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?
Sheila Sutton.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Abbotsford and moved to Kelowna in 2001.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I enjoy hanging out and chatting with all my friends, family and clients. Their stories are always entertaining.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Iceland. I've been trying to get there for over ten years. I watched something on TV many years ago that said Iceland has the most beautiful people in the world due to the vikings taking the most beautiful women when they attacked other countries. I want to check out this claim for myself.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Tailblazers – Barton and John are amazing men who carry great products and have been there numerous times for me in business.
What is your favourite activity?
Visiting with friends.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burger. My own personal creation, the 'Chubby Mozza' from A&W. Take the chicken out of the Chubby Burger and put it into the Mozza Burger and voila – twice the protein with half the carbs (at least that's what I tell myself).
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I embarrass so easily over the silliest things, so really anytime that I draw attention to myself is embarrassing. I prefer to be the wallflower in society.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my friends accomplish their goals in life. I know all the struggles and obstacles they have had to overcome to get there and have been by their side as they persevered.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Hanging out with my cousin Bill. When we were together you could find me riding on the back of his dirt bike or motorcycle, losing badly at a came of monopoly or just being sat on and tickled until I was screaming. He was killed in 1990 by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle and I would give anything to go back to those days again.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am a volunteer firefighter in the Ellison Fire Department (Station 61), hall administrator for the Ellison Community Hall, and vice president of the Okanagan Miniature Horse Club (yes, there is such a thing). I recently resigned from 12 years as the scheduler for the Kelowna Women's Soccer League (KWSL), though I still run the annual coed tournament for the KWSL that donates all proceeds to charity.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would change people's need to be so cruel to one another on their scramble to the top. Whether it is in sports, business, government or worldly situations, I wish people could realize that if people worked together instead of against each other life would be better for everyone.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Again, I go back to just anything with the people I care about, whether it be walking around Costco, running errands or looking for some place to buy local fruit.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
On a cool night I enjoy sitting down with my funny farm animals at my own property. I have five miniature horses, three miniature donkeys, six Nigerian dwarf goats, seven potbelly pigs and over 30 chickens. So as long as Louis the Rooster has gone to sleep for the night, it is so peaceful sitting down with them in their area.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see Kelowna putting more effort and money into making sure the needs of the tax-paying people are getting met and not so much trying to pull people with money to move here. It needs to become more affordable for everyone to live in Kelowna.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The four seasons that we get, it is a year long playground here. People can always find an activity to do no matter what.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel to Iceland
2. Travel to Australia
3. Experience 24 hour daylight
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a diploma in architectural technology and before opening my business, I did the engineered floor and roof systems for a structural engineering company.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Spotted Spa and Doggytopia.
Why did you get into/start this business?
When I was in college I discovered the wonderful world of dog daycare, after I thought that getting a dog at 19 when I lived on the other side of the country from my family was a good idea. The daycare saved my sanity and my dog's life on many occasions, so before I was even finished school I decided that one day I would open one of my own.
What is the goal of your business?
To make sure that the dogs that come to us are happy and taken care of to the best of our ability. The dog wanting to be with us is by far more important than the bottom line.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balancing work, volunteer, family, friends and me time.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The end outcome would stay the same, but I would have taken more time when making important decisions to weigh out the pros and cons. I would have listened better to the thoughts of others so that my decisions were not so rash and foolish sometimes.
What do you always find yourself saying?
When I am feeling overwhelmed – 'This is the life I chose.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
John Travolta, I just want to dance with him.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keeping the money in the community is so important. The mom and pop shops who have given up so much of their time and soul to get where they are need to be recognized.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Almost getting a 248 pound squat last year at the RAW powerlifting meet in Calgary. I had decided to attend the meet only ten days out and only gave myself five days to drop weight. I made my weight class and pulled off my best squats ever in competition.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All the aunties (staff) at both The Spotted Spa and Doggytopia, without their care and commitment to both the business and I, neither facility would be where it is today. So thank you aunties, past and present: Meghan, Lori, Dani, Tia, Sharon, Maiya, Jessica, Jacquie, Ashlea, Cherie, Michelle, Julie (x2), Kitrin, Christie, Allison, Christine, Chloe, and Brenda. Plus a couple uncles: James, David, Joel, Wayne and Mike.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
James Caldwell of Caldwell Heritage Farm.
Some general comments I would like to share are
Talking about myself is really hard! I know I have accomplished a lot and am involved in lots of things, people don't know how I do it all but I just love to be busy and helping others.
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.
