Meet Paige, she is from Northern B.C. and has lived in Kelowna for 3 years. She is a killer momtrepreneur and also a proud supporter of the local arts scene in Kelowna! She is sure an inspiration to tattoo artists in our community.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids, because they're hillarious and they're jerks.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Does food count? I love O'Lakes the people are so awesome.
Describe yourself in one word.
Awesome.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go?
Greece.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Beach or VR arcade lol.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Hmm… probably when I was a kid and I was swinging around a bar on the playground and someone went to "tag" me and grabbed my shirt which was a button down and it ripped open.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a mother.. my kids inspire me daily. They make me who I am and they make me strive to be the best at what I do. Hearing, "you're the best mommy in the world" is more inspiring than anything else every could be.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was little me and my brothers LOVED Jurassic park and we would often play dinosaurs outside.. usually I was the victim and my brothers were the velociraptors and I always died but it was back when everything was simple, silly and fun. I was close to my brothers back then and I'm not really any more, so I miss it.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I honestly don't get a ton of time to volunteer having four kids and a household of like eight people or more but I do love doing give aways to my clients. I'll also do flash sales and charity tattoo events whenever possible.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Hatred.. we could eliminate all the hate and intolerance… we are all human… we all deserve the same things.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The city park/boardwalk. I like to sit there..stare at the water and draw.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
There needs to be a better solution to the issue of homelessness in the downtown area… you can't criminalize them all but it's becoming a very unsafe environment… I don't feel my clients are safe when they leave in the evening and I have regularly picked up needles from the alley and parkade. It needs to change.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The art culture… so much in Kelowna centers around art and celebrates it and I love it.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- I want to beat a Guiness world record in tattooing.
- I want to blacksmith something.
- I want to see Europe.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I came extremely close to failing art in highschool.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram or Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Tradesman Tattoo Company.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because I love art. I love helping people heal and I love making people laugh and be happy.
What is the goal of your business?
To give people stunning pieces of art they can keep forever.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Trying to balance my life as a mom of four and my career as a full-time tattoo artist.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do everything the same… my choices led me here and I wouldn't give up what I have no matter how stressful it all is at times.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Can you change it? No? Then move on and figure out the next step.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Love with everything you have, to anyone, we are all human no matter our colour, gender, or culture. We all deserve life, love, and happiness.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Rebel Wilson; she is so full of shenanigans and humility and I just think it would be the best time ever.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local business is an amazing way to keep our local economy running and to show other people if they have a dream to make what they love their job, business or career that we WILL support you.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My progression in my career through everything I have been through in my life.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Tanya Zhang… not only is she the best social media manager, photographer and receptionist… she is an amazing kind human being who deserves every good thing in this world.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tanya Zhang
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I have been through more in my life than a lot of people could understand; from childhood trauma to growing up and having kids.. moving many times and opening my own business while getting screwed over by other people. My son was kidnapped by his father a year ago… and through it all thanks to my family and friends I am still here! I still look on the bright side and if I can inspire one person to keep positive then I am a happy person.
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!
