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?
Odette Baumgartner
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born North Vancouver grew up in the Kootenays. I have been in Kelowna since 2002.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Anyone happy, I am not into negative people.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To the top of a mountain on my horse.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Any nursery.
What is your favourite activity?
Horseback riding.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burger
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
There are too many to list, I seem to specialize in doing embarrassing things.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a parent as it brings an awareness to be the best you can be. You become the teacher of compassion, morals, health, ambition and so much more. I have been inspired to grow as a person so that I am the best role model for my kids.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up in Trout Lake, my parents owned the Windsor Hotel. Exploring abandoned cabins and sleeping on the beach for an entire summer are highlights. We enjoyed a freedom not many kids could ever imagine. We skated under the Northern lights on the frozen lake and slid off the second story roof onto the built up snow. I could go on forever on the crazy things we got up to .
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer for CDART, and have just taken my Introduction to Emergency Pet Services course. I am always looking for ways to be involved in the community. My business contributes to many local functions. I am big on community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love if all people were compassionate, kind and honest. If the world only consisted of good people, I'm sure that would alleviate a lot of our current problems.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anything outside is good with me.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Along a stream or river.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Let's get rid of cedar trees for landscaping. Lawns and cedars are my pet peeve. Water conservation should be taken more seriously.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
More hours in the day!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have struggled with anxiety for years and have learned that your mind does not control your thoughts, you do. Choose your thoughts carefully.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Odette's Skin Laser Wellness Clinic
What does your business do?
Corrective and preventative skincare
How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
OdettesSkinBodyCare
Where can people find your business online?
www.odettesskincare.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
It's what I knew I was going to do right out of high school. It's been 28 years!
What is the goal of your business?
Helping people feel great about their looks and health.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Limiting the number of animals I bring home.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
In hindsight, there are always things you'd do differently but since everything I have done has got me here, I'll happily take that
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As convenient as it is to use big box stores I avoid them as much as possible. I am a small business owner and love the personal feel to the local stores. We need to support each other and not contribute to making the rich richer. Support local.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Kathy Hubble, she's an amazing local athlete who gives 150 per cent to everything she does.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Kathy Hubble
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!
