Practicing yoga at Moksha Yoga.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I wish there would be a bigger place for our homeless to go. I work and live downtown and it is difficult to see the amount of people that live on the streets in our community.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We have four seasons in which we can enjoy everything from swimming in the lakes, hiking the mountains, and wine tasting. We have something to offer to anyone!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To obtain my yoga teacher training for Moksha Yoga.
2. Spend more time mentoring and coaching others that require assistance when going through hard, challenging, life transitions.
3. Meet the love of my life!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am an identical twin.
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?
Financial expert, public speaker, author and coach.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started in finance almost 20 years ago. I have a passion for people and this allows me to help others with one of the largest financial investments we will ever make.
What is the goal of your business?
To help others in all aspects of their life, personal and professional lives.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
When my marriage ended two years ago after 24 years.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No! Everything I've gone through was meant for me to experience. It has completely shaped and allowed me to grow into who I am today. I am very thankful for all of my life lessons. Although they might not be easy but they are necessary.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'YES' People joke and call me the YES girl. I have learned that in order to grow, you need to step out of your comfort zone, try new things and say yes. We have one life to live and I choose to live it full out!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I love Gabriel Bernstein.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It supports our growing, local community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a mother. You will never know the love of a child until you have your own. It is the most rewarding and life fulfilling experience ever. I love my two boys and am so proud of the individuals they have become and continue to show me daily!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My twin sister, Simone. She recently was given a project to implement a health and wellness program within her organization. She is a police officer for TransLink and she is finally seeing it come to fruition.
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.
