Meet Sarah Schleich. Sarah has been living in PG since 2011 and is loving every minute of it!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family, my husband and I are uniquely close and do just about everything together. He’s my best friend. We have three children and our world revolves around them. They bring us more joy than anything else ever could.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Besides our store, Walk Rite Shoes. I have a passion for shoes and they carry all the best brands! Our city needed a higher end shoe store and this one certainly delivered to that need! They are friendly, knowledgeable and love shoes as much as I do!
Describe yourself in one word.
Resourceful.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Australia. It’s been on my bucket list since I was a child, mainly due to its incredible wildlife.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
I am a gym rat and am faithfully at GoodLife 6 days a week. The gym has become a source of both confidence and therapy for me.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once made an inappropriate reference in front of a large group at a corporate event, forgetting the company I was surrounded by.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having children, as cliché as that sounds, inspired me to take better care of myself and to change some unhealthy habits I had acquired.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up in cottage country, surrounded by lakes and trees. As soon as the weather permitted I would spend my days at the beach, riding my bike or hiking through the woods. I was raised in the times where you were sent out to play and told to come home before dinner. It was a wonderful time and place to grow up.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
As a local businesses owner, we feel it’s important to support our community. All of our donation budgets goes into events or charities at directly impact us locally.
With the exception of our annual “Team Norah” Cystic Fibrosis bake sale/hotdog /silent auction. Which is held every year in honour of a local child who was born cf and has touched my family’s heart personally. We have supported everything from The Spirit or the North to Hospice, local development of parks to girl guides, local athletes to University teams, food drives to Christmas hampers. This list could go on. If it directly impacts our community positively we will consider helping when we can.
I personally get involved hands-on whenever possible.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
It would be wonderful to live in a world where we were all treated as equals, despite our race, religion or sexual orientations. A world where women were paid the same fair wages as men, and the fear of rape or sexual assault simply didn’t exist. There is just so much hate surrounding us all right now, a little bit of acceptance and kindness would go a long way.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
I’m a homebody, so when I need solitude that’s where you will find me, either playing the backyard with my children or cuddled on the couch watching a movie
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Downtown. There are so many amazing small businesses downtown, but sometimes it can be scary walking alone. I’m not sure what the solution is, but I’m sure there has to be something to help it feel safer.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
The people! PG is full of tremendously giving people! It’s a big city with a small town heart. Everyone is looking out for each other. It’s incredible to watch!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Visit Australia
Skydive
Compete in another bodybuilding competition, this time not as a transformation athlete but as a real contender.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I once dreamt of being an artist for Disney. I have always been fascinated by all things Disney. There was a time I couldn’t be found without a sketch pad a pencil in hand. It’s been years since I attempted a drawing but I remember all those years fondly.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
IG: SchleichBoss IG: HubCityVolkswagen FB: Hub City Volkswagen
What is the name of your business/organization?
Hub City Volkswagen.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Hub City is a second generation family business. My husband's father owned it before us. Hub City is a great pride for our family and we pour all of ourselves into it.
What is the goal of your business?
Like any business, our goal is to be successful, while also impacting our community in a positive way.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change a thing about any of my life choices. All of my mistakes, all of my victories led me to where I am today, and I love who and where I am in this life. It’s been a long, but worthwhile ride to get here.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“I love you” I’m a big believer in, letting those we care for, know it.
Tell us your best piece of life advice
Focus on bettering yourself, while still being kind to others. Everyone is fighting their own battle and a little kindness goes a long way.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Barbara Walters.
She was a trailblazer for women in journalism. She didn’t just report history, she made it. I’d love to hear about her favourite interviews and her trails as a woman in the industry. She fascinates me.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you shop local your supporting local families, the money spent at a local store, in turn, stays local and helps all of us flourish.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Outside of motherhood, my proudest accomplishment has to be competing in Iron Ore last fall. Finding bodybuilding has been life-changing and successfully pushing myself through, then facing my fears and getting on stage was a huge deal for me.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
A shout out to my husband for being my biggest supporter and fan. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Mandy Paavola & Andrea Makowichuk
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think it’s important for women, especially mothers to find a passion outside of their daily obligations that is strictly for them. It’s so easy for us to get trapped in our roles as wife, mother, business women, that we can sometimes lose ourselves. For me, it’s fitness, for someone else it may be painting or baking, or whatever. It doesn’t matter what it is, what matters is how it makes you feel. If you feel happy, refreshed or content then, chances are, you’ve found it. Once you find it, hold on to it, grow it and cherish it. It could turn into your bright light when you're battling a storm.
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, Prince George!
