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?
Taylor Morrice
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m from Port Moody (a suburb of Vancouver) and moved up to Kelowna 3.5 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This may sound a little weird, and yes I know she isn’t a “person”, but my dog. Anyone that knows me knows how obsessed I am with her. She’s my little BFF.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To Italy with my soon to be hubby so we can eat all the pasta and drink all the wine!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bean Scene. It has the best coffee in town!
What is your favourite activity?
Yoga, most definitely!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza. No tacos. Wait, no pizza. Definitely Pizza!
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Waterfront Wines Restaurant. It has the most delicious food and it’s always a wonderful experience.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was 10 my little cousin made me laugh so hard that I peed my pants and then had to walk all the way back to the cabin with some very wet sweatpants on….
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Oh my goodness, I have to pick just one? I think the most inspiring thing that I have seen is watching people get to know their body in a completely different way on their mat. It is such a beautiful thing to witness.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every summer since I was five my dad and I would go camping in Osoyoos at this campground right by the border. Over the years, we got to know almost everyone in the campground and eventually all became really good friends. We would all go up around the same time so it became something that I got so excited for every year. Some of the people my Dad went to high school with so that was really cool getting to know them and hear stories from the past. There were lots of kids there as well and I remember we would have huge kid parties on the beach with glow sticks, bubbles, and beach balls and we would all run around without a care in the world. We still go up there every year and there is still a close-knit group of people that go. I can’t go for as long as I used to but it’s nice to live pretty close so I can just scoot down for a night or two to visit.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to give back where and whenever I can. Spreading love and kindness I think is the most important thing for a community and it’s also rewarding to put smiles on other people’s faces.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Accepting others’ differences with love, kindness, and an open heart. I think we could change a lot of things in the world with those three things. We are all different and unique and we need to start being open to that. I don’t think it’s anyone’s business to judge someone for who they are. Love is the thing and it doesn’t matter what form or shape it comes in. It all comes from the deepest place in your heart and that is a beautiful thing. So spread it around like wildfire!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I have recently taken up Spin classes at SpinCo – all the instructors there are so lovely and inspiring. It is also a really great balance to yoga. And boy do you sweat!!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
To be honest – my bathtub! I’d light some candles, dive into a really good book and accompany it all with a delicious glass of local red vino!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I’m honestly am not quite sure. The one thing that comes to mind would be a safer bike path for cyclists. I don’t own or ride a bike because I am too scared of getting hit by a car and it’s illegal to ride it on the sidewalk. So I drive everywhere. If there were safer paths to take I would definitely consider biking!
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To have everyone experience happiness and love every single day, in some way. Whether that is from someone else, something else or coming from within. Self-love is so important and that’s where all the love begins and spreads out into the world.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a huge homebody. My favourite place to be is at home with my little family.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Taylor Morrice Yoga – I work mostly out of The Hot Box Yoga on Bernard as an instructor and Manager.
What does your business do?
Offers yoga to all.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Taylor Morrice Yoga on Facebook and @taylormorriceyoga on Instagram
Why did you get into/start this business?
My mission was to find a job that brought me happiness. Yoga was a huge passion of mine so it seemed obvious. It has been a huge transformation for me since taking my Teacher Training and I will never look back.
What is the goal of your business?
To spread the love through yoga.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Confidence – I used to always feel like I wasn’t good enough, smart enough or had anything to offer. I still have my days when I have these feelings, but I try to remember where I have come from and how much I have learnt about myself. I think we all have challenges and things that can potentially hold us back but when we give ourselves a chance and embrace these challenges, that’s when the true magic happens.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. All the things that I have done and experienced in life have led up to this moment and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
So we can support our community! We have so many beautiful local shops, vendors and farmers that we all need to take advantage of. The Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market is one of my favourite places to go. It’s just amazing to see how busy it is and how many people care to support locally owned businesses.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Logan Gray – she has taught me so much about challenging myself and how to push past the boundaries that are created. She can show you that anything you put your mind to can be accomplished! She’s just amazing!!!!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Tessa Murray. She’s such a beautiful soul and has so much to offer on and off the mat!
Other information you would like to share:
I would love to see your face at The Hot Box Yoga or contact me for private lessons! Sending a big thank you to Anita for the nomination to do this. Love to you all!
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!
