Meet Sam, she works for Axe Monkeys and is new to the Okanagan! If you see her around be sure to make her feel welcome.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Montreal, and just moved to Kelowna 2 weeks ago!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
It’s hard to pick one- I would have to say my family; my Mom, my Dad, my Brother, and my pup Molly.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Since I have only had a couple of weeks to check out the different local shops, it feels unfair to pick one. I am excited to explore all the independent shops Kelowna has to offer!
Describe yourself in one word.
Have to pick two here; determined, and friendly.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
It would be a tie between Italy and Greece. They both make some of the best food in the world and offer such an abundance of scenic beauty and culture to explore.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Enjoying all the different outdoor activities and scenery; whether that be hiking with my pup Molly, walking around the marina or downtown core, or visiting the beautiful wineries. The simple beauty everywhere just leaves me breathless!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
You will have to reach out to me personally to potentially find that one out 😉
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have made two big transformative moves in my life that brought such an eye-opening perspective and inspiration. The first was moving to Australia in 2013, I got a working holiday visa, sold all of my belongings in Montreal, packed 2 suitcases and headed to the land of OZ. The second one is moving to beautiful Kelowna, with a long-term objective this time. The world is so big, and it is only by seeing more of it, and doing what seems scary that you learn so much about yourself, that you may not have otherwise. It expands your perspective and courage in ways that I never imagined. I always loved the quote; “We travel not to see things, but to see things differently” and after experiencing it first hand I couldn’t find that truer.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing with the neighbourhood kids, and with my brother. I am very grateful for the simple life we had as kids. We lived in a development and were on an end street, where only those who lived on that street would come to. Every day dozens of kids would get together and ride bikes, play kick the can or explore the backyard forests. Every summer there would be ‘street parties’ where the entire street was blocked off, and each yard had BBQs, slip n’ slides, and various outdoor yard activities, which went right into the evening with bonfires! The grownups had just as much fun as the kids I think!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I believe that we have the opportunity to give back on a daily basis. It starts with how we treat people, and in sharing who we are and what we know, along with truly listening. I naturally love to talk to people about life’s philosophies, and through my previous work as a Personal Trainer, and Human Resources Director, it became instinctual to help shed new light, inspire strength in others and hopefully provide a perspective where it sometimes can be hard to see alone. “You never know when a moment or a few sincere words can have an impact on a life forever.” – Zig Ziglar
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would hope that no one settles for less than they desire, and wish everyone had the confidence and courage to follow their hearts and dreams. If you do the things that may scare you a little, they can bring the most growth and joy!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I am a pretty simple person. I love to walk around and enjoy the scenery, but sometimes the comfort of your own home is just what’s needed to recharge.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Since I have only just arrived a couple of weeks ago, I may have rosy glasses on, but I moved here after visiting twice and truly feel it has everything you could want in a city. I couldn’t point out anything I have seen that ‘needs’ to change.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The overall vibe is incredible. There is such an amazing combination of calm and excitement, and the natural beauty everywhere. There is a mutual want to help one another out- from strangers helping give you advice, to the businesses that help each other.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I really had to think about this one… I have done a lot of things from my bucket list, and some that may not have initially been on it. I’ve lived on the other side of the world, I swam with dolphins, I jumped out of a plane, I have driven across Canada and taken many great trips around the world. My only focus now is to continue to live a life that I don’t need a vacation from, and when new opportunities arise- to grab them!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Since I only just moved here, there is a lot people don’t know about me. There’s much of the story to unravel!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram : @samanthaleeadventures Linkedin: Samantha Viger
What is the name of your business/organization?
AxeMonkeys
Why did you get into/start this business?
AxeMonkeys is a great young business that wants to help provide a unique fun activity in Kelowna. There is a great Team of people that are dedicated to providing an AXEcellent time doing something truly unique!
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal at AxeMonkeys is to provide everyone that comes to see us a safe and fun time doing something different and fun!! Our goal is for everyone that comes to see us- feels the AXEcitement and leaves wanting to come back!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding the right recipe to marry your passions and skills is to truly live happily! I have worked in roles that I was very good at but did not find happiness in. I have done a lot of soul searching and living in order to find that right balance for me.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do them the exact same. I greatly believe in the saying “you live and you learn”. The ultimate goal in life is to experience, to learn and to grow. I feel very grateful for having had much of all of those things through my journey so far
What do you always find yourself saying?
There are many, but a solid one is probably “MOLLY! No barking!”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Take the time to truly know yourself, and what makes you happy. Live boldly; it is one thing to feel that internal intuitional pull, but another one to have the courage to act on it.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It somehow seems easier to name someone who isn’t with us anymore… I am a bit of a personal development junkie, so I would have to say someone like Tony Robins, Jim Rohn, Eckhart Tolle or the Dali Lama for those reasons. Outside of that category would be Ellen DeGeneres for day of fun and laughs!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Kelowna, in my opinion already does this pretty well. The community feeling here is part of what makes Kelowna so charming, and that is something that needs to be preserved. We can all work together to preserve its uniqueness and feeling of localness.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I would say that I am proud that I have always put my whole heart into everything that I do. I have never stopped learning, have a lot of courage, and don’t give up easily! These foundations have helped me achieve a lot both professionally and personally.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My parents! I have made moves that can be scary and hard for parents to accept or support. My Mom & Dad have been so incredibly supportive in letting me live the way I felt I needed and with great strength.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Since I have only just arrived, and truly don’t know anyone yet, I couldn’t name someone, but hope I can keep this one for in a couple months
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am thankful for the opportunity to be featured in KelownaNow, and am looking forward to being a contributing member of this beautiful community!
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!
