Meet Paul Bamra. Paul was born and raised in Victoria!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family (includes a small group of friends and their dogs). It's pretty straightforward, they are my rock.
What is your favourite local store in Victoria and why?
Everything Old in Brentwood, I like old vintage stuff from before my time, a lot of items in the shop take me back and reminds me of simpler times.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bora Bora, can't really describe why its a calling. Just waiting on the 6/49.
What is your favourite activity in Victoria?
Walking. I enjoy being by the ocean or on a trail in the woods.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was at work and walked into a room that should've been empty, but wasn't. It was a big conference meeting, caught me so off guard when everyone looked at me, I, without any hesitation walked back out.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Achieving my Master level in Reiki. It's changed my world and how I look at things. Learned a lot about myself and my life. All thanks to a certain someone who saw something in me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Easy, playing in the mud and jumping in puddles. Still do it today.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Volunteer at Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association. They provide a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities that promotes and enriches their physical, psychological and social well-being. I'm a volunteer side walker, just finished my level one horse grooming with them, on the occasion I offer them my woodworking handyman skills and help do repairs on their barn, stalls etc.
It's a magical place, very therapeutic for me as well.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Free education. We must look at the spirit of education, to how it enriches an individual's soul and mind, how it breaks the cycle of poverty and benefits future generations. Both on personal and national level, education has been shown to increase economic growth and stability. One of the most important benefits of education again is how it improves personal lives and helps societies run smoothly. We live longer, fuller, and happier lives as learned and knowledgeable individuals.
Where would you sneak away to in Victoria to spend some time alone?
Take the drive up to Port Renfrew. I found my soul there, would like to go back and recharge.
Where would you like to see positive change in Victoria and why?
Honestly, for me, it would go back to free education. Cheaper car insurance would be nice too.
What do you think makes Victoria great?
The fact that we are surrounded by water and have the ability to go for a walk practically anywhere and change our scenery is pretty amazing.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Don't have a bucket list really, have goals in life and things I would like to accomplish, but life can change and all I can do is make my decisions accordingly.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I like to listen to Baroque classical music, everyone already knows I love country.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
What is the name of your business/organization?
I actually don't have a business name yet, just go off of my Facebook and Instagram. Word of mouth is still my best form of advertising.
Why did you get into/start this business?
In Jr. High, my wood shop teacher saw something in me and helped me realize my hidden talent. It's always been my zen thing, started to pay more attention to it last few years.
What is the goal of your business?
Well right now I'm just a bearded guy that takes all his tools out to the deck on sunny days and starts creating art, the goal is to get big enough, get a shop and turn my hobby into a business.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Sometimes I get so wrapped up in chasing the next big thing I want, and I fail to see what I really need has always been right here standing in front of me, which is priceless. So learning how to be/enjoy whats present.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
If things didn't happen the way they did, then no life lessons would have been learnt. So no, I wouldn't change anything, I would just take what I've learned and know how to deal with it better next time around.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Hold my Chai, I got this!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If you want something you never had, you have to do something you've never done.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Don't want to put them on the spot, so I'll just say it involves a certain lady and two certain dogs at a cabin out in Port Renfrew.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keep the Canadian dollar in Canada.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finally learning to see the positive in everything.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My mother, "when I'm lost in the dark ocean, she's the one who guided me to the shore."
My choice for the VictoriaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Brenna Fletcher – Reiki Master, teacher and friend.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Don't let anyone rush you with their timelines.
– Jay Shetty
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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Victoria!
