Meet Melissa! She connects people through the stories that she tells in her photography.
Photo Credit: Melissa Robin
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm a BC girl through-and-through. I moved back to Kelowna in 2018, after 15 years in Calgary.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Right now, I'd have to say it's my sister. We moved back to Kelowna to be near family and it's been great being back in the same city as her. Growing up, we were definitely not each others' best friend as we were just so completely different. But as we've been moving through our 30s and into our 40s, I feel so lucky that we've reconnected and that we are here to support each other through motherhood, family changes, and all the other challenges that life apparently feels need to start cropping up faster and faster at this stage of life. I can't wait to see what the next few decades have in store for us, and I'm so glad to have her nearby.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Oh, this is a tough one! There are so many fantastic local places in Kelowna. Right now, my favourite would have to be Karmyc Bazaar on Pandosy Street downtown. So many fantastic locally sourced artistic pieces!
Describe yourself in one word.
Multi-passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Everywhere I haven't been yet! I absolutely love travelling and seeing new places and new cultures. That being said, I just read about Rangiroa in French Polynesia, where the diving looks incredible. As my first degree is in Marine Biology, I would absolutely love to go see the marine life there!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything outdoors. I love being on the water, snowshoeing in the mountains, and walking along Mission Creek. Especially in the autumn – it is gorgeous and so accessible.
Photo Credit: Melissa Robin
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ah…. I'm sure there are so many to choose from… but oddly enough, no specific ones seem to come to mind at the moment.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My most recent inspiration has been my friend Heather (@happilyheath). She is one strong mother and overall amazing human being. Her 11-year old daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in mid-2018 and it's been quite the year for her and her family through 2019. I am simply amazed at how, even while going through such unimaginable times, they make the choice to face every day and every moment with joy and find the good in the "in-betweens".
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I had a rather unique childhood, growing up in what some may call the mid-1800s. My mom and dad moved to BC from Ontario when mom was pregnant with me, and bought 40 acres of land out near Valemount, BC. On that land, (using only a book for guidance) with the help of friends, many hand tools and the occasional chainsaw, they built a log cabin from trees they felled themselves. There was no running water and no electricity to the property at the time, but it made for a truly magical childhood. I remember collecting ladybugs and wild strawberries in the summer and building the most epic snow fort igloos in the winter, followed by cozy nights heated by the woodburning stove and lit by gas oil lamps. Purely magical.
Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
I truly believe that sometimes small acts of kindness can make for the biggest change. I keep this in mind as I make a point of brightening the days of those who may appear less fortunate or who otherwise might be passed by. Sometimes all it takes is a kind smile, a listening ear, or a gesture of kindness to brighten someone's day.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to see more people take imperfect action in kindness, where we build each other up, rather than bring others down.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
As a natural introvert, I love my alone time! Getting out into nature in Mission Park, or even being cozy in my living room in Kelowna make for great personal escapes.
Photo Credit: Melissa Robin
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think more random acts of kindness and generosity towards all people would be amazing. We're all in this together, after all.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Having grown up through my childhood in the woods, and then living in Vancouver through my school years (there's some extremes for ya!), I love the middle-sized city feel of Kelowna. Great amenities, amazing outdoors and climate, fantastic cideries and wineries, connectedness to other cities and countries through travel, and generally amazing people are added bonuses.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel for a year cruising to all the continents and as many countries as possible
2. Buy back the little cabin in the woods where I grew up so I can share it's amazingness with others
3. Help 10,000+ people discover their "ordinary superhero" stories and share them with the world to build amazing history.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I recently travelled to one of the farthest points of land from the Okanagan on this planet; Mauritius. It's the original home of the dodo bird (now extinct) but also home to an amazing tortoise sanctuary where I had the pleasure of sitting in a giant field with 100+ Aldabaran tortoises while they enjoyed their morning meal. It was simply incredible!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Lifestory U
Instagram: @lifestoryu
Website: www.lifestoryu.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
Lifestory U
Why did you get into this business?
I've been a photographer and storyteller for over 20 years, and was struck with how, although photography is becoming more and more prevalent and accessible (do you know that we now take more photos in 2 minutes than were taken in the entire 1800's??), there were fewer and fewer connections being made using the medium. And with everything going digital, there are fewer and fewer stories and images that survive past the 5-year mark. I became worried that people would no longer be able to see photos of their grandparents (or even themselves as kids) as they are becoming lost to the digital ether. As such, I started Lifestory U, where photography and written word stories are connected and printed, to create memories that will endure to be shared as you wish and with those whom you hold dear.
What is the goal of your business?
To connect humans to each other through the creative arts of photography and storytelling. We all have stories to share, and it is through the sharing of these stories that histories are written and connections made. The goal of Lifestory U is to bring the stories of the untold "ordinary superheroes" into the light so that history will shine a little brighter.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
It's gotta be keeping it all balanced and in check! As a multi-passionate person, I've always got so many things on the go. Thank goodness for calendars, planners, and Google!
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
For the most part, I think I would do things the same. After all, I wouldn't be where I am without all the successes, as well as struggles, that have brought me to this moment. That having been said, I think I would have gotten out of my own way sooner. Less doubt, more imperfect action!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"It's all good". I am also very much an over-user of emojis lately. 😉
Photo Credit: Melissa Robin
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Just Breathe.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tough one! There are so many inspiring people out there. Off the top of my head, I would have to go with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have been through some amazing adventures already and it would be great to connect over tea (or stronger, if they're into that). I'd also love to hear more about their new initiative called Travalyst and see how I could help with that.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I believe that big world changes start with small actions in our own village and support of our own neighbours, to ripple out from there. There's so much talent and so much amazing product/ produce here in the Okanagan to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Melissa Robin
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Besides my kids, I would have to say bringing Lifestory U into the world and nurturing it to bring good things to others.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
To the amazing women I work with and who have also surrounded me through motherhood (back in Calgary and here in Kelowna). I am simply in awe of how much these women bring each other up.
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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!
