Meet Mirela! Mirela is originally from Frankfurt, Germany and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for three years. She enjoys spending quality time with her imaginative son and connecting with others who share the same passion for barre.
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Frankfurt Germany and have lived in Kelowna for almost 3 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My 4-year old son, because I love to experience the world the way he sees it. Through his eyes, everything seems more magical.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Urban Barn and home sense. I always get great inspirations for decorating my home which I never have time to do 🙂
Describe yourself in one word.
Visionary.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Mancora, Peru. Good old memories.
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Barre.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't really get embarrassed easily. I love having something to laugh about and quite often it is about myself.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching the people in my life going through struggles and still smiling and finding a purpose in life. For example, my mother who raised her children and built a house for her family all on her own in a country she didn't even know the language. My friend who lost her 2-year-old daughter and is now raising her 5-year-old son. I see people around me who inspire me every day. They learn, believe, love, empathize, help and forgive.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I was in 5th grade when I was part of a local mini playback show. Me and my 3 friends were singing and dancing on stage to an Ace of Base song called "The sign". We were basically pretending to be Ace of Base and were lip syncing. We placed second overall in the competition.
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered for the Branda Strafford Society through my work at Accenture. It is an organization that serves women and children impacted by domestic violence. I have also been part of the Family YMCA as a volunteer teaching barre twice a week.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The lake – between rotary beach and El Dorado hotel.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see more affordable housing, stronger support for the homeless, more quality child-care facilities and increased public transportation options in Kelowna. Fewer vehicles will mean a reduction in gas stations, the need to redevelop parking lots etc. I also think we all need to come together even closer as a community and use the fact that we have more and more millennials and young families living in this beautiful city to increase the growth and development, create more jobs and support local businesses. We can't hide from the fact that Kelowna is becoming more and more a large urban metro centre, not just individual communities located along Highway 97. We need to get prepared for that.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Their people, the lake, the mountains, the quality of life. A great place to raise our children.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Barre retreat in Sayulita
Continue backpacking through South America
Finally find time to go to Sparkling Hill with my babe.
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I backpacked alone through all countries in Central America and the northern part of South America for 7 months. I was married when I was 21.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Barresoul
Why did you get into/start this business?
It has been my childhood dream.
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
What is the goal of your business?
To connect through the love for barre! To provide a space for everyone (no matter of age, previous experience etc.) to feel empowered, connected and get the balance in their life they need.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
To get to where I am today and do what I love doing! I am finally there!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Not even one single thing! Everything I did led me to where I am today and this is where I always wanted to be… in a place where I can deeply breath, learn, experience and be free!
What do you always find yourself saying?
I can do that!
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Just listen to your heart!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Steve Blythe, a former colleague and my mentor for years. I would love to spend a day with him just talking, reflecting, laughing and eating.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
This is how our community can grow and develop. Supporting local businesses means supporting local families. Also, you know what you are truly getting and where it is coming from.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising a healthy, smart, kind and loving little person – and…when my 4-year old son tells me how proud he is of me as his mom 😉
Photo Credit: Mirela Johnson
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My boyfriend Austin Spencer – He is my biggest supporter! He helps me build my business, raise our child, stay calm when needed and pushes me to move forward and not to look back.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Scott Schlosser
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!
