Meet Natasha, she is from Kelowna and has lived here her entire life! Natasha is a freelance artist and designer.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Definitely Frock & Fellow, it’s dangerous since I always find at least one thing I love in there!
Describe yourself in one word.
Thoughtful
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Mediterranean – because who doesn’t love warm weather, great food and beautiful architecture.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Biking, especially with the new Rail Trail in place, oh and you can’t forget enjoying ice-cream downtown!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I’d love if everyone understood their true value and worth, and understood their unique purpose.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I’d like to see the housing market slow down and become more accessible to millennials and young working professionals. I believe that if housing was more affordable, more young people wouldn’t feel the need to move away.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna’s a destination hot spot, we have incredible views and so many new job opportunities!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Travel to the Mediterranean
- Sell my illustrations and designs at Indigo/Chapters
- Learn a second language
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I lived in the Amazon jungle for 2 and a half months. I fell in love with the Brazilian culture, food and people.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You can find me on Instagram, and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Natasha Vanderburg Creative
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’ve always had a love for art and design. Since I was a child, my heart overflowed when I had created, making it an easy and obvious choice deciding what career path I wanted to take. I began just over 2 years ago after attending design school at BCIT!
What is the goal of your business?
Making your company, brand or business look good through strategic and intentional design. I’m also a watercolour illustrator and love combining design with painting to create something magical.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Developing a strong work-life balance. It can be difficult as a freelancer to take time to rest as there’s always something you could be doing.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If I started again I would reach out to more individuals in my profession, seeking their guidance, as well as post more of my work from the start.
What do you always find yourself saying?
I was created to create.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Love one another unconditionally.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally allows our community to grow and thrive, and it’s a way to encourage small business owners to continually pursue their dreams. Supporting local businesses also creates a unique culture, a culture defined by the amazing local companies that can be found throughout the Okanagan.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
It’s been humbling to work with outstanding individuals including redesigning the WestCabs branding, creating design pieces for Okanagan Lifestyle and working with Kelowna’s new City Manager, Doug Gilchrist, to create his portfolio for the job opening.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Joshua Leventhal, a local musician and wordsmith that will certainly go far.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Joshua Leventhal
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!
