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?
Sydney and Kennedy Koren.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
We are from Kelowna, born and raised!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Can we say each other? We are sisters, business partners and best friends! We can literally finish each other’s sentences, it's so great to have someone in your life that knows you that well.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Turks and Caicos, it's our happy place. Grab a good book and a margarita, and we could lay on the beach all day.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
We are both passionate about staying fit and healthy, so we love SpinCo Kelowna and Oranj Fitness. Both companies have the sweetest teams, they are always giving back to the community and most importantly they make working out fun!
What is your favourite activity?
Sydney: Spin for sure. If you haven’t tried out SpinCo, definitely give it a go. It's like a dance party on a bike!
Kennedy: Yoga and meditation.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza, hands-down. DunnEnzies Barbecue Chicken covered in ranch!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Too many to mention, you’ll have to buy us a drink one day to find out.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching our parents hit big milestones within their businesses has been so inspiring over the years. We remember wearing little pink hard hats at The Cove Lakeside Resort as they built the spa and we actually just celebrated our ten year last month. Their drive and passion for their work inspires us everyday.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
We sang together as kids and got to travel to some pretty fun places to perform. Our grandpa was our number one fan and actually took us to Nashville to busk when we were 11 and 13. He always made us feel like rock stars!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Kennedy has been a volunteer with Look Good Feel Better for four years now. Their workshops offer local women affected by cancer the tools and techniques to feel beautiful in their own skin and restore their sense of self.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Just more love for one another!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
In the summer we love to sit on a patio and enjoy a glass of wine (or two) after work.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere in nature. We love Rose Valley Reservoir, there are so many beautiful trails. You could spend all day exploring.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
We think Kelowna is moving in a very positive direction, so keep up the good work!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The fabulous energy, the amazing wineries, and the beautiful beaches!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) See Tony Robins
2) Hike Spain’s Camino de Santiago
3) Spend a summer in Greece
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
We make wicked charcuterie boards! We are quite The Bachelor fanatics, so we’ve gotten really good at entertaining on 'Bachelor Mondays'.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Society Hair & Makeup Lounge.
Why did you get into/start this business?
This is our family business. We were raised in the beauty industry, working with our parents at their other two locations in West Kelowna for the past 10 years. It seemed like the natural fit to join them as partners when we acquired Society. We are so excited for this next stage in our careers.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to make people feel beautiful and relaxed from the moment they walk in the doors. All three of our locations have the same motto, 'soothe the spirit and beauty will follow.' We hope to always offer a relaxing experience for our guests so that their time in the salon can be a little escape.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Obtaining a work/life balance when you work with family is hard. We spend a lot of time together, and it is very easy to spend that time focusing on work.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
We would definitely do things the same! We have had a blast working together as a family, we wouldn’t change it for the world.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Hundred percent!'
Small business owners are dreamers and they work very hard to turn that dream into a thriving business, so shopping locally helps to support them and their vision.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a salon owner alongside our parents. We have been dreaming about that moment our whole lives
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The team at OAK + CRU have been fabulous as we’ve become neighbours this past month! They have such a fun and hardworking team.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jess Turanec, she just became co-owner of SpinCo Kelowna.
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.
