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?
Tammy Gagnon
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Ireland and my family moved to Canada when I was 6-years-old. I have lived in several cities in Ontario and Alberta. We moved from Fort McMurray to Kelowna four years ago and we are here to stay.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I cannot pick just one. I love spending time with my husband and son as well as my parents and siblings. I have a big Irish family and incredible friends who also mean the world to me. I feel the best part of life is the people you get to enjoy it with.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The Amalfi Coast in Italy. I would love to stay in a little villa with a spectacular view of the cliffs and coastline. Explore the landscape, markets and boutiques, dine on some great food and wine and photograph the entire experience.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite store is Don-O-Ray Vegetables. They have some of the best locally grown fruits and veggies around, picked fresh daily and close to home. It’s become a tradition to go there and select our pumpkins each October.
What is your favourite activity?
Photography, I love to photograph everything! Also learning about photography. It’s a technical and creative craft that can take a lifetime to master.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers! My husband Marcel is the chef in our house and he makes outstanding gourmet burgers on the grill.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
A couple of years ago I got my motorcycle license and a new bike. I had taken the Kelowna & District Safety Council Rider Training Program so I was confident to ride, but still getting used to where everything was on my Ninja. I was pulling out of a parking lot downtown and moved my thumb to push the signal, instead my thumb hit the horn and everybody on the patio turned around and stared at me. It was dreadfully embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Last month my sister, Mandy, and I flew to New York to attend a Food Styling for Media Course at the International Culinary Center. It was so incredible to be in that kitchen with fellow students from around the world. Our instructor, Chef and Food Stylist, Louise Leonard was truly inspiring and the trip to New York was definitely a bucket list item.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have so many. I think a memory that stands out is one Christmas morning when I was about 12-years-old my parents surprised me with new skis. I hadn’t really asked for them because I wasn’t sure if we could afford it. My dad had a good job, but with a family of five there wasn’t a lot of disposable income at that time. However, they managed it and I was so thrilled to hit the slopes with my very own skis.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We give to the Gospel Mission, the Food Bank and KGF Church as well as The Heart & Stroke Foundation. We have a sponsored child and support our son Ryker’s school, Aberdeen Hall. I also do personally sponsored photography for charity groups and some local business startups.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
It would be to feed and protect children. With all the abundance in this world no person, and especially no child, should ever go hungry or be without clean water. It happens in every country and it’s something we can collectively address.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I enjoy being outside. I’ve lived in some harsh climates so I really appreciate all the time spent doing activities outdoors. I suppose swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter would be my favourites.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would go to Okanagan Lake with my husband and son. We love to spend weekends on the boat playing in the sun and swimming. In the evening, we tie off in a bay, play board games and fish. I sincerely value that quality family time.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think Kelowna is doing a good job supporting people who are struggling with life challenges and addictions. Places like The Gospel Mission, Freedoms Door, Kelowna Women’s Shelter and other such organizations are great resources for people who are trying to turn their lives around or need assistance. I would like to see continued support and perhaps further opportunities put in place for those who need a helping hand.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The community of people who live here and the spectacular scenery. I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to many incredible places, but if I could live anywhere in the world I would still choose Kelowna. I’m constantly wowed by the beauty of the landscape.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Develop an app idea I have
2) Go back to Toraja, Indonesia to photograph the people
3) Beat my husband at golf
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to dance! My father is a musician and my mother sings so we grew up with music in our house. Whether I have friends over or it’s just my son and I, there is often a dance party in our living room.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
Tammy Gagnon Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I’m very passionate about photography and as the saying goes 'If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life' – Marc Anthony. Some days it still feels like work, but when I present clients with images and they are super excited by what I’ve created for them it’s a great feeling.
What is the goal of your business?
The goal of my business is to work with other local business owners and entrepreneurs to provide them with great photos they can use to promote themselves and their brand to grow their organization. I’m always really enthusiastic when I hear about a client’s vision and feel proud to be involved in the process.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I’m working on the challenges that come from opening a successful photography business, but in life I feel very blessed when I look at the hardships many people have to face.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do the same things, but I would stress less and enjoy each day more.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Age doesn’t matter!'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Annie Leibovitz, she’s my favourite photographer and her work is amazing. I would love to meet her in person, see her creative process and watch her work.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is so important because this is the livelihood of our friends and neighbours, as a community this is how we support our local economy. The ripple effect from that is very significant.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My pride comes from my son. When I see him read or hear him play the violin and when I watch him hold the door open for people or offer kind gestures or empathy for someone, I feel like I’m helping to raise a happy and polite young man and a good global citizen.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
A shout out to Michellene Kandert owner of The Yoga Studio @ Lotus & Lettuce in Vernon. From her amazing little yoga studio she accomplishes massive things. She touches the heart of everyone she meets, she avidly promotes local business in her community and generously gives to so many. She is a brilliant and beautiful person inside and out!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Tana Hashimoto-Mckinnon owner of Karma Hair
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself in this edition of In Focus.
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.
